Why an ultrasound before an abortion?

If you took a pregnancy test and it came back positive, why do you need an ultrasound before deciding to have an abortion? Great question!   Making an ultrasound appointment may seem like a waste of time and money; but, in the long run, it could actually save you time and money. How? Keep reading.   Reason #1: To rule out a miscarriage. Did you know that 10 – 25% of first trimester pregnancies end in miscarriage? It’s imperative to have an ultrasound before making an abortion appointment because if your body terminates the pregnancy spontaneously, you will not need to pay for an abortion. This could save you hundreds of dollars – especially if the ultrasound is free!   Reason #2: To rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Approximately 1 in 50 pregnancies is ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy is an “out of place” pregnancy. This means the fertilized egg attaches to a fallopian tube before it reaches the uterus. If this is not addressed early on, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal. An ultrasound can help detect an ectopic pregnancy.   Reason #3: To determine the gestational age of the pregnancy. Did you know there are different types of abortions? Abortion types are contingent on how far along you are in your pregnancy. And how far along you are in your pregnancy determines the cost of the abortion. If you’re considering abortion, it is essential that you know the gestational age to make your next best step.   Reason #4: To identify more than one fetus. Just because your pregnancy test came back positive, there is no way to know if you are carrying twins without first getting an ultrasound. The number of twin births has jump 75 percent in the last thirty years. Statistics show about 33 twins are born per every 1,000 births. This number increases if there are twins in your family history. Even if you’re leaning towards an abortion, knowing how many fetuses you are carrying is helpful information.   Where can I find a free ultrasound exam? If you’re concerned about the cost of an ultrasound exam, rest easy. At Alternative Medical Clinic, we offer free pregnancy tests accompanied by a free ultrasound. Yes, you read that correctly! We know this can be stressful and believe you should know all the information you need to make the best decision for you. A knowledgeable woman is an empowered woman. We value your privacy, so your appointment is confidential. You don’t have to worry about anyone who might be calling our clinic to find out information. We are here for you!   Don’t wait; make an appointment today, or call us at (760) 741-9796.   *Abortion procedures and referrals are not provided Compiled using information from the following sources: Miscarriage [Internet]. March of Dimes [Updated November 2017]. Available from: https://www.marchofdimes.org/complications/miscarriage.aspx Ectopic Pregnancy [Internet]. American Pregnancy Association [August, 26, 2020] Available from: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/ectopic-pregnancy-839/ What are your chances of having twins [Internet]. What to expect [September 2018] Available from: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/chances-of-having-twins