Before having an abortion, it’s crucial to have an obstetric ultrasound. This type of ultrasound will allow you to confirm necessary details about your pregnancy and protect your health.
Continue reading to learn more about the reasons why you need an ultrasound.
1. Confirm How Far Along You Are
Your gestational age, or how far along you are, can be confirmed by an obstetric ultrasound. How far along you are will determine the type of abortion procedure you are eligible for. The two main types of abortion are medical and surgical. The FDA states that medical abortions should only be performed on women up to 10 weeks along.Â
2. Is My Pregnancy Healthy?
You’ll also want to have an ultrasound to check for the viability of your pregnancy or whether it is growing normally, with a healthy heartbeat. As some pregnancies end in miscarriage, you’ll want to check for this issue and receive any follow-up care as needed. Depending on how far along you are, if you are experiencing a miscarriage, you may require further medical treatment.Â
It is important to remember that miscarriage is never your fault and is a relatively common occurrence.Â
3. Do I Have an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ultrasound can confirm the location of your pregnancy and determine whether you have an ectopic pregnancy or a pregnancy implanted outside of the uterus. If left untreated, ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and can lead to further health complications. They are never able to survive.
Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include:
- Pelvic pain
- Light vaginal bleeding
- Shoulder pain
- Lightheadedness or fainting
I Want to Learn More About Ectopic Pregnancy.
If you’d like more information about ectopic pregnancy, Cleburne Pregnancy Center would be happy to give you the facts you need.Â
We also offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including limited ultrasounds, to protect your health and safety. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.