Abortion FAQs
Questions to answer before an abortion
If you’re considering or planning to have an abortion, there are a few important things to understand about your pregnancy and your health first. These answers can help you know what to expect and what to consider before moving forward.
At Thrive Medical Clinic in Traverse City, we offer no-cost pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds and helpful information about your pregnancy and abortion-related questions. We’re a safe place to get the answers you need, without pressure or judgment.
→ Understanding Your Pregnancy Before an Abortion
Understanding Your Pregnancy Before an Abortion
How do I know how far along I am?
Most people estimate how far along they are based on the first day of their last menstrual period. While this can give you a general idea, it’s not always accurate—especially if your cycle is irregular or you’re unsure of your dates.
Online calculators and apps can help estimate, but they don’t account for individual differences in ovulation, implantation timing, or cycle length. That means your actual gestational age may be different than what you expect.
An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along you are. Knowing your gestational age is important because it directly affects what abortion options are available to you and what to expect physically.
Can I take the abortion pill without an ultrasound?
It’s fairly easy to order abortion pills online without proof of a confirmation ultrasound. However, an ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy that can impact your abortion options, experience and safety.
An ultrasound can:
Confirm how far along you are
Determine if the pregnancy is progressing
Verify that the pregnancy is located in the uterus (not ectopic)
These factors matter because the abortion pill is only recommended within the first ten weeks and does not treat ectopic pregnancy.
Without this information, there can be unknowns about what to expect and whether the medication is appropriate for your situation.
→ Learn more about why an ultrasound is often recommended before an abortion
How do I know if my pregnancy is viable?
A viable pregnancy means it is located in the uterine cavity, developing as expected, with a detectable heartbeat at the appropriate stage.
In some cases, a pregnancy may not be progressing normally. This can happen early on, sometimes before symptoms are obvious. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm whether a pregnancy is viable.
Around 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, most often in the first trimester. Ectopic pregnancies are less common, occurring in about 2% of pregnancies.
If a pregnancy is not viable, the type of care needed may be different than an elective abortion. Understanding this early can help you know what to expect and what next steps may look like.
Could I have an ectopic pregnancy and not know it?
Yes—some ectopic pregnancies have few or no noticeable symptoms at first.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy cannot continue and requires medical attention.
Early on, symptoms may feel similar to a typical pregnancy. As it progresses further into the first trimester, symptoms can include:
Sharp or one-sided abdominal pain
Vaginal bleeding
Shoulder pain or dizziness
The abortion pill does not treat ectopic pregnancy. Some symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy—like cramping and bleeding—can overlap with what people experience during a medication abortion, which can make it difficult to recognize when medical attention may be needed. That’s why confirming the location of the pregnancy with an ultrasound is important before taking medication.
→ Learn more about ectopic pregnancy symptoms and risk factors
Abortion Pill Information: What to Know and Expect
How does the abortion pill work, and what should I expect?
A medication abortion typically involves two medications taken over a period of time.
The first medication blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain the pregnancy. The second medication causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
Most people experience:
Cramping (which can range from moderate to intense)
Bleeding, often heavier than a typical period
Passing clots or tissue
Cramping and bleeding usually begins within a few hours after the second medication and can last several hours to a few days, with lighter bleeding continuing afterward.
Everyone’s experience is different, and knowing how far along you are can help you better understand what to expect.
→ Read our in-depth article on medication abortion, what to expect, and how to prepare
How far along is too far for the abortion pill?
The abortion pill (a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol) is approved by the FDA for use in early pregnancy, up to 10 weeks gestation—though some abortion providers may offer the pill up to 11 or 12 weeks. After 10 weeks, it may be less effective or not recommended.
Because estimating how far along you are without an ultrasound can be inaccurate, it’s possible to be further along than you realize. Confirming your gestational age with an ultrasound can help ensure that the abortion method you’re considering aligns with your stage of pregnancy.
Is medication abortion or surgical abortion right for me?
The best option depends on several factors, including:
How far along you are
Your medical history
Your personal preferences
A medication abortion happens over time and involves managing the process at home. A surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting and is typically shorter in duration.
Understanding your gestational age and overall health can help determine which option is appropriate for your situation.
→ Learn more about the differences between medication and surgical abortion
Can I order the abortion pill online, and is it safe?
Some people choose to access abortion pills online. If you’re considering this, there are a few important things to understand.
Without an in-person evaluation, it can be harder to confirm:
How far along you are
Whether the pregnancy is viable
Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
Whether the medication and instructions you receive are consistent with standard medical guidelines
Some websites operate outside of traditional medical systems, which means medications may not always be reviewed or regulated in the same way as prescriptions from a licensed provider.
As with any self-managed medical intervention, it can be helpful to take proactive steps to care for your health and have a plan for when to seek medical care if concerns arise.
→ Learn more about safety considerations when buying abortion pills online
Before an Abortion: What to Do First
What should I do before scheduling an abortion?
Before scheduling an abortion, it can be helpful to confirm a few important factors about your pregnancy and your health.
This may include:
Confirming how far along you are with an ultrasound
Determining whether the pregnancy is developing and located in the uterus
Checking your Rh factor through a simple blood test
Testing for certain infections or conditions, such as STIs or anemia
These details can affect what to expect, what type of care may be appropriate, and how your body may respond during and after the abortion.
Where can I get an ultrasound to confirm my pregnancy?
If you’re in Northern Michigan, Thrive Medical Clinic in Traverse City offers no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds.
An ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy, including how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is viable, and where it is located.
Our licensed medical staff and patient care team are here to provide clear information and support—without pressure or judgment—so you can better understand your next steps.
