Before you take the abortion pill, you need an ultrasound. An ultrasound is so much more than a photo, it’s a way for medical professionals to give you personalized medical data about your body and your pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more specifics of how an ultrasound helps during an unplanned pregnancy.
GESTATIONAL AGE
An ultrasound gives you an accurate measurement of how far along you are. That matters because medications like the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) are only FDA-approved up through 10 weeks. Without knowing the true gestational age, there’s a risk of using medication outside the safest window. That can change how effective the medications are and what your body experiences.
LOCATION
Ultrasounds also help verify that the pregnancy is located where it should be. Most pregnancies develop in the uterus, but sometimes a fertilized egg implants outside of it—in the fallopian tube or elsewhere—which is called an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can’t continue and can become a medical emergency if not treated, because it can cause internal bleeding and serious health risks. An ultrasound is the standard way to check for this.
VIABILITY
Another key reason for an ultrasound before the abortion pill is to make sure the pregnancy is still viable. Early on, it’s common for pregnancies to miscarry on their own—estimates suggest that up to 20-30% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and many occur before someone even knows they’re pregnant. An ultrasound can show whether there’s a heartbeat and normal development, so you won’t go through a medical process you don’t need. That’s not just about cost—it’s about respecting your body and your experience.
A decision around pregnancy are deeply personal, and you deserve accurate, compassionate medical information before moving forward. We offer zero-cost, legal, confidential pre-abortion screenings with a registered nurse who can answer your questions and provide the data you need to make the choice that’s right for you. Tap here to schedule your appointment online anytime.
We hope you never need us, but we’re here for you if you do.