Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?

An unexpected positive pregnancy test can bring a lot of questions and leave you wondering where to turn next. Whether you’re thinking about parenting, aborting, or placing for adoption, an ultrasound is a necessary first step to take.

Particularly, when considering abortion, it’s imperative to complete an ultrasound. In fact, in the state of Florida, a patient must attend a separate visit prior to their abortion procedure to complete an ultrasound and lab work as well as review education and options.

Why do I need an ultrasound?

1. Verify the pregnancy – An ultrasound will confirm if you are actually pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic (link), at least 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many of these occur early in a pregnancy before an ultrasound can be performed. It is possible for HCG, the pregnancy hormone that causes a pregnancy test to show up positive, to still be detectible in the urine even following a natural miscarriage. An ultrasound will visibly determine whether or not you are still pregnant.
2. Determine the viability of the pregnancy – Depending on the location of the pregnancy, a pregnancy may be deemed unviable. Specifically, it’s crucial to rule out an ectopic pregnancy which occurs outside the womb, typically in the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency and cannot be treated as a normal pregnancy. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, we will immediately refer you for emergency care.
3. Determine the gestational age – The age of a pregnancy determines what options will be available to you. Different methods of abortion are appropriate at different stages of the pregnancy, and state laws rule out abortion as a pregnancy option past a certain gestational age.
4. Discover available options – An ultrasound provides visual evidence of the pregnancy, which can be a crucial factor for many women in their decision making for their pregnancy. The results of an ultrasound will also determine which options are available to you.

If you are pregnant and considering abortion, First Coast Women’s Services is here to help. We provide free ultrasounds as well as other resources and education to help you make an informed decision for your pregnancy.

Ready to schedule your ultrasound? Click HERE.