Will planned parenthood do an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy

August 18, 2020

You weren’t expecting this. It’s possible that when those two pink lines appeared, your first reactions were full of fear, anxiety, and worry. When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s normal to feel a myriad of emotions, and it’s likely that your head has become clouded with future scenarios and “what if’s.” For many women in this situation, abortion is the first thing that comes to mind. 

Your friends at Bella Women’s Center are here to give you evidence-based information on abortion procedures and free and confidential services and tests that should come before your abortion appointment. Because abortion is a serious medical procedure, it’s essential that you are provided with all the information you need. We’re here to help confirm your pregnancy, understand your options, and answer any of your questions.

Here’s a list of three crucial things you’ll need to do before any Planned Parenthood abortion:

1. Pregnancy Test

Prior to scheduling your Planned Parenthood abortion, you’ll want to confirm that you are actually pregnant. For any pregnancy test, it’s best to wait at least one week after your missed period. Even if you’ve taken an at-home pregnancy test, you should also take a lab-quality test. These tests provide the most accurate results by measuring the hCG in urine. If positive, your test should be followed by an ultrasound scan. 

2. Ultrasound

Before scheduling your Planned Parenthood abortion, it’s key to get all of the facts about your pregnancy. An ultrasound will help you determine how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and whether it is viable.
While there are many apps and tools for tracking your menstrual cycle, it’s likely many women aren’t exactly sure when they conceived their pregnancy, making it impossible to know when they would be due.

Maybe you’re wondering, “If I’m getting an abortion, why would I need to know the due date?” Good question! There are two main types of abortion — the abortion pill and a surgical abortion — and the stage and due date of the pregnancy will determine what kind of abortion procedure you will be eligible to receive. Understanding this will help you prepare mentally for your procedure and allow you to have expectations about your abortion costs, as the procedures vary in expense.

An ultrasound scan is also necessary before your abortion to make sure your pregnancy is viable, meaning a heartbeat can be detected and that the pregnancy is located in the uterus. When the pregnancy is not found in the uterus, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. Not only are ectopic pregnancies not viable, but they can also be dangerous and life-threatening to the woman. Ultrasound scans allow medical professionals to detect ectopic pregnancies before they become a significant risk.

3. Information on All Your Options

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, women have three options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. You are entitled to education and information on each option available to you, and we are here to help provide you with the resources you need so you can make the best choice for you and your future! 

Bella Women’s Center provides free and confidential pregnancy services, such as pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, options counseling, and resources for whatever choice you make! If you are exploring your options or have already scheduled your abortion appointment, but haven’t yet taken a lab-quality pregnancy test or received an ultrasound scan, contact us today to set up your free and confidential appointment!

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