Gathering information about your unplanned pregnancy is the first step to making an informed decision. Though some women may believe confirmation of their pregnancy is sufficient to begin exploring their options, the reality is that more medical information is needed first.
Obstetric ultrasounds provide valuable pregnancy details and are offered free of charge at many pregnancy centers, including Life Choices. We provide limited ultrasounds to give you the information you need to start pursuing pregnancy options.
Why do you need an ultrasound before an abortion? Continue reading to learn more.
1.Ultrasounds tell you whether your pregnancy is viable.
Having a viable pregnancy means the embryo or fetus has a heartbeat and is growing normally. Even if you’re considering abortion, you need this information. Up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, meaning that you may not be eligible for an abortion procedure.
A miscarriage is never your fault. Sometimes, medical management, like a surgical procedure called dilation and curettage(D&C), may be needed to remove the pregnancy tissue, so it’s imperative that you know whether your pregnancy is viable or you need additional medical treatment.
2.You can learn which abortion procedure you may be eligible for.
Knowing your pregnancy’s gestational age is important. An ultrasound can tell you how far along you are, informing you of whether you’re eligible for a medical abortion or surgical abortion. Medical abortions are only FDA-approved for the first 70 days of pregnancy.
3.The nurse/sonographer can alert you to certain medical conditions.
While limited obstetric ultrasounds can’t tell you everything about the health of your pregnancy, you will be able to learn whether you have an intrauterine pregnancy, or are experiencing a condition known as ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is implanted in a location other than the uterus, such as one of the fallopian tubes.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include light vaginal bleeding and shoulder or pelvic pain. This condition is dangerous and always requires medical treatment, though not an abortion procedure.
You Can Find Help Here
To schedule an appointment with Life Choices, please text 970-514-5650 or call one of our centers. We’ll offer you the support you need during your unplanned pregnancy, including options information from a client advocate.
Life Choices does not preform or refer for abortions.