We’ve all seen the black-and-white images ultrasounds produce, but did you know they also provide vital information about the health of your pregnancy?
If you’re currently pregnant and seeking an abortion, here are three reasons why you should have an ultrasound before proceeding.
1: Ultrasounds Confirm the Gestational Age
The gestational age of a pregnancy is simply how long a woman has been pregnant. If you were not planning on becoming pregnant, knowing how many weeks you’ve been pregnant might be difficult to pinpoint.
One of the reasons healthcare providers advise women to have an ultrasound is to confirm the gestational age. Ultrasounds use standard metrics that measure a pregnancy at any stage to verify its age.
2: Ultrasounds Confirm Viability
Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test. Even if you received a positive result, you have not confirmed the pregnancy’s viability (if it is developing).
The Mayo Clinic estimates that 10-20% of all pregnancies end in natural miscarriage. An ultrasound can reveal whether your pregnancy is still growing or if you miscarried. Understanding viability can protect you from undergoing a risky abortion and guide you to find proper miscarriage care.
3: Ultrasound Reveals Pregnancy Location
Did you know some pregnancies can implant and grow outside the uterus? This rare occurrence is known as an ectopic pregnancy and can pose serious health complications for the mother.
An ectopic pregnancy is not viable and must be promptly removed as it has the potential to cause severe internal bleeding. The only way to rule out this complication is through ultrasound.
Where Can I Get A No-Cost Ultrasound?
If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test in the last few weeks, it’s time to schedule an ultrasound.
Crisis Pregnancy Center provides women with pregnancy and sexual health services, including no-cost limited ultrasounds.
Contact our center by calling 812-506-2737 or find available appointments here. At Crisis Pregnancy Center, you can meet with trained patient advocates and have the freedom to explore your pregnancy options.
Get the care you deserve and schedule your confidential appointment today!