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Why Ultrasounds Matter in a Decision About Abortion

Many factors go into a decision about abortion. With all the aspects to consider, having an ultrasound exam isn’t often something that comes to mind. Yet, an ultrasound can be a vital step to take before making your decision. Find out why ultrasounds matter in a decision about abortion …

If you’re considering abortion as one of your pregnancy options, find valuable information in your next steps at Avenue Women’s Center. We offer women free and confidential ultrasounds to better understand their pregnancy and the options available to them, including abortion. Talk through your unique concerns and questions with our expert staff in a private, nonjudgmental, and compassionate environment. Make your free appointment in the Chicagoland area today with call, text, chat, or email!

What an Ultrasound Can Reveal

Before delving deeper, it’s first helpful to know exactly what an ultrasound is and what it reveals. An ultrasound is “an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body.”* When it comes to pregnancy, an ultrasound can reveal important elements such as gestation age and viability. Why are these so important to know?

Gestation age is a term to describe how far along a pregnancy is. An ultrasound provides valuable insight into gestation age, which determines the type of abortion procedures used. For example, medical abortions (the abortion pill) are an option up to 10 weeks gestation. Additionally, surgical abortion procedure types vary based on gestation age as well. The cost of an abortion procedure varies based on the type performed, and this can be an important financial factor for some women to consider as well.

Viability is the likelihood that a pregnancy will continue on its own. An ultrasound reveals viability by showing whether a pregnancy is progressing normally, is ectopic (developing outside the uterus), or the chances of a miscarriage. Studies show that at least 1 out of 5 or 6 known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriages are a natural loss of pregnancy, often for unknown or unclear reasons. Knowing the viability of your pregnancy can help determine whether an abortion procedure is necessary and if an abortion is right for you.

Why Is an Ultrasound Important in a Decision About Abortion?

When you’ve already decided that an abortion is best, why would an ultrasound matter? Why is it important to know about a possible miscarriage if you’re set on having an abortion anyway?

A miscarriage is a natural loss of pregnancy, and this can be an important distinction from an abortion procedure for some women. Even if abortion seems best for your situation, it might not feel that way emotionally. You might be among the many women who wonder if an abortion will affect them emotionally. For some, a natural ending of pregnancy may be seem easier to cope with, rather than actively deciding on termination.

Learning your chances of miscarriage from an ultrasound can also address physical, practical, and health-related concerns about abortion procedures. The medical care involved with a miscarriage can often be less expensive or billed differently through your insurance than an abortion procedure. Additionally, a miscarriage is often seen as a more natural and less invasive way for a pregnancy to end than an abortion.

Before you decide about abortion, take the time to find out valuable information about your pregnancy with an ultrasound. This time can allow you to do more research and figure out a plan for your next steps towards an informed decision.

At Avenue Women’s Center, we care about helping you make an informed decision that feels right for you. Find out your personal chance of miscarriage and gain further insight into your pregnancy options with a free ultrasound. We take the time to go over your results and address your individual concerns in a nonjudgmental and understanding atmosphere. We are here to support and care for you in the first steps of your decision. Contact us today for your free appointment!


References:

  • Mayo Clinic. (2018, February). Ultrasound. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/ultrasound/about/pac-20395177.
  • Mayo Clinic. (2019, July). Miscarriage. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298

Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.

The information provided here is general in nature.  It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center.  If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention.  Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.