You’ve likely already done a lot of thinking. Maybe you’ve already made up your mind. Before moving forward with any abortion procedure, there’s one medical step that protects your safety regardless of your decision: an ultrasound. Schedule a free, confidential appointment at Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center, and they can connect you with a free ultrasound referral.
What a Pregnancy Test Can’t Tell You
A positive pregnancy test confirms one thing: the hormone hCG is present in your body. It cannot tell you how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is in a safe location, or whether the pregnancy is still developing. All three of those details directly affect what options are medically appropriate for your situation.
Why Location Matters
Most pregnancies develop inside the uterus. In some cases, a fertilized egg implants outside of it, most often in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it cannot be treated with an abortion procedure. It requires different, immediate medical care. An ectopic pregnancy can become life-threatening if it goes undetected.
An ultrasound confirms the pregnancy’s location before any procedure takes place.
Why Gestational Age Matters
Abortion procedures vary depending on how far along a pregnancy is. Medication abortion, for example, is approved by the FDA only up to a specific point in the pregnancy. A last menstrual period date can be inaccurate, especially with irregular cycles. An ultrasound provides a more reliable measurement of gestational age.
Why Viability Matters
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Because hCG can remain in the body for days or weeks after a loss, a positive test does not confirm an ongoing pregnancy. An ultrasound confirms whether the pregnancy is still developing.
Your Next Step
Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center offers free pregnancy testing and a referral for a free ultrasound, so you have accurate medical information before anything else. Schedule your free, confidential appointment today, or call (336) 623-5540.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.