DO I NEED AN ULTRASOUND BEFORE AN ABORTION?

You wake up one morning feeling nauseous and irritable. You start thinking...Wasn't my period supposed to start, like, last Tuesday? Your heart stops. Surely not. Surely I can't be pregnant. You race down to your local dollar store and purchase a pregnancy test.

There's no mistaking that little pink line. You're pregnant.

How can this be happening right now? Maybe you've just started a new job or only gone on two dates with this guy. Maybe you already have three kids and don't have the time or the money for another child. You start to panic. I need this to be taken care of. I need to get an abortion.

By reading this article, you're probably looking for answers regarding your pregnancy. I hope this helps provide you with the tools necessary to make an informed decision regarding your next steps. 

Step 1: Am I really pregnant? Take a test.

Have you been tested by a medical professional? They're the ones who can give you a medical grade pregnancy test (or bloodwork) and provide you with a written verification of pregnancy. You'll need this before you can move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Is this pregnancy viable? Get an ultrasound.

An ultrasound is critical for you to obtain before deciding to have an abortion. Here are a few reasons why:

1. You need your pregnancy accurately dated (aka - how far along am I?) Taking an abortion pill can be life-threatening for you if you don't know when your baby was conceived. 

2. You need to make sure your pregnancy is growing in the uterus. If your pregnancy is located in a fallopian tube, that's called a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy. This is NOT a viable pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention, as it could lead to internal bleeding.

3. You need to check for the baby's heartbeat. One in four pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Why put yourself through the physical, emotional, and mental pain of an abortion when your pregnancy isn't viable? Ultrasounds detect a baby's heartbeat to determine if it is healthy.

Step 3: What are my options? Ask questions.

You have options. And you're not alone. Make sure you get all the resources about abortion, adoption, and keeping your baby that you can find. This is a life-changing decision that will impact the rest of your life. 

Have questions? Need to schedule an ultrasound? Give us a call! 304-344-4511

We're here to help you through all three steps (and beyond!)