If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, you might think making a telehealth appointment to get abortion pills is a good idea. On the surface, it might seem simple enough, but taking abortion pills without having first received an ultrasound during an in-person visit puts you at risk for serious complications.

Read on to learn how an ultrasound protects your health. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy options, contact A Woman’s Concern to be connected with a medical team member.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill drugs are powerful and associated with potentially serious risks, which include:

• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Your chance of experiencing one of these risks is increased if your pregnancy is further than 10 weeks gestation when you attempt to take these drugs. 

How Does an Ultrasound Protect My Health?

Did you know that period trackers and other apps aren’t reliable ways to calculate the age of your pregnancy? Knowing the age of your pregnancy is essential before taking the abortion pill drugs since they are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation. 

The only way to know the age of your pregnancy is through an ultrasound, and it must be done in person. This limited ultrasound will not only reveal the age of your pregnancy, but it can also reveal the location. These are important factors to know before seeking the abortion pill drugs. 

If your pregnancy is developing outside of the uterus, this is an ectopic pregnancy and can cause you extreme harm. It is considered an emergency that needs immediate medical treatment. An ultrasound can confirm the location of your pregnancy, to ensure your safety, and it can also ensure you have not miscarried before taking any abortion pills. 

Next Steps

Before seeking abortion pill drugs online, it’s essential to confirm your pregnancy gestational age and location to protect your health. The best way to do this is through an ultrasound. 

While this telehealth process can feel scary, you’re not alone. At A Woman’s Concern, we’re here for you with free ultrasounds, support, and telehealth information that can help you stay safe. Contact us today to schedule your free confidential appointment.