If you are considering an abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, there are a few essential steps you should take first. Regardless of whether you have already taken a home pregnancy test, confirming the results with another pregnancy test is crucial.
You will also want to get an ultrasound. An ultrasound is a vital scan for three reasons:
- It tells you how far along you are in your pregnancy
- It determines the location of your pregnancy
- It detects if your pregnancy is viable
Read on to find out why each of these factors is important to know before an abortion.
Do You Know How Far Along You Are?
Many women are surprised to find the date they thought they got pregnant is very different from the actual date. Knowing how many weeks you have been pregnant determines the type of abortion procedure you qualify for.
The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs (the abortion pill method) through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The farther along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are. You run the risk of having an incomplete abortion, which could lead to an infection.
If you are later than 10 weeks, you may have to have a surgical procedure. Surgical abortion requires the use of suction, scraping tools, and possibly forceps to remove larger parts.
The Location of Your Pregnancy Matters
Some pregnancies form outside the uterus. These pregnancies are known as ectopic. A normal pregnancy implants on the wall of the uterus and begins growing.
An ectopic pregnancy implants somewhere else in the woman’s body. When it starts growing, it can have life-threatening consequences.
Although rare, knowing if your pregnancy is ectopic is vital for your health and safety.
Is Your Pregnancy Viable (Growing), or Have You Had a Miscarriage?
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and most miscarriages occur in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to its pre-pregnancy hormone level, it is possible to still get a positive pregnancy test result even after a miscarriage.
Pregnancy tissue can remain in the body after a miscarriage, causing an infection. You need to see your healthcare provider for proper treatment.
Receive a Free and Confidential Ultrasound
Don’t skip this vital step in confirming your pregnancy. Come to Southwest Options for Women for free and confidential pregnancy testing. We will provide a free and confidential ultrasound if your test is positive.
You deserve the facts about your pregnancy before you make a decision. Schedule your free appointment by filling out our convenient online Contact Form or calling (952) 938-4496. Your health and safety are our priority.
Southwest Options for Women does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.