There are several reasons why having an ultrasound is important for protecting your health and safety during pregnancy. First, you need to confirm that your pregnancy is in the correct location, the uterus. If not, it could cause a life-threatening health issue.
Second, it is important to know if your pregnancy is viable or if you have experienced a miscarriage. It is estimated that more than one in four pregnancies result in a miscarriage.
Finally, if you’re considering an abortion, knowing the number of weeks you have been pregnant is important for your safety. Abortion drugs are approved by the FDA through 10 weeks of gestational age. If you are farther along, it is not safe to take the abortion pills.
Why Is the Location of the Pregnancy Important?
When a pregnancy implants somewhere other than the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. Sometimes, a pregnancy implants in a fallopian tube, which is connected to the uterus.
Only the uterus can maintain a growing pregnancy. If the pregnancy grows elsewhere, like a fallopian tube, the tube could burst, causing internal bleeding.
Although rare, knowing that your pregnancy is ectopic can save your life. Only an ultrasound can determine the location of your pregnancy. If discovered to be ectopic, you should consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Receiving an abortion with an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy can lead to serious health complications.
Could I Be Experiencing a Miscarriage??
An article published in the National Library of Medicine stated, “Ultrasound is the gold standard for examining intrauterine contents and viability.” Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies result in a natural miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
It takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels; it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test days or even weeks after a miscarriage. If a pregnancy is experiencing a miscarriage, the option of an abortion is no longer a consideration. A miscarriage not only affects your body, but it can also affect your mental health. No matter how you’re feeling, it’s essential to receive support if you are experiencing negative emotions.
Why Does It Matter How Far Along My Pregnancy Is?
If you’re considering an abortion, the procedure you qualify for is often determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy often determines the procedure you qualify for. Although the FDA approves the abortion drugs through 10 weeks only, many abortion providers prescribe the drugs for later in pregnancy, which can be very dangerous.
The drugs are less effective the further along you are in your pregnancy. You run the risk of an incomplete abortion, which means the pregnancy ends, but the pregnancy tissue does not completely leave the body, causing an infection or hemorrhage.
You should also be prepared physically and emotionally when using the abortion pill method. Often, women complete the abortion at home, alone, without direct medical oversight. You need to be aware of how much bleeding or cramping is too much, as well as what emotions you may experience throughout the process.
Learn More About a No-Cost Limited Ultrasound
Schedule an appointment for no-cost and confidential pregnancy testing. If your test is positive, an Alpha Center staff member will discuss the option to receive a no-cost, limited ultrasound. Don’t skip this essential step.
Your health and safety are our priority. Protect your health and safety by getting as much information about your pregnancy as possible. We are here to help you; you are not alone.