You’d think all you need to make a decision about abortion is a positive pregnancy test result. But, it isn’t. Eligibility for certain abortion methods is determined by how long you’ve been pregnant. Plus, it’s possible to get a positive test result and not actually be pregnant.
You need more information and the best way to get it is with an ultrasound. On average, an ultrasound in the Tallahassee area can cost around $177. At Mosaic Pregnancy & Health Centers, we offer them for free once you’ve had a positive pregnancy test at our center. Schedule your appointment today!
Information Only Ultrasound Provides
If you’re wondering why an ultrasound is necessary, take a closer look at the important information you’ll get from one:
1. You Need to Know How Long You’ve Been Pregnant
Why is it important to know the date you got pregnant? You can only qualify for medical abortion (the abortion pill) if you are 70 days or less from the first day of your last menstrual period. Our team can provide an estimate based on the first day of your last period, and an OB’s office would be able to give exact measurements.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) writes, “Clinicians should counsel patients that medication abortion failure rates, especially continuing pregnancy rates, increase as gestational age approaches 10 weeks (70 days).”
2. You Need to Know If Your Pregnancy is progressing
The Mayo Clinic cautions that up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. The actual number could be higher because many women miscarry before they even realize they’re pregnant.
If you’ve miscarried, it’s still possible to get a positive result on a pregnancy test because your body still thinks it’s pregnant. Your body needs time to get your hormones back into balance.
Ultrasound will reveal if your pregnancy is growing by detecting a heartbeat. If no heartbeat is heard, it’s either too early to detect or you’ve had a natural miscarriage.
3. You Need to Know Where Your Pregnancy is Located
Sometimes a pregnancy locates itself somewhere other than in the uterus. This type of pregnancy is called an ectopic pregnancy. Although fairly rare, an ectopic pregnancy is very dangerous and even life-threatening.
Abortion will not end an ectopic pregnancy so it’s necessary to see a health care provider who can discuss your options with you.
How We Can Help
At Mosaic, we offer free, confidential pregnancy testing. During this appointment, we can chat about your options. We’ll review abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks, as well as the options of adoption and parenting so that you can have a well-rounded understanding of all the pregnancy options available to you.
During your ultrasound appointment, we can provide estimate of how far along you may be, confirm fetal heartbeat (which indicates that your pregnancy is progressing), and verify that your pregnancy is located in the uterus.
We’re a safe place to share your concerns and ask questions. Contact us today so you can feel confident about your decision.
*Mosaic does not perform or refer for abortions, but we are able to provide accurate options education on any pregnancy choice you might be considering.