Do you need an ultrasound before an abortion?
An ultrasound is often recommended before an abortion because it can confirm how far along you are, assess whether the pregnancy is developing, and detect an ectopic pregnancy.
This information can help you better understand what abortion options may be available to you—such as medication abortion or a procedure—and what to expect based on your stage of pregnancy. It can also help identify situations where a different type of medical care may be needed.
Thrive Medical Clinic offers pregnancy confirmation ultrasounds in Traverse City, Michigan. Our licensed sonographer can help answer important questions about your pregnancy—read more below.
How far along am I?
Since the FDA approves the abortion pill for use in early pregnancy (up to 10 weeks), knowing how far along you are can help you understand your options and what to expect, and follow safety guidelines.
Estimating gestational age based on your last menstrual period can be challenging. Factors like irregular cycles or implantation bleeding can affect accuracy. During an ultrasound, measurements are taken to more accurately estimate how far along the pregnancy is.
Is it viable, or are there signs of miscarriage?
A positive pregnancy test confirms the presence of pregnancy hormones, but it does not confirm whether the pregnancy is developing. Between 10–20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage.
An ultrasound checks for viability, and can identify signs of early miscarriage. If a pregnancy is not developing, miscarriage management may be the appropriate medical care instead of elective abortion.
Is it an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus—often in the fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies are rare—occurring in about 2% of pregnancies—but they can become serious as they progress. This is not a viable pregnancy, and it requires prompt medical care and is not treated with abortion.
Some symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, such as pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, can overlap with what people may experience during a medication abortion. Confirming the pregnancy is not ectopic with an ultrasound before taking abortion pills can help ensure that any symptoms are interpreted correctly and that you can receive timely medical care.
Having this information can help you better understand your pregnancy and feel more confident in your next steps.
Schedule a no-cost ultrasound in Traverse City
Thrive Medical Clinic provides no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds.
Questions? Call our office or explore our Abortion FAQs for answers to common questions.