If you are considering the abortion pill, you may assume a positive pregnancy test is all you need.
But a positive test cannot answer the questions that decide whether the abortion pill is an option for you and whether you may be putting your health at serious risk.
The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, is a two-drug regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol that ends a pregnancy.
The FDA approves it only through the first 10 weeks, so taking it beyond this timeframe isn’t recommended. A medical evaluation confirms the facts that protect your health before you take anything.
At Chester County Connect Care, we offer pre-abortion screenings at no cost so you have the full picture before you decide. Schedule your appointment today.
What a Medical Evaluation Confirms About Your Pregnancy
One of the first steps in a medical evaluation is using an ultrasound scan to determine facts about your pregnancy that will shape your options going forward.
How Far Along You Are
An ultrasound scan will measure the gestational age of your pregnancy. The abortion pill is approved only through the first 10 weeks, but dating a pregnancy from your last menstrual period can be off by a week or more.
Taking the drugs past this window raises the risk of an incomplete abortion that requires a surgical procedure.
Whether Your Pregnancy Is Viable
A positive test confirms the presence of a pregnancy hormone called hCG, but not whether the pregnancy is still developing. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
An ultrasound can detect a heartbeat and confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing. If you have miscarried, it’s possible you’ll need medical follow-up to prevent complications.
Where Your Pregnancy Is Located
An ultrasound will also determine the location of your pregnancy. A fertilized egg sometimes implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. This is an ectopic pregnancy, a medical emergency the abortion pill does not treat.
If you are diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy, you’ll need immediate treatment to protect your health.
Whether You Are Eligible
A medical evaluation also reviews your health history.
According to Mayo Clinic, the abortion pill may not be safe if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood thinners or corticosteroids, have an IUD in place, or are allergic to the drugs.
Abortion has also been shown to create risks to your emotional health, which can add further complications if you already struggle with mental health issues.
Schedule a Pre-Abortion Screening at Chester County Connect Care
Before you make a decision, make sure you have the facts.
At Chester County Connect Care, we provide a pre-abortion screening that includes a free pregnancy test, follow-up ultrasound, and confidential options consultations.
You deserve to make your decision with all the information you need. 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.