Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?
You’ve confirmed your pregnancy and now feel ready to review your options. However, a critical step is missing from the sequence: an obstetrical ultrasound. Why do you need an ultrasound, especially if you’re considering abortion?
What Ultrasounds Tell Us
An ultrasound is necessary to confirm key pregnancy details and protect your health. When you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and weighing your options, you’ll need key information to make a better, more thoughtful decision.
Ultrasounds are scans that create an image of the developing pregnancy on a screen. They can be performed transvaginally (especially in the early stages of pregnancy) and abdominally.
Our sonographers provide level 1 obstetrical ultrasounds upon confirmation of a positive pregnancy test. This scan confirms key pregnancy details so you can move forward confidently.
Pregnancy Details
- Viability: Up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Sometimes, a miscarriage means you’ll need additional medical treatment, and abortion is not possible if you’re having one. An ultrasound determines whether your pregnancy is growing and has a heartbeat.
- Gestational age: How far along you are, or gestational age, gives you key information about your pregnancy. And it will give you some insight into which abortion procedure you may be eligible for.
- Location of pregnancy: Knowing your pregnancy location is crucial. An ultrasound tells you whether you have a condition such as ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants in a location other than the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and require medical treatment. Abortion is never used as a “treatment option.”
I Had An Ultrasound. What’s Next?
You’ve had an ultrasound and confirmed that you have a viable pregnancy. You now know your gestational age. What’s next?
Now, the difficult part begins: reviewing your pregnancy options. Don’t worry; we’re here for you during that process and can provide the information you need to move forward confidently.