Three reasons you need an ultrasound before abortion include accurately knowing your gestational age, screening for miscarriage, and verifying that your pregnancy is growing in the correct location.
These three details are critical to your health and safety. Read more below, or schedule a no-cost ultrasound exam at A Woman’s Concern to get started.
1. To Know Your Gestational Age
Gestational age is how long you have been pregnant. This age can be difficult to estimate accurately without an ultrasound. Period trackers are often incorrect, and women find out they are pregnant at different points in time. An ultrasound is the only way to receive an accurate gestational age estimate.
An ultrasound uses sound wave technology to see inside the uterus and take measurements. This detail will tell you what options you’re eligible for or tell you your estimated due date.
The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through ten weeks of pregnancy, and elective abortion is only available in Pennsylvania through the 23rd week of pregnancy. Knowing your number of weeks can reveal your options and which ones might be considered safer for you.
2. To Screen for Miscarriage
An ultrasound can tell you whether or not you have miscarried. It is able to determine whether or not your pregnancy has a heartbeat and is progressing normally. If no heartbeat is detected, it means you have miscarried.
Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. If an ultrasound finds this condition, it’s important to visit a physician to see if further treatment is necessary. While early miscarriage can resolve on its own, it’s critical to seek medical care just in case.
3. To Identify the Location
In a uterine pregnancy, the embryo implants in the lining of the uterus. There, the pregnancy can develop with the uterus stretching as the pregnancy progresses. However, other parts of the body are not equipped for carrying pregnancies.
If the embryo implants somewhere outside the uterus, it’s considered an ectopic pregnancy. The most common type of ectopic pregnancy is in a fallopian tube (tubal pregnancy). As the pregnancy progresses, it can become life-threatening.
Women should seek immediate treatment if an ectopic pregnancy is identified during an ultrasound.
Schedule a No-Cost Ultrasound Exam
We can help you identify these three details to ensure your health and safety.
Schedule a no-cost ultrasound exam today. We’re here to help in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
