As you decide which pregnancy option is best for you, it’s crucial to gather all of the information you can. Ultrasounds are non-invasive scans used to evaluate the age, location, and viability of the pregnancy and identify any serious health complications you may face.
Ultrasounds give you a unique glimpse into your pregnancy options. They also help you avoid many of the potential health risks related to abortion, including hemorrhaging, infections, and sepsis.
Ultrasounds determine viability
While pregnancy tests identify whether or not your body is producing pregnancy-related hormones, ultrasounds are the only way to truly confirm that you are pregnant with a viable pregnancy.
Viability refers to pregnancies where the baby has a chance for survival outside of the womb. If your ultrasound shows your pregnancy has either already ended or is nonviable, a typical abortion procedure will not be necessary and your doctor will help you determine the appropriate next steps.
Ultrasounds will help identify potential health concerns
Before an abortion, it’s important to rule out ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy that is developing outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are not only nonviable but can also be fatal if left untreated. An ultrasound scan is the best way to identify an ectopic pregnancy.