Ultrasounds are a common medical procedure, especially for pregnant women. In the context of abortion, ultrasounds can be used to diagnose the gestational age of a pregnancy, confirm that it is located in the uterus, and determine how many fetuses are present. This information is invaluable when it comes to making decisions about a pregnancy. Here's a closer look at what you need to know about ultrasounds and an abortion.
When Are Ultrasounds Used?
Ultrasounds are often used before an abortion is scheduled. This helps your doctor or another healthcare provider assess your pregnancy and make sure all procedures are safe for you. Depending on where you live and other factors, an ultrasound may be required before or after the abortion process begins.
Are There Different Types of Ultrasounds?
There are two main types of ultrasounds used to determine pregnancy: transabdominal and transvaginal. A transabdominal ultrasound is the type of ultrasound that most people picture with the technician holding a probe to the patient's abdomen. A transvaginal ultrasound, however, is inserted into the patient's vagina and is typically used in early pregnancy.
Both methods are effective at diagnosing the gestational age of a pregnancy.
What Do Ultrasounds Show?
The primary goal of using ultrasounds prior to an abortion is to accurately assess fetal age and location. In some cases, an ultrasound may reveal that the pregnancy is ectopic or occurring outside the uterus, which is very dangerous for women and not viable for the fetus. The information gathered during an ultrasound will help your healthcare provider decide what type of abortion is best for you based on your health, preferences, and medical history.
Ultrasound technology has come a long way over the years, and today's ultrasounds can provide detailed images that allow physicians to make informed decisions about your pregnancy with greater accuracy than ever before. It is important to note, however, that just because an ultrasound may be required, you do not have to look at the screen if you do not want to. It is perfectly acceptable to advocate for yourself and request that the screen be turned away from you and all sounds turned off.
Knowing exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy can be key when making decisions about abortion options which is why ultrasounds play such an important role in the process. Ultimately, having this information will help ensure that any decision made about your pregnancy is well-informed and safe for you.
For more information, contact a clinic like the Hope Pregnancy Center.