Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re considering abortion and trying to sort through a lot of information quickly. You may already have taken a pregnancy test and wonder why an ultrasound would be necessary before making any decision. The truth is that an ultrasound provides critical information that a test alone cannot, and that information plays a crucial role in protecting your health.
At Baywater Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost, confidential services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. Our compassionate team and dedicated patient advocates are here to walk with you, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next. You’re not expected to have everything figured out before you come in.
Schedule an appointment today to speak with us. We’re here for you.
Confirming What’s Really Happening in Your Pregnancy
A home pregnancy test or clinic test confirms the presence of the hormone hCG, but it cannot show whether the pregnancy is developing normally. An ultrasound allows medical professionals to see what’s happening inside the uterus. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is viable, meaning it is continuing to develop, and whether a heartbeat is present.
This step is important because as many as 26% of all pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage, often early on. If a miscarriage has already occurred, an abortion procedure would not be appropriate, and medical follow-up may be needed. An ultrasound helps clarify this, allowing you to avoid unnecessary risks.
Understanding Where the Pregnancy Is Located
Another critical role of ultrasound is confirming the location of the pregnancy. Most pregnancies develop in the uterus, but in rare cases, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Abortion procedures do not treat ectopic pregnancies. Without an ultrasound, this condition can go undetected and cause serious complications. Knowing the pregnancy’s location ensures you receive the right care for your safety.
Knowing How Far Along You Are
Gestational age, or how far along the pregnancy is, directly affects your options and potential risks. For example, abortion pills are FDA-approved only through ten weeks of pregnancy. Taking them later than recommended increases the risk of complications.
An ultrasound is the most accurate method for determining gestational age. Relying on period dates alone can be misleading, especially if cycles are irregular. Having precise information allows you to make decisions based on your actual medical situation, not guesswork.
Support You Can Rely On
Considering abortion is not something you should have to navigate alone. At Baywater Women’s Clinic, we provide a calm, respectful environment where your questions are welcomed. Our patient advocates are here to support you with accurate information and the help you need.
We also provide no-cost, confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds so you can take the next step and get the details needed to make a thoughtful decision.
Schedule your appointment today to meet with our team.