If you’re considering abortion after receiving a positive pregnancy test, you may be wondering whether an ultrasound is really necessary. While a positive pregnancy test can indicate pregnancy, there are important details it cannot tell you that may affect your health and options.
Before making a pregnancy decision, understanding how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy is viable can give you a clearer picture of your situation.
Hands of Hope PRC provides free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and confidential support about your options so you can get the information you need before deciding what to do next.
Schedule a confidential appointment today. We’re here to walk alongside you, one step at a time.
A Positive Pregnancy Test Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Pregnancy tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy. A positive result tells you that hCG is present, but it does not tell you everything you need to know about the pregnancy.
A limited ultrasound can provide additional information, including:
- How far along you are (the gestational age)
- The location of your pregnancy
- If the pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat
Why an Ultrasound Is Important
Knowing how far along you are can be important when considering abortion. The abortion pill, for example, is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation. Taking the drugs beyond the recommended timeframe may increase your risk of complications.
An ultrasound can also provide information about where the pregnancy is developing. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot continue normally and can become a medical emergency if it causes the fallopian tube to rupture. The abortion pill does not treat this condition, and immediate medical attention is needed.
An ultrasound may also provide information about whether the pregnancy is progressing and whether a heartbeat can be detected.
Around 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Because hCG can remain in the body after a pregnancy loss, a pregnancy test may continue to show a positive result for some time afterward.
Having this information can help you understand your pregnancy and identify questions or concerns that may require follow-up medical care.
Learn About Your Options at Hands of Hope PRC
You deserve the opportunity to understand your pregnancy before deciding what comes next.
Hands of Hope PRC provides free pregnancy services and confidential support as you consider your options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our peer counselors can answer your questions and provide information without pressuring you toward a particular decision.
We also offer free parenting education and referrals to community resources if you are considering parenting but have concerns about the emotional or financial responsibilities.
Contact us to schedule your confidential appointment and get the information you need.
Hands of Hope PRC does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.