An ultrasound scan is critical for all pregnant women, no matter how you plan to proceed. It can give you the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for your health and safety.
Through the use of sound waves, an ultrasound scan creates a picture of the inside of your uterus, which a sonographer and other medical professionals then use to provide vital details about the growth and development of your pregnancy.
An ultrasound scan is considered low-risk during pregnancy because, unlike X-rays, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation.
The Purpose of An Ultrasound Scan
Maybe you’ve been putting off having an ultrasound because you’re considering abortion, and you think an ultrasound would be pointless.
But it’s important to know that an ultrasound not only determines your eligibility for an abortion but also can provide life-saving information.
Viability
Before making a pregnancy decision, you must first determine that the pregnancy is viable, meaning that an ultrasound scan shows a detectable heartbeat.
Up to 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and if you have miscarried, you may need further guidance about safely passing the pregnancy.
Age
According to the FDA, the abortion pill should not be used after 10 weeks of pregnancy. For that reason, it is critical to confirm the age of your pregnancy by ultrasound before making a pregnancy decision.
Ultrasound technology uses measurements to determine the gestational age, and while you may have calculated the age of your pregnancy based on your last menstrual period, this method can be inaccurate.
Location
No matter what your plans are for your pregnancy, determining the location of your pregnancy with an ultrasound scan is vital for your safety.
While most pregnancies implant in the lining of the uterus, pregnancies can implant outside the uterus and begin to develop; this is known as an ectopic pregnancy.
If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you are not eligible for an abortion, and if left untreated, ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening.
Get Help Today
Navigating an unplanned pregnancy can be exhausting, especially when you’re trying to do it all on your own. Lilli Women’s Center is here to help.
You may want an ultrasound but aren’t sure if you can afford it. The good news is our clinic offers free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans so you can learn more about your pregnancy.
Our trained medical team can then answer your questions and discuss your options. We are here to support you.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
