If you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering an abortion, there are a few key details you need to know to safeguard your health and well-being. An ultrasound unlocks your options and this information for you, which will help you make an informed decision.
Let’s go through the top three things you need to know before an abortion.
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
A pregnancy test alone isn’t enough to confirm whether or not you’re pregnant.
Experts estimate that up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which equates to more than one out of every four pregnancies. Most miscarriages happen before the 12th week.
After a miscarriage, it can take some time for your body’s hormone levels to revert to their pre-pregnancy state. This hormonal shift might result in a positive pregnancy test days or even weeks after the miscarriage.
An ultrasound exam is necessary to confirm whether you’re pregnant. If you have miscarried, it is important to consult your healthcare provider rather than an abortion provider.
2. Know Your Pregnancy Location
It might sound strange, but not all pregnancies develop in the same way. Some pregnancies, known as ectopic pregnancies, occur outside the uterus. This can happen in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or abdomen and is very dangerous.
Ectopic pregnancies cannot safely continue as they may cause severe complications. An abortion does not address this condition. If you suspect an ectopic pregnancy, you should seek immediate medical or emergency care, not an abortion provider.
To find out if a pregnancy is ectopic, an ultrasound is used. This helps the technician see where the pregnancy is developing. Although rare, ectopic pregnancies are serious and potentially life-threatening. Taking an abortion pill with an ectopic pregnancy can cause dangerous health issues.
3. Learn How Far Along You Are
Knowing how many weeks you’ve been pregnant is crucial if you’re considering an abortion with medication. The FDA allows the use of abortion pills up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days from the first day of your last period).
Are you certain about when you became pregnant? Many women aren’t. An ultrasound is the most accurate method to determine how far along you are. During the ultrasound, the technician will measure various factors to calculate the exact duration of the pregnancy.
Get A Free Ultrasound
Before deciding on an abortion, it’s crucial to protect your physical health by gathering complete information about your pregnancy and the available options.
The Care Net Pregnancy Center of Borger provides free and confidential medical pregnancy services (including ultrasounds), allowing you to receive quality care and clear answers to your important questions.
Contact us today to make an appointment.
