An unexpected pregnancy brings a wide range of questions and emotions. One of the first steps in understanding your situation and deciding on your next steps is an ultrasound, a simple medical procedure that provides crucial information about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy Choices provides ultrasounds when you need them most and is here to support you with compassion and accurate information. Schedule your no-cost appointment today.
Why Have an Ultrasound Before an Abortion?
An ultrasound provides vital medical information about your pregnancy.
It helps determine how far along the pregnancy is, which affects the options available to you. It also confirms that the pregnancy is progressing and inside the uterus, ruling out an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening and requires urgent care.*
Regardless of what you decide, an ultrasound provides reliable information about what is happening with your body so you can make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
What Happens During the Ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of your uterus and pregnancy. It’s quick and considered safe. Depending on how far along you are, one of two types of ultrasounds may be used:
- Abdominal ultrasound: A small handheld device called a transducer is moved across your lower abdomen, using sound waves to visualize your uterus and the surrounding tissues.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: A thin probe is gently inserted into the vagina to get a clearer image in early pregnancy.
There should not be pain during the procedure, but you may experience slight discomfort if your bladder is full due to abdominal pressure or when inserting the transvaginal probe.
Your technician or nurse will explain each step and make sure you feel comfortable throughout the process. The scan usually takes less than half an hour, and you can decide whether to see the image
How Does the Ultrasound Prepare Me for the Next Steps?
Once your ultrasound is complete, your provider will discuss the results with you and answer any questions you may have. With this information, you’ll be able to review your options and choose the next step that aligns with your circumstances and values.
Having this clarity ensures that any procedure or plan moving forward is medically appropriate and prioritizes your health.
Compassionate Care from Pregnancy Choices
At Pregnancy Choices, we believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy information and caring support. We provide free, confidential pregnancy services, including limited ultrasounds and one-on-one consultations.
Contact Pregnancy Choices today to schedule your appointment and speak privately with someone who genuinely cares about your well-being.
*Pregnancy Choices offers limited obstetric ultrasounds to confirm intrauterine pregnancy, estimate gestational age, and check for fetal cardiac activity.
Sources:
1. Ultrasound in Pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic
2. Ectopic Pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic