Discovering an unintended pregnancy can feel overwhelming. In the rush to find a solution, many women consider the abortion pill as a quick first step. However, your health deserves more than a rushed decision.
Getting an ultrasound before making any decision regarding your pregnancy is the most important step you can take to protect your physical and mental well-being. Here is a quick breakdown of why ultrasound before abortion is the gold standard of care you deserve.
1. Confirming Your Pregnancy is “Viable”
A positive pregnancy test only tells you that pregnancy hormones are present; it doesn’t tell you the health of the pregnancy.
- The Miscarriage Factor: About one in four pregnancies ends in a natural miscarriage.
- Heartbeat Detection: One element an ultrasound checks for is a fetal heartbeat. Depending on how far along you are, If no heartbeat is detected, you may be miscarrying naturally.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Procedures: If you are already miscarrying naturally, taking the abortion pill is an unnecessary medical intervention and could cause further complications.
2. Determining Exact Gestational Age
The “abortion pill” (a two-pill regimen) is only FDA-approved for use up to a specific point—typically 70 days (10 weeks) after your last period.
- Accuracy Matters: It is very difficult to pinpoint conception based on memory alone. An ultrasound is the only “gold standard” for accurate dating.
- Risk of an Incomplete Abortion: If you are further along than 10 weeks, the pill may not work. This can lead to heavy bleeding, infection, or the need for emergency surgery to complete the abortion.
3. Ruling Out an Ectopic Pregnancy
This is the most critical safety reason for an ultrasound. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube).
- A Life-Threatening Risk: The abortion pill will not resolve an ectopic pregnancy.
- The Danger of Masked Symptoms: Because the pill causes cramping and bleeding, you might mistake an ectopic/tubal rupture for the effects of the medication.
- Immediate Care: An ultrasound confirms the location of the pregnancy, ensuring you aren’t at risk for a life-threatening medical emergency.
4. Protecting Your Future Health
At RealOptions, we believe you are a person, not a number. Choosing to get an ultrasound is an act of self-care that provides:
- Clinical Evidence: Move past “what-ifs” and make a choice based on medical reality.
- A Safe Environment: Process your results in a confidential, professional medical clinic without pressure.
- Clear Options: Once you know exactly how far along you are, have been educated on all your options and know the status of your pregnancy, you can truly weigh your next steps with confidence.
Your Next Step
If you are considering your pregnancy options, don’t skip this vital step. An ultrasound is more than just an image; it is a diagnostic tool that ensures you aren’t putting your physical and mental health at unnecessary risk.
Before you order the abortion pill online or schedule a procedure, come see us for compassionate and confidential care. Our staff will provide ultrasound imaging to help you understand how far along you are and what options are truly available to you. You don’t have to do this alone—we are here to empower you to move forward with clarity.
Schedule your appointment today and take control of your health at one of our 4 Bay Area clinic locations.
Oakland, CA 94609
400 30th St #401
(510) 891-9998
Central San Jose, CA 95126
1671 The Alameda #101
(408) 978-9310
East San Jose, CA 95127
12 N White Rd #1
(408) 272-5577
Union City, CA 94857
33523 Western Ave.
(510) 487-4357
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only.
