Why Should I Get an Ultrasound if I’m Considering Abortion?
If you’ve recently had a positive pregnancy test and are considering an abortion, it’s important to have clear medical information before you make your decision. At the PRC of West Plains, we offer free, clinical grade pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds to give you the information you need to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
A Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
A pregnancy test is designed to detect the hormone hCG which indicates a potential pregnancy. While the pregnancy test is an indicator of pregnancy, an ultrasound medically confirms your pregnancy and provides vital information about what is happening in your body.
Why Getting an Ultrasound Matters
In addition to confirming your pregnancy, an ultrasound helps you know the location of your pregnancy. In some cases, the pregnancy develops outside of the uterus; this is called an ectopic pregnancy. A pregnancy outside of the uterus can be a life-threatening medical emergency. This condition cannot be confirmed with a pregnancy test. An ultrasound is needed, and having this information early can help ensure you receive appropriate care if needed.
Having an ultrasound is critical for your safety and well-being.
An ultrasound also provides clarity about how far along you are and if your pregnancy is progressing. While your official dating will be done by your OB provider if you choose to keep your pregnancy, our nurse sonographer can provide you with an estimate of gestational age (how far along you are). Estimating your dating solely on your last menstrual period (LMP) can often be inaccurate. If you are considering an abortion, knowing your dating is important as the abortion pill is only approved by the FDA for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Beyond this gestation, the FDA states that surgical abortion is the next step. When these guidelines are not followed, the risk of medical complications increases.
It is also important to know if your pregnancy is progressing. It has been reported that around 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, most taking place in the first trimester. Before an abortion, it is vital to know if your pregnancy is progressing, where it is located, and the gestational age. This information can all be provided to you for free through a limited ultrasound at our center. After the ultrasound, our compassionate staff can walk you through your options and discuss what resources are available to you. You may find that you have more options than you thought.
Schedule a Free Ultrasound
If you are considering an abortion you need to:
Confirm your pregnancy
Know the location of your pregnancy
Accurately date your pregnancy
Know if your pregnancy is progressing
Contact us here to schedule an appointment. You will start by taking a free, clinical grade pregnancy test and then talk with a nurse about getting an ultrasound. You don’t have to make this decision without a clear understanding of your situation. An ultrasound gives you information that can help keep you safe, empowering you to make an informed decision.