Why Should I Confirm My Pregnancy?
What’s a confirmation ultrasound? Why would I need one? Do I still need one if I’m considering abortion?
If these questions are on your mind, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog we’ll talk about what a confirmation ultrasound checks for, why everybody who becomes pregnant should get one, and why it’s an important first step if you’re considering abortion.
Read on to learn more!
Quick note: We specialize in pregnancy confirmation (testing, ultrasounds, and options information) and we don't perform or refer for abortions. Whatever option(s) you're leaning toward, you're welcome here!
Why isn’t a positive pregnancy test enough?
If you think you might be pregnant, you’ve probably taken a pregnancy test (or a few). These are great for early confirmation that you’re pregnant, but they can’t tell you a few important things about your pregnancy:
How far along you are
Where the pregnancy is located (whether it’s ectopic)
Whether the pregnancy is even viable
A confirmation ultrasound can tell you all of these things, which are important no matter what pregnancy options you’re considering.
Do I need an ultrasound if I’m considering abortion?
A confirmation ultrasound is crucial if you’re considering abortion. It might be tempting to write it off as unnecessary if you’re not planning to continue the pregnancy, but an ultrasound still matters for your health for a few reasons:
1. Gestational age: If you’re further along than you think, the pill might not be safe for you
The FDA has approved the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks gestational age for safety and efficacy. Your body changes a lot, very quickly, in early pregnancy, so if your guess is off by even a week or two, that could impact your experience with the pill, including:
More severe symptoms
Greater risk of complications
Risk of seeing identifiable fetal parts
Lower rate of efficacy
How far along you are impacts how abortion affects your body. Knowing for sure through a confirmation ultrasound is an important first step.
2. Pregnancy location: If the pregnancy is ectopic, it requires urgent medical care
Ectopic pregnancy occurs in roughly 1 in 50 pregnancies, and it happens when a pregnancy implants outside the uterus (most often in the fallopian tubes). It is life-threatening and requires medical treatment.
The abortion pill can’t treat an ectopic pregnancy. And often, symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy overlap with symptoms of the abortion pill—so if you haven’t ruled out ectopic pregnancy with an ultrasound, you might write off symptoms of the pill as “normal” when really, they’re signs that your body is experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
3. Viability: If the pregnancy isn’t viable, you don’t need an abortion
An abortion isn’t necessary if the pregnancy is naturally miscarrying on its own. If you’re concerned about the cost of an abortion or the physical or emotional experience, it’s important to know whether the pregnancy is even viable so you don’t have to go through an unnecessary experience. A confirmation ultrasound can tell you whether the pregnancy is progressing normally.
How do I schedule an ultrasound?
If you’re near Traverse City, Michigan, swing by Thrive Medical Clinic for a no-cost, confidential ultrasound. Thrive is a safe place to confirm your pregnancy, without pressure or judgment—we believe no one should have to navigate unplanned pregnancy alone!
No matter what options you’re considering, a confirmation ultrasound is your best first step. You matter, and your health matters!