If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, you may have already taken a pregnancy test and started researching your options. But before deciding what to do, there are a few things a pregnancy test simply can’t tell you.
Life Choices offers medical-grade pregnancy testing with 99% accuracy and limited OB ultrasounds performed by a medical professional. Our caring team is here to help you learn more about your pregnancy and answer your questions.
Schedule a free appointment with Life Choices today, or stop by during regular business hours. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Keep reading to learn several key reasons why receiving an ultrasound before abortion is essential.
#1: Find Out How Far Along You Are
You may be estimating how far along you are based on the first day of your last menstrual period. That can give you a general idea, but it isn’t always exact.
If your cycles are irregular, you don’t remember when your last period began, or you ovulated earlier or later than expected, your estimate may be off.
An ultrasound can provide a better estimate of gestational age. This information matters because the abortion procedures available depend partly on how far along a pregnancy is. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation.
#2: Learn Whether the Pregnancy Appears to Be Developing
A positive pregnancy test detects the presence of hCG, but it cannot tell you whether the pregnancy is progressing.
As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Because hCG can remain in the body for a period of time afterward, you may continue to receive a positive pregnancy test even after a miscarriage.
An ultrasound can provide additional information about whether the pregnancy is developing and whether you may need medical follow-up.
#3: Confirm Where the Pregnancy Is Located
Most pregnancies develop inside the uterus. However, sometimes a fertilized egg implants outside of it, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally and requires medical treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. The abortion pill does not end an ectopic pregnancy.
A pregnancy test can’t tell you where your pregnancy is located, but an ultrasound can help provide this important information.
Get More Information Before You Decide
You don’t have to have your next step figured out before you come to Life Choices. Start with pregnancy testing, and give yourself the opportunity to ask your questions. If your test is positive, you may be eligible for a limited OB ultrasound.
We can also discuss your options so you can make an educated decision.
Our caring team is ready to help. Schedule your appointment with Life Choices today, or visit us during regular business hours as a walk-in.
Life Choices does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.