Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel like your mind is spinning. You may be trying to process emotions, relationship stress, and future plans all at once. If abortion is something you’re considering, you might feel pressure to make a decision quickly. But before taking any next step, it’s important to have accurate information about your pregnancy.
At Attleboro Women’s Health, we provide free, confidential services designed to help you understand what’s happening and what your options truly are. If you’re unsure what to do next, schedule an appointment today. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
A Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Give the Full Picture
A pregnancy test can confirm that your body is producing hCG, the pregnancy hormone. However, it cannot tell you whether the pregnancy is continuing normally or whether your body may already be experiencing a miscarriage.
An ultrasound provides a clearer view of what’s happening inside your uterus. It can confirm whether the pregnancy is progressing and whether a heartbeat is present.
This matters because as many as 26% of all pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage, often before a woman even realizes what’s happening. If that has occurred, an abortion would not be the appropriate next step, and medical follow-up may be needed.
Ultrasound Confirms the Pregnancy’s Location
Another reason an ultrasound is so important is that it confirms the location of the pregnancy. While most pregnancies implant in the uterus, there are rare situations where the pregnancy develops outside of it, most often in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it can become dangerous if not treated quickly.
An abortion procedure does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. Without an ultrasound, this condition may go undetected, putting your health at serious risk. Knowing the pregnancy’s location helps ensure you receive the care you actually need.
Knowing How Far Along You Are Protects Your Health
If you’re considering abortion, how far along you are matters more than many people realize. Pregnancy is measured in gestational age, and different abortion methods are offered depending on the stage of pregnancy.
For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks. If a woman is further along than she thinks, the risk of complications increases. An ultrasound is the most reliable way to confirm gestational age, especially if your cycles are irregular or you’re unsure of your last period date.
Support When You Need It Most
This is a major decision, and you deserve the space to slow down and get clarity. At Attleboro Women’s Health, we offer free, confidential pregnancy services, including ultrasounds with our on-site affiliated medical professionals, so you can understand your pregnancy and protect your health.
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, schedule a free and confidential appointment today.
Attleboro Women’s Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.