If you’re considering abortion, an ultrasound can ensure you’re protecting your reproductive and overall health. Once you receive a positive pregnancy test, either at home or free of charge at our clinic, your next best step is an ultrasound.
Here are four reasons for an ultrasound before an abortion.
1. Verify You’re Definitely Pregnant
Can you imagine sharing pregnancy news and then finding out it was a false alarm? Also, without an existing pregnancy, there’s no reason to pursue abortion.
An ultrasound is the only way to determine if you’re actually pregnant. While rare, false positive pregnancy tests can happen, so it’s best to find out for sure.
2. Screen for Miscarriage
Mayo Clinic defines miscarriage as a sudden pregnancy loss before 20 weeks. This condition is common as an estimated 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
An ultrasound can verify that a pregnancy has a fetal heartbeat and is progressing as normal. If you have miscarried, you may require additional treatment that doesn’t include abortion.
3. Detect Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when an embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. If left undetected and untreated, it can lead to life-threatening bleeding.
While it only happens in about 2% of pregnancies, getting checked is still a good protective choice, especially if you have a history of STIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, a previous ectopic pregnancy, or other risk factors like smoking.
4. Measure Your Pregnancy’s Gestational Age
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy, and abortion is only legal in Washington until fetal viability (around 24-26 weeks) except in cases of life endangerment.
An ultrasound can determine your pregnancy’s gestational age, which is how long you have been pregnant. It will reveal your available legal and safe options.
Schedule a No-Cost Ultrasound
An ultrasound reveals critical details about your pregnancy, health, and options.
Schedule a no-cost appointment at Pathways Clinic Washington for this essential scan today!