3 Reasons You Need an Ultrasound Before an Abortion
If you’re considering abortion, you may feel like the next step is scheduling the procedure. However, before making any pregnancy decision, there’s one important step you shouldn’t skip: getting an ultrasound.
A home pregnancy test can tell you that you’re pregnant, but it can’t tell you everything you need to know about your pregnancy. An ultrasound provides important medical information that helps protect your health and allows you to make an informed decision.
Here are the top three reasons you need an ultrasound before an abortion. Have more questions? Reach out to Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic today to find a safe space to get answers.
1. An Ultrasound Confirms Important Details About Your Pregnancy
A positive pregnancy test is only the beginning.
Before making any pregnancy decision, you need to know important medical information that a home pregnancy test cannot provide.
An ultrasound can determine:
Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
Whether the pregnancy is developing (meaning you haven’t miscarried)
Approximately how far along you are
These details give you a clearer understanding of your pregnancy and help ensure you’re making your decision based on accurate medical information rather than estimates or assumptions.
2. An Ultrasound Can Identify Conditions That Require Medical Care
One of the most important reasons to have an ultrasound is that it can identify conditions that require prompt medical attention.
For example, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Although rare, an ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. It cannot continue normally and cannot be treated with abortion drugs.
An ultrasound can also identify whether you’ve already experienced a miscarriage. In some cases, pregnancy hormones remain in your body for days or weeks after a miscarriage, meaning you could still receive a positive pregnancy test even though the pregnancy is no longer developing.
Without an ultrasound, these conditions may go undetected. Having this information first helps ensure you receive the appropriate medical care, rather than rushing into a decision.
3. An Ultrasound Helps You Understand Your Pregnancy Options
If you’re considering abortion, knowing how far along you are is especially important.
Many women estimate their pregnancy based on the first day of their last menstrual period, but ovulation doesn’t always happen exactly when expected. An ultrasound provides a more accurate estimate of gestational age.
This matters because abortion drugs are FDA-approved for use only through 10 weeks of gestation. As pregnancy progresses, the methods used to perform an abortion change, and the physical risks and considerations also differ.
An ultrasound also gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn about all of your pregnancy options before making a decision.
Start with Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic
Before making any pregnancy decision, start by getting the medical information you need. It’s also crucial to note that abortion is prohibited in Texas per state law, except in situations where a physician deems the woman’s life or health to be at risk.
At Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic, we provide lab-grade urine pregnancy testing and ultrasounds for qualifying patients in a caring environment. Our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you understand your pregnancy before you make a decision.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic today to schedule your free and confidential appointment. We’re here for you.
Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
Abortion is prohibited in Texas except when deemed necessary to preserve the woman’s life or health. However, women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for one.