Ultrasound technology revolutionized pregnancy health care. It gave women and physicians the ability to see inside the body to help inform treatment and monitor pregnancy progress.
If you’re currently pregnant and wondering about the purpose of an ultrasound, there are three reasons every woman needs one before seeking an abortion.
Reason #1. To Know How Far Along You Are
Ever wonder how doctors and sonographers can estimate a pregnancy’s due date? They can take measurements during an ultrasound scan.
Knowing how far along you are will determine your available abortion options. For instance, in Pennsylvania, abortion is legal before 24 weeks, and only available after in cases of life endangerment or severe risk to the woman’s physical health.
Also, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved up to ten weeks of pregnancy. After this time, a surgical abortion might be recommended.
Reason #2. To Screen for Ectopic Pregnancy
Sometimes, a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy.
While it only happens in about 2% of pregnancies, getting screened is still a good idea to rule out this complication. Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening. If the pregnancy grows in the fallopian tube, it could cause the tube to rupture and lead to bleeding.
With ultrasound technology, a sonographer or physician can identify this complication sooner rather than later so you can get the treatment you need. This treatment will be different from an abortion procedure.
Reason #3. Ensure Viability
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. The number could even be higher because many women miscarry before they become aware of the pregnancy.
If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to determine if your pregnancy is still viable, meaning there’s a detectable heartbeat and it’s still growing and progressing.
If the pregnancy isn’t and ends in miscarriage, a health professional might provide choices, like expectant management or medical or surgical treatment.
In the case of miscarriage, the pregnancy ends naturally without any abortion procedures, but could require extra medical attention to prevent infection.
Schedule a No-Cost Appointment
At Bright Hope Pregnancy Support, our medical team can provide free medical services, including pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today to safeguard your health and speak with a caring medical professional.
