Do I need an ultrasound before getting an abortion?
Before taking the abortion pill or undergoing a surgical procedure, an ultrasound exam can provide three critical data points needed to protect your own safety and answer the following questions.
What kind of abortion is safe for my pregnancy?
The FDA only approves the abortion pill (mifepristone) through ten weeks of pregnancy. This is because the pill becomes less effective the farther along you are. Taking the abortion pill later in your pregnancy puts you at risk for serious complications, including the possible need for emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
Women’s cycles can be slightly different, and many women may be incorrect in the dating of their pregnancy. If you are not certain of your date of your last menstrual cycle, an ultrasound will confirm exactly how many weeks along you are so you can decide what type of abortion is safe for you.
Is the pregnancy in the uterus?
It is important to confirm that your pregnancy is in the uterus because an abortion does not end an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening for women. An abortion only removes a pregnancy that is in the uterus.
Is my pregnancy viable?
According to the Mayo Clinic, 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Checking with ultrasound if your pregnancy is developing would confirm viability. Having an abortion would not be necessary if your pregnancy is not viable. This could save you from paying for an abortion on a pregnancy that is not developing and will most likely miscarry on its own.
What should I do next?
At Pregnancy Help Clinic, we are here to help you make an informed decision about your healthcare. Our clinic specializes in pregnancy confirmation and consultations. During these appointments, our medical professionals educate clients about all aspects of abortion procedures as well as a pregnancy testing and ultrasound, all at no cost to you. Contact us to meet with one of our medical professionals.