You just found out you’re pregnant. It’s early in the pregnancy, and you’re considering abortion. You may think it’s okay to skip the ultrasound, especially if continuing the pregnancy isn’t something you want to do.
But actually, getting an ultrasound is one of the most important things you can do, both to safeguard your health and to discover if an abortion is an option for you.
We offer free limited obstetrical ultrasounds so you can gather all the information you need to make a wise and safe choice. You can schedule a limited ultrasound today. Continue reading to learn the three reasons why an ultrasound matters.
1. It Confirms if the Pregnancy is Viable
A positive pregnancy test doesn’t necessarily mean you have a viable (developing) pregnancy. An ultrasound confirms whether the pregnancy is growing and if there’s a detectable fetal heartbeat.
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and in some cases, symptoms may not appear right away. If the ultrasound shows signs of miscarriage, medical follow-up may be necessary. In this case, the ultrasound would rule out abortion as a next step for you.
2. It Tells You Where the Pregnancy Is Located
Ultrasound also shows the location of the pregnancy in your body. A healthy pregnancy develops in the uterus, but sometimes it implants elsewhere, most commonly in a fallopian tube. A pregnancy that implants outside the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it requires immediate medical attention.
Ectopic pregnancies cannot be resolved through abortion and can become life-threatening if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to rule this out early on.
3. It Shows How Far Along You Are
Gestational age, or how far along you are, determines what abortion options may be available to you. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of gestation. Beyond that, surgical procedures may be required.
Knowing how far along you are in North Carolina is also essential because abortion isn’t available after 12 weeks and 6 days in our state.
Get the Answers You Need—At No Cost
You don’t have to make this decision without the facts. We’re here to walk with you and provide the medical services and support you need to move forward.
Schedule your free, limited obstetrical ultrasound today.
The Albemarle Pregnancy Resource Center does not perform or refer for abortions.
Medical information in this blog is based on guidance from sources such as the CDC and Mayo Clinic at the time of publication.
