Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

Your health and safety are important when considering any pregnancy option, including abortion. Depending on your individual circumstances, an ultrasound may provide useful information about your pregnancy and help a healthcare professional determine what care or evaluation is appropriate.

Pregnancy testing and, if eligible, limited ultrasound services are available at no cost through an independent, onsite medical office. A healthcare professional can help determine whether an ultrasound is appropriate based on your pregnancy dates, symptoms, medical history, and other factors.

Keep reading to learn what information an ultrasound can provide and why it may be recommended.

What Can an Ultrasound Tell Me?

An ultrasound can provide important information about a pregnancy, including its location, estimated gestational age, and development. This information may help a healthcare professional evaluate your health and discuss your next steps.

Knowing how far along you are can also be relevant when considering your pregnancy options. For example, the FDA has approved mifepristone, when used with misoprostol, to end an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks gestation, or 70 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.

An ultrasound is not required before every medication abortion. However, a healthcare professional may recommend one if your pregnancy dates are uncertain or if you have symptoms, medical history, or other risk factors that could suggest an ectopic pregnancy or another condition requiring evaluation.

Why Does Pregnancy Location Matter?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy cannot develop normally and requires medical treatment.

If a healthcare professional suspects an ectopic pregnancy, evaluation may include an ultrasound and blood testing for the pregnancy hormone hCG. Symptoms such as sudden or severe abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder pain, weakness, dizziness, or fainting require prompt medical attention.

Does Everyone Need an Ultrasound Before an Abortion?

Not necessarily. Whether an ultrasound is recommended depends on your individual situation and the type of care you are considering.

If your menstrual history provides a reliable estimate of how far along you are and you do not have symptoms or risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy, an ultrasound may not always be medically necessary before a medication abortion. A qualified healthcare professional can review your circumstances and advise you about appropriate testing.

If an ultrasound is recommended, it can provide additional information that may help clarify your pregnancy details and guide appropriate medical care.

Deciding Your Next Steps

If you’re considering abortion or another pregnancy option, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can help you understand your health, pregnancy details, and available choices.

Soundview provides free and confidential pregnancy options information and support. Pregnancy testing and, if eligible, limited ultrasound services are available at no cost through an independent, onsite medical office.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to learn more.

Soundview does not, nor does the independent, onsite medical office, refer or provide abortion services.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.