If you’ve decided to take the abortion pill, you may wonder whether scheduling an ultrasound is really necessary.
You already have a positive pregnancy test — isn’t that enough? The answer is no, and understanding why could protect your health in ways you might not expect.
The abortion pill — also called a medical abortion — involves a two-drug regimen (mifepristone and misoprostol) that ends a pregnancy.
However, before making any decision, several key facts about your pregnancy must be confirmed first. An ultrasound is the only reliable way to gather this information.
At Chester County Connect Care, we offer free, confidential ultrasounds to help you get the facts you need. Read on to learn what an ultrasound reveals and why each piece of information matters before you make your next step.
You can also schedule an initial pregnancy testing appointment with us to determine whether you qualify for an ultrasound.
Three Things an Ultrasound Confirms Before You Take the Abortion Pill
Gestational Age of Your Pregnancy
According to the FDA, mifepristone is only recommended through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Taking the abortion pill after this window can lead to incomplete abortion, serious complications, or the need for a surgical procedure.
Many women calculate their gestational age based on their last menstrual period, but this estimate is often off by a week or more.
An ultrasound removes the guesswork by providing an accurate gestational age and helping you learn whether the abortion pill could be an option.
Viability of Your Pregnancy
A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of hCG (the pregnancy hormone), but it cannot tell you whether your pregnancy is still actively developing.
According to the Mayo Clinic, between 10 and 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, with most occurring during the first trimester.
If a miscarriage has already occurred or is in progress, taking the abortion pill would be unnecessary — and could expose you to risks without any reason to do so.
An ultrasound can detect a fetal heartbeat and determine whether the pregnancy is ongoing, so you have the full picture before taking any next steps.
Location of Your Pregnancy
A normal pregnancy develops inside the uterus. However, in some cases, a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus — most often in a fallopian tube. This medical complication is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it is a serious health emergency that requires immediate treatment.
It is important to know that the abortion pill cannot treat an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound is the only way to verify that your pregnancy is in the right place before proceeding.
Get a Free Ultrasound at Chester County Connect Care
Before you take any steps toward a medical abortion, make sure you have the facts that protect your health.
At Chester County Connect Care, we provide free pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds performed by trained nurses, and confidential consultations with caring, knowledgeable staff.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.
Chester County Connect Care does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.