If you’re already leaning toward having an abortion, scheduling an ultrasound might feel like an unnecessary extra step. But this safe, painless scan provides critical information that directly affects your health and the choices available to you — and skipping it could put you at real risk.
An ultrasound uses soundwaves to produce a detailed image of your uterus and the developing pregnancy inside it. The scan takes only a few minutes, but the facts it reveals are essential for understanding your options and protecting your well-being before you make any decisions.
Three Key Details an Ultrasound Reveals
Gestational Age
One of the most important things an ultrasound confirms is how far along your pregnancy is. Many women estimate this based on their last menstrual period, but this method can be off by a week or more.
Gestational age determines which abortion options are available to you. The FDA approves the abortion pill — also called a medical abortion — for use only through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Viability
Not every positive pregnancy test results in a continuing pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, between 10 and 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with the majority occurring during the first trimester.
An ultrasound can detect a fetal heartbeat and confirm whether the pregnancy is still actively developing. If a miscarriage has already occurred or is underway, an elective abortion would not be necessary — and a medical provider can guide you through the appropriate next steps.
Location
A healthy pregnancy develops and grows inside the uterus. However, in some cases, a fertilized egg implants somewhere outside the uterus — most commonly in a fallopian tube. This condition is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it is a serious medical emergency.
Ectopic pregnancies do not qualify for elective abortion and cannot safely continue. Without an ultrasound to confirm the location of your pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy can go undetected until it becomes life-threatening — making early detection essential.
Get the Help You Need
Understanding the details of your pregnancy is a vital first step before making any decisions. New Beginnings Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy testing, free ultrasound scans, and confidential consultations with caring, knowledgeable staff who are here to listen and support you.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.