When a pregnancy test comes back positive and you aren’t sure you can continue the pregnancy, an ultrasound may not be the first thing on your mind. You may be focused on finding answers quickly and figuring out what comes next.

Before you make any decision, though, it’s worth knowing that a positive test only tells you one thing: your body is producing hCG, the pregnancy hormone. A pregnancy test can’t show how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is developing, or where the pregnancy has implanted. An ultrasound can answer those questions, and each answer affects your health.

Aid for Women offers free, confidential pre-abortion screening, including medical verification of pregnancy and a limited obstetrical ultrasound. Book an appointment at any of our locations, or call or text (312) 621-1100 to speak with a nurse.

Question 1: How Far Along Am I?

Many women estimate how far along they are by counting from the first day of their last period. That estimate can easily be off if your cycles are irregular, you’ve mistaken spotting for a period, or you’re unsure of your dates.

An ultrasound gives a more accurate measurement of gestational age, and that number matters for your safety. The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Mayo Clinic also notes that medical abortion isn’t an option for a woman who is too far along. Guessing wrong about your dates could put your health at risk.

Question 2: Is the Pregnancy Still Developing?

A positive pregnancy test doesn’t always mean a pregnancy is progressing. About 10% to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage, and most of those losses happen in the first trimester. In some cases, hCG remains present for some time after a pregnancy has ended.

An ultrasound can look for a heartbeat and show whether the pregnancy appears to be developing. If a miscarriage has occurred, you would need different medical care than you might have expected, and knowing this early helps protect your health.

Question 3: Where Is the Pregnancy Located?

Most pregnancies implant inside the uterus. Occasionally, a pregnancy implants somewhere else, most often in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it requires prompt medical treatment. As the pregnancy grows, the tube can rupture and cause serious internal bleeding.

This is one of the most important reasons to have an ultrasound first:

• Mayo Clinic notes that medical abortion is not an option if an ectopic pregnancy is suspected.
• The Mifeprex label states that the drug is not effective for ending an ectopic pregnancy.
• The label also warns that the cramping and bleeding expected after taking the abortion pill may be similar to the symptoms of a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. That overlap could delay emergency care.

An ultrasound can show whether the pregnancy is inside the uterus before you make any decision.

What to Expect During Your Scan

If you’ve never had an ultrasound, it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Knowing what to expect can help.

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus. Early in pregnancy, the scan may be done transvaginally, with a small probe placed in the vagina, because this gives a clearer view at early stages. Later in pregnancy, the scan is usually done on the abdomen.

At Aid for Women, qualified medical professionals perform each limited obstetrical ultrasound in a private, respectful setting. If you have a positive pregnancy test at our clinic, you may be eligible for a free ultrasound.

Get the Facts Before You Decide

Choosing what to do about a pregnancy is a big decision, and you deserve to make it with complete information about your health.

At Aid for Women, our free, confidential pre-abortion screening includes:

• Medical verification of pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test
• A limited obstetrical ultrasound to estimate gestational age, check for a heartbeat, and confirm the pregnancy’s location
• A conversation with a medical professional who can answer your questions without judgment

You can visit us at any of our 8 locations. Book an appointment today, or call or text (312) 621-1100. A nurse is available to talk with you any time.

Aid for Women does not provide or refer for abortion.