Although you may want to make a quick decision to have an abortion, there are a few things you need to do beforehand.
To confidently decide on abortion, you must first confirm if your pregnancy is viable (growing), ensure the location of the pregnancy is correct, and learn about the various limitations.
Thankfully, the medical team at Her Hope Pregnancy Center is here to help you. The choice of abortion is yours and yours alone. We are here to provide free services so that you can make an informed decision.
Schedule an appointment today.
How Do I Confirm If My Pregnancy Is Viable?
A viable pregnancy is one that is progressing with a detectable heartbeat. Before choosing to have an abortion, make sure you are pregnant. A missed period and a positive pregnancy test may not be enough information.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says miscarriage is the most common form of pregnancy loss. It is estimated that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and most occur within the first 12 weeks.
It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test days or even weeks following a miscarriage. To determine if your pregnancy is developing and you haven’t miscarried, you need an ultrasound.
After approximately five to six weeks of pregnancy, an ultrasound can detect a fetal heartbeat. If one is detected, your pregnancy is developing at that point. If a heartbeat is not detected, it’s either too early or you have miscarried.
Why Does the Location of the Pregnancy Matter?
Although most pregnancies implant and develop in a woman’s uterus, there are occasions when the pregnancy implants elsewhere. A pregnancy that grows outside the uterus is known as an ectopic pregnancy.
Often, an ectopic pregnancy forms in a fallopian tube, which leads to the uterus. Only the uterus can safely hold a developing pregnancy. If it grows in a fallopian tube, you run the risk of the tube rupturing.
An ectopic pregnancy is extremely dangerous, even life-threatening. Abortion drugs do not end an ectopic pregnancy, so you should see your healthcare provider immediately if you think this could be a possibility.
An ultrasound can screen for this complication.
What Are the Limitations to an Abortion?
The gestational age, or the number of weeks and days you have been pregnant, usually determines the abortion procedure you qualify for.
The FDA approves the use of the abortion drugs (the abortion pill method) through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are, the less effective the drugs are. The most conclusive way to tell how far along you are is with an ultrasound.
Other limitations include:
- A suspected ectopic pregnancy.
- An Intrauterine device (IUD) is in place.
- Certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders
- Take a blood thinner.
- Can’t reach a healthcare professional or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Allergic to the drugs.
Get a Free Limited Ultrasound
Trying to decide how to proceed with your pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’re here for you.
Her Hope Pregnancy Center provides free, limited obstetrical ultrasounds. Schedule an appointment for a free pregnancy test at our center. If your test is positive, we’ll provide a free ultrasound.
An ultrasound provides the information you need to make a confident and empowered decision. Take this next step before scheduling an abortion to protect your health and safety.
Her Hope Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of
writing.