We understand that learning you are unexpectedly pregnant can be a whirlwind. You may already be thinking about what comes next, or you may still be processing how you feel.
Either way, an ultrasound is an important step to take before deciding how you want to move forward.
Pregnancy tests alone only detect hCG (the pregnancy hormone), which is not enough to provide important medical details about your health.
At Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services, we provide women with free and confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, so you have a clearer understanding of your pregnancy.
Contact us today to schedule an initial appointment.
1. An Ultrasound Confirms The Pregnancy Is Developing
Did you know that 10-20% of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage? In some cases, you may still get a positive pregnancy result on a test even though you have already miscarried; this is due to remaining elevated levels of hCG.
An ultrasound can tell us about the viability of the pregnancy by assessing if there is a heartbeat and if the pregnancy is developing as expected.
2. An Ultrasound Tells Us The Location Of Your Pregnancy
Most pregnancies develop in the uterus; however, a pregnancy can occasionally develop in other locations, such as in the fallopian tube. This is also known as an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy happens in around 2% of pregnancies and needs emergency medical attention as it can be life-threatening. This is one of the reasons why an ultrasound is key to protecting your health, as a pregnancy test cannot provide these details.
3. An Ultrasound Estimates How Far Along You Are
Knowing how far along you are (the gestational age) in your pregnancy is essential before considering your options. Abortion pills are FDA-approved for use only through 10 weeks of gestation.
Using abortion drugs beyond this timeframe is not recommended and may be associated with increased risks and complications such as an incomplete abortion or infection.
Estimating how far along you are based on your last menstrual period is not accurate, especially if you have irregular periods. Getting an ultrasound is the most accurate way to measure how far along you are.
Schedule Your Ultrasound Appointment
Allowing yourself some time to process your unexpected pregnancy and getting all the information you need before making a pregnancy decision can help you feel more confident.
Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services is here for you, whether you need access to our free pregnancy services or want to learn the facts, considerations, and risks surrounding your options.
We will give you a confidential environment to discuss what’s on your mind and ask any questions. Support is available.
Schedule your appointment today to talk to our team.
Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.