The Importance of Pregnancy Ultrasounds and Prenatal Care

When you first find out you are pregnant, one of the best things you can do is schedule an ultrasound. Pregnancy ultrasounds are a vital part of prenatal care, offering numerous benefits for both you and your healthcare provider. An ultrasound allows us to learn more about your pregnancy and receive essential medical information.

Primary Benefits of a Pregnancy Ultrasound

An ultrasound provides the following essential medical information:

• Confirm your pregnancy: It verifies the presence of a viable pregnancy and its location. Any pregnancy that forms outside of the uterus is considered an ectopic pregnancy.
• Determine gestational age: We can accurately estimate how far along you are in your pregnancy, which helps in calculating your due date.
• Identify potential complications: While not common, ultrasounds can help detect potential issues early on, allowing for timely intervention if needed.

Why an Ultrasound is Necessary Before an Abortion

Do I Need an Ultrasound if I Plan on Getting an Abortion? Yes, an ultrasound is typically a necessary step even if you are considering an abortion. This is because an ultrasound provides crucial information that ensures your safety and informs the medical process.

The information gathered allows your healthcare provider to rule out specific risks:

• Confirm pregnancy location: The only way to rule out an ectopic pregnancy is through an ultrasound. An ectopic pregnancy cannot be safely terminated with standard abortion procedures and doing so could cause permanent damage to a woman’s body.
• Confirm viability: Anywhere from 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. To determine whether your pregnancy is viable or at risk for a miscarriage, it is important to get an ultrasound. If your pregnancy ends in a miscarriage, there will be no need for an abortion.
• Determine gestational age: Knowing how far along you are is critical for determining the type of abortion procedure available to you, as most methods are not suitable for every stage of pregnancy.

Note: Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy is not considered an abortion because the pregnancy is not viable. Because of this, ectopic pregnancy treatment is legal everywhere, regardless of the abortion laws of the state.

Timing and Process

The timing of your first ultrasound can vary depending on your individual circumstances. Generally, the first ultrasound is performed between 6 and 8 weeks of pregnancy. This early ultrasound is often done to confirm the pregnancy, determine viability, and establish a more accurate due date. If you are experiencing symptoms such as spotting, cramping, or severe nausea, an early ultrasound might be recommended to assess the situation. By completing an ultrasound early in the pregnancy, you are able to have access to the most options and have the most time to decide.

Initial Steps: Pregnancy Testing

While symptoms like missed periods, fatigue, breast changes, and nausea are indicators of pregnancy, getting a free and confidential pregnancy test can help determine if you're pregnant. Symptoms alone don’t confirm pregnancy — the only way to know for sure is by taking a test. We offer lab-quality pregnancy tests — completely free of charge — which are 99% accurate. These tests detect hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) — a hormone your body produces during pregnancy. Because hCG levels double roughly every 72 hours, testing too early may lead to an inaccurate result.

Compassionate Care and Support

At River Region Women’s Clinic, we are committed to providing quality and affordable care. We do not charge anything for any of our services. Our trained staff offers confidential, nonjudgmental support to help you explore all your options — abortion, adoption, and parenting — so you can make a fully informed decision that’s right for you. You deserve access to quality care regardless of your financial situation. Whether you’re anxious, uncertain, or just need someone to talk to, we’re here for you.