If you’ve recently received a positive pregnancy test and are considering abortion, you may feel like you’re ready to make a decision. But before you do, there’s one important step you shouldn’t skip: getting an ultrasound.
Many women assume a positive pregnancy test tells them everything they need to know, but that’s not the case. While a pregnancy test can confirm the presence of pregnancy hormones, it cannot tell you whether your pregnancy is viable, how far along you are, or even whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus: all critical details you need to know before making any pregnancy decision.
Read on to learn more about why you need an ultrasound, even if you’re considering an abortion. Or contact Sage Women’s Center today to find a safe space to talk and ask questions.
A Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Home pregnancy tests and medical pregnancy tests work by detecting human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone your body produces during pregnancy.
A positive result tells you that hCG is present—but it doesn’t answer several important questions, including:
- Is the pregnancy located in the uterus?
- Is the pregnancy progressing?
- How far along am I?
Those answers can only be provided through an ultrasound.
An Ultrasound Confirms the Pregnancy’s Location
One of the most important reasons to have an ultrasound is to determine where the pregnancy is located.
In some cases, a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally and requires immediate medical treatment because it can become life-threatening if left untreated.
Because abortion drugs do not affect an ectopic pregnancy, identifying this condition early is critical for your health and safety.
An Ultrasound Helps Determine How Far Along You Are
An ultrasound can also estimate how many weeks pregnant you are. While many women estimate how far along they are based on the date of their last period, ovulation and conception don’t always happen exactly when expected. An ultrasound provides a much clearer picture.
And knowing your pregnancy’s gestational age is essential, considering that some options, like the abortion pill, are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. And if you attempt to take these drugs when you’re further along, you’re putting yourself at risk for potentially serious complications.
An Ultrasound Can Confirm Whether the Pregnancy Is Developing
In some cases, a pregnancy may have ended naturally through miscarriage, even though pregnancy hormones are still present and a pregnancy test remains positive.
An ultrasound can determine whether the pregnancy appears to be developing and whether additional medical care may be needed.
Having this information can help ensure you receive appropriate care.
We’re Here for You
At Sage Women’s Center, we believe every woman deserves evidence-based education and compassionate care.
We offer private limited obstetric ultrasounds for qualifying patients at no charge, giving you the important medical information you need before making a pregnancy decision. Our caring team is also here to answer your questions, provide options education, and offer a safe, judgment-free space where you can talk openly about your situation.
Contact Sage Women’s Center today to schedule your appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
Sage Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.