You may think a late period and a positive pregnancy test are all you need to confirm you’re pregnant. Actually, there’s more to know. We care about your health and safety, which is why we recommend getting an ultrasound before choosing to have an abortion.

An ultrasound answers three critical questions:

• Is my pregnancy developing, or have I had an early miscarriage?
• How far along am I?
• Is the pregnancy located in the correct place?

Get the answers to these essential questions by scheduling a no-cost, pre-abortion screening at Willowbrook Women’s Center. Get no-cost and confidential pregnancy testing. We will provide an ultrasound at no cost if your test is positive. Make your appointment today.

Reason #1:  Am I Still Pregnant?

Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks.

Many times, the signs of a miscarriage can be similar to pregnancy symptoms. You might experience cramping with or without bleeding. You can still get a positive pregnancy test because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.

You can continue to take pregnancy tests to see if the results change, or you could get a pre-abortion screening at Willowbrook, which includes an ultrasound.

Reason #2: What Is the Gestational Age?

Do you know the exact date you became pregnant? Period trackers can’t be relied upon to give you an accurate age. Instead, medical professionals use an ultrasound scan to take measurements.

The gestational age is how far along you are in your pregnancy. The number of weeks and days can determine the abortion method available to you.

The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs (the abortion pill method) through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are, the less effective the drugs become.

The gestational age also determines the type of surgical procedure. Abortion providers use suction for early pregnancies but add surgical instruments later in pregnancy.

Reason #3: To Learn Your Pregnancy’s Location

Although rare, some pregnancies do not develop in the correct location. These are called ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy implants and grows somewhere other than the uterus.

An abortion does not end an ectopic pregnancy, and these can be dangerous, even life-threatening. An ultrasound determines if the pregnancy is located correctly in the uterus.

How Can Willowbrook Women’s Center Help Me?

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, get the facts first. To get a clear picture of your health and protect your safety, receive a free pre-abortion screening at Willowbrook.

Choose your nearest location and get the compassionate care you need. Make an appointment online or call 816-244-7824. We’re here for you!

Willowbrook does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.