DO I NEED AN ULTRASOUND EVEN IF I’M PLANNING ON HAVING AN ABORTION?
You may be considering an abortion, so you might be thinking, “Why would I need an ultrasound?” Well, there are a few very important reasons to still have an ultrasound.
ULTRASOUNDS CONFIRM VIABILITY
A viable pregnancy means that your baby has a heartbeat, which an ultrasound can detect around 6 weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. If the ultrasound doesn’t detect a heartbeat, then you don’t need to endure the health risks of an abortion and/or abortion pills.
ULTRASOUNDS DETERMINE HOW FAR ALONG YOU ARE
The gestational age is how far along you are in your pregnancy. It is very important to know exactly how far along you are before having an abortion, because certain abortion procedures are not recommended for certain stages of pregnancy. For example, it is not recommended to use an abortion pill past 10-12 weeks gestation.1 In many instances, a woman is further along in pregnancy than she thinks.
ULTRASOUNDS CONFIRM THE BABY IS IN THE UTERUS
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus, which could be in the Fallopian tube, inside the ovary, in the abdominal cavity or on the cervix. While you can get a positive pregnancy test result, only an ultrasound can determine an ectopic pregnancy, which is not a viable pregnancy. The prevalence of ectopic pregnancy in the United States is estimated to be 1% to 2%, but this may be an underestimate because this condition is often treated in the office setting where it is not tracked. The mortality rate for ruptured ectopic pregnancy accounts for 2.7% of pregnancy-related deaths.2
If you have the abortion procedure, including an abortion pill, with an ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy will likely continue, and the baby will continue to grow and pose serious health risks to the mother.
BE FULLY INFORMED WITH AN ULTRASOUND
Having an ultrasound will help you make a fully informed choice. At Care Net Northern Kentucky, we can provide you with a limited ultrasound at no cost to you. We are here to provide a safe, non-judgmental place where you can gather all the information you need. Remember, being informed empowers you to make the best decision for your pregnancy.
Note: The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
- Medical News Today
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnosis and Management | AAFP