Ultrasounds

Why Are Ultrasounds So Important?

Because of movies, TV shows, and social media, people often have misconceptions about what ultrasounds do. It’s easy to think that an ultrasound is just a way to get pictures of your growing baby, find out the gender, or “meet” them for the first time. If you are considering an abortion, it can be easy to think that an ultrasound isn’t necessary.

However, this image isn’t complete. While ultrasounds do show pictures of the developing baby for parents and friends to marvel at, they also serve as important diagnostic tools for catching problems early in pregnancy, as well as allow you to know what abortion procedures are available to you. In short, an ultrasound is one of the safest and best ways to get essential information about your pregnancy.

Ultrasounds give women and their health providers useful information, such as:

If the Pregnancy is Healthy

An early pregnancy test will detect pregnancy hormones in your body when you are more than a few weeks pregnant. However, as many as one in four end in early miscarriage (the majority of them are during the first trimester).¹ This means that, even if you have a positive pregnancy test, your pregnancy may end on its own naturally. An ultrasound can detect even a faint fetal heartbeat, which lets you know whether your pregnancy is healthy.

The Approximate Gestational Age of Your Pregnancy

This information is vital for a number of reasons. First, it gives you an estimate of your due date. Second, it tells you and your provider how far along you are. And finally, it influences what pregnancy options are available to you. If you are considering an abortion, how far along you are in your pregnancy determines what abortion procedures can be used, as well as the potential cost of an abortion. Call or text CompassCare today at 585-232-2350 or 716-800-2306 to schedule a no-cost pre-abortion assessment.

The Location of Your Pregnancy

In rare cases, women have ectopic pregnancies — a pregnancy that begins growing outside of the womb. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. An ultrasound is the safest and easiest way to determine the location of the pregnancy and avoid the potential danger an ectopic pregnancy poses.

Where to Get an Ultrasound

There are many places you can get an ultrasound when you have a positive pregnancy result. Many OB-GYN offices will refer you to an imaging group in their hospital system, and there are also plenty of dedicated ultrasound and imaging clinics that perform them.

However, most obstetricians will not refer for an ultrasound until at least 8 weeks into pregnancy and most abortion providers will not perform an ultrasound unless the patient is committed to having an abortion. If you are pregnant and considering abortion, you can get the information you need at CompassCare, including a no-cost pregnancy verification ultrasound. We’ll provide you with resources, information, and support for every stage of your pregnancy and answer all of your questions about your pregnancy options without judgment. Call or text 585-232-2350 or 716-800-2306, or schedule an appointment online now.