Do I need an ultrasound before my abortion?

Should I get an ultrasound before my abortion?

Yes. There are three things you can learn by having an ultrasound before an abortion.

1. How far along are you in the pregnancy?
2. Is the pregnancy ectopic?
3. Is the pregnancy viable (likely to continue, not about to miscarry)?

Knowing how far along you are in the pregnancy will help you make informed decisions.

• Different methods of abortion are best used at different stages of pregnancy. The World Health Organization recommends having an ultrasound before abortion to aid in decision making (if ultrasound is available.) ⁵⁸
• The Abortion Pill is recommended for use only in early pregnancy. It can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, but is most effective before 9 weeks.
• If you have a negative blood type, you may want to discuss Rh incompatibility with your provider. This is important if you will be past 8 weeks when you have the abortion. ⁵⁹

Can I find out how far along I am by other means?

• Yes, you can find out by having a physical exam done by a midwife or doctor.
• You could also have blood work done to measure the amount of pregnancy hormones in your blood. This is not conclusive on its own, but may be helpful.
• If you are very certain of your last period, AND your last period was normal, you could be somewhat certain of how far along you are. It is very common to be unsure of your dates.
• We offer no-cost first trimester ultrasounds and it takes only one hour of your time. You will know for certain how far along you are. Call today for an appointment.

Why do I need to know about ectopic pregnancy?

• An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that has established itself outside the womb (uterus). This is a medical emergency.
• Taking the Abortion Pill during an ectopic pregnancy can lead to excess bleeding or damage to your fallopian tube. A damaged tube would limit your future ability to get pregnant. ⁶⁰

What does viable pregnancy mean and why do I need to know about it?

• Viable means that the baby has implanted in the proper location (uterus) and has a beating heart.
• It is estimated that as many as 30% of early pregnancies end in miscarriage. If your pregnancy is not viable, you do not need to have an abortion.  The pregnancy will end by itself in miscarriage.
• Before you make the decision to end a pregnancy, it’s helpful to know if the pregnancy will continue on its own.
• Having an ultrasound before your abortion procedure or before taking the abortion pill will confirm the viability of the pregnancy.

Ultrasounds are required by many states prior to having an abortion procedure or taking the abortion pill. In Alaska, it is not required, but is recommended.  If your state requires ultrasound, talk to one of our chat-line nurses to find a no-cost ultrasound in your area.

Let’s confirm your pregnancy and get an ultrasound.