Discovering you are unexpectedly pregnant can be overwhelming and stressful. It can feel lonely and scary. Every day, Jewel Women’s Center helps women dealing with unplanned pregnancies. We care about you and what you’re going through.
When facing an unplanned pregnancy many women consider taking the abortion pill. At Jewel, we offer free ultrasounds before taking the abortion pill so women can get important medical information. Maybe you’re wondering, “Why do I need an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill?” This article will answer that question.
There are 3 reasons you need an ultrasound before abortion.
1. Ultrasounds Confirm the Pregnancy is Viable
Research suggests that 20-30% of early pregnancies end in miscarriage. Doctors define miscarriage as the loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week. Most miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Getting an ultrasound before abortion allows a trained medical professional to confirm the pregnancy has a heartbeat.
It’s important to know that you truly have a viable pregnancy. If the pregnancy is going to miscarry on its own, there is no need to pay for the medication nor put your body through the stress of a medication abortion.
2. Ultrasounds Can Ensure the Pregnancy is in the Right Place
A small percentage (2%) of pregnancies begin to develop outside the uterus in a location that can’t support growth. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Left untreated an ectopic pregnancy can lead to a life-threatening situation.
It’s important to have an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill to make sure there is no risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
3. An Ultrasound Helps Determine How Far Along You Are
Gestational age is the number of days and weeks old a pregnancy is. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends ultrasound as the most accurate method to determine gestational age during the first trimester (up to 13.5 weeks).
The abortion pill is approved for use by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) through 10 weeks gestation. It’s important to have an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill so you know exactly how many weeks along your pregnancy is and whether the abortion pill is an option for you.
Get a No-Cost Pregnancy Ultrasound
Jewel Women’s Center offers ultrasounds at no cost as part of an options consultation. We are here to help you get the information you need. Contact Jewel today for an appointment.