If you’re pregnant and considering an abortion, your health and safety are a top concern. To protect yourself and get the facts you need, there are three things you’ll want to do before scheduling that abortion appointment.
Read on to learn more about the three things needed before an abortion. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about the risks of abortion and your options, contact Attleboro Women’s Health Center to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Ultrasound
Getting an ultrasound is vital before undergoing an abortion. This harmless scan will reveal the key information you need to stay safe and help you make your decision. An ultrasound will show the following:
- The location of your pregnancy. Most of the time, pregnancies develop in the uterus. But sometimes, they grow outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it’s a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical treatment. An abortion can’t be performed if you’re having an ectopic pregnancy.
- The viability of your pregnancy. It’s estimated that roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and it’s possible to have had a miscarriage without early symptoms. An ultrasound can reveal if you’ve had, or are having, a miscarriage. If so, you’ll need specialized medical intervention.
- The age of your pregnancy. This is a necessary detail that can only be discerned by an ultrasound. If your pregnancy is older than 10 weeks, a medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) isn’t recommended due to the increased risk of adverse events.
Medical History Review
Medical/chemical abortions, which are done earlier in pregnancy (up to 10 weeks), are riskier and aren’t recommended if you have certain medical conditions or if you meet specific criteria. This is why it’s important to talk to a qualified medical team before seeking an abortion.
Some situations in which a medical abortion isn’t recommended include, but aren’t limited to:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Having a bleeding disorder
- Being on steroid medications
- Being allergic to the drugs used Pregnancy Consultation
Abortion is one of the biggest decisions of your life. It is a permanent, life-changing choice, and it’s essential to know all you can about your different options before making your decision.
At Attleboro Women’s Health Center, we offer FREE pregnancy consultations that give you all the information you need to know about each of your pregnancy options, which include parenting, adoption, and abortion. Only after receiving all the information will you feel confident in making the best decision for you.
Next Steps
Thinking about your pregnancy options can feel confusing because there’s so much conflicting information on the internet. We understand, and we believe knowledge is power. This is why we offer free pregnancy resources that can help you feel empowered to make an informed decision about what to do next.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. We’re a great place to start and are here for you with a FREE ultrasound, pregnancy consultation, and more.