If you’re considering abortion, you may feel pressure to act quickly. Before making a final decision, it is important to have accurate details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound provides information that a pregnancy test alone cannot.
At Next Step, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasound referrals, and a confidential space to talk through your options with our team. We are here to support each client as she gathers the facts needed to move forward.
Schedule an appointment today.
A Pregnancy Test Is Only the Beginning
A pregnancy test detects the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. While that hormone is associated with pregnancy, it does not provide a full medical picture.
A pregnancy test does not confirm:
- Where the pregnancy is located
- Whether the pregnancy is developing
- How far along you are
An ultrasound provides critical details about the status of your pregnancy and helps identify appropriate next steps.
Pregnancy Location Can Affect Your Health
In about 1 in 50 known pregnancies, a pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. This is known as an options. Because a fallopian tube cannot support a growing pregnancy, rupture can occur, leading to internal bleeding that requires emergency medical treatment.
Early warning signs are not always noticeable. Some women experience mild discomfort or spotting, while others have no symptoms at first. An ultrasound can identify where the pregnancy has implanted and alert you to conditions that require immediate medical evaluation.
Checking for Viability
Miscarriage occurs in about one in four pregnancies. Hormone levels can remain elevated even after a loss, which means a positive pregnancy test does not always reflect current development.
An ultrasound looks for signs of progression, including whether a fetal heartbeat is present at the expected stage. If a miscarriage has already occurred, an abortion procedure would not be a consideration. The scan can also help determine whether follow-up medical care is needed.
Timing and Your Options
How far along you are can influence what procedures may be discussed and what to expect physically. Dating a pregnancy based only on your last menstrual period is not always precise, particularly if your cycles are irregular.
Abortion pills are FDA-approved for use only during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Using them beyond that timeframe significantly increases the risk of complications, including incomplete abortion and the need for additional medical treatment.
Ultrasound imaging provides a more dependable estimate of gestational age, helping establish a timeline so you are not making a decision based on guesswork.
Support at Next Step
Next Step also offers referrals for STD testing and treatment. Your reproductive health is an important part of your overall well-being.
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, start by gathering the facts. You are welcome to bring your partner. Schedule a confidential, no-cost appointment at Next Step to receive a pregnancy test and see whether an ultrasound is appropriate for you.
Next Step does not provide or refer for abortions.