If you’re considering abortion after an unexpected pregnancy, it’s understandable to want answers quickly. You may already have a positive pregnancy test and feel ready to move forward. However, before making any decision about your pregnancy, it’s important to gather complete medical information.

A pregnancy test confirms hCG is present, but an ultrasound can answer important questions that a positive result cannot.

At Gateway Women’s Care, we provide lab-quality diagnostic pregnancy tests and ultrasound services in a confidential setting. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and options.

A Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Home pregnancy tests detect the hormone hCG, but they don’t provide information about your pregnancy itself.

An ultrasound can help determine whether the pregnancy is developing and has a heartbeat. Because as many as 26% of all pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage, confirming the pregnancy before moving forward with any decision is an important part of protecting your health.

It Confirms Where the Pregnancy Is Located

Another important reason for an ultrasound is to determine the pregnancy’s location.

Pregnancies are meant to develop inside the uterus, but occasionally a pregnancy implants elsewhere, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical treatment because it can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Since abortion does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, identifying its location is an essential step before considering your options.

It Helps Estimate Gestational Age

Knowing how far along you are is another important piece of medical information.

While your last menstrual period provides an estimate, menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman. An ultrasound offers a more accurate estimate of gestational age, helping you better understand your pregnancy.

In terms of abortion, knowing this detail is vital. Medical abortion, for example, is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. Taking abortion drugs past this timeframe comes with more medical risks.

Compassionate Support Starts Here

An unexpected pregnancy often comes with many questions. We can help answer them and provide the information you deserve.

Schedule your free appointment today.

Gateway Women’s 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.