When thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is your first step
Did you know that up to 25% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage? Many women don’t desire to have an ultrasound when abortion is the planned next step, however, is the best way to know the state of your pregnancy, and if abortion is even necessary.
Ultrasound is the best way to know for sure how far along your pregnancy has progressed, where the embryo is located in your uterus, and the viability of the pregnancy. Many abortion procedure options are determined by this information. While we do not perform or refer women for abortions, we want to offer you your best first step, as your health is our primary concern. An ultrasound will educate you on all the details of your situation and give you an opportunity to turn any fears or anxieties you may be facing into reassured confidence.
Here are some recent questions others are asking
Do I need an ultrasound before an abortion?
Getting an ultrasound before an abortion is recommended because you will need to determine the gestational age of your pregnancy to know what type of abortion you need and verify your pregnancy. An ultrasound can determine if your body is preparing for a miscarriage.
What tests are done before an abortion?
You should have a pregnancy test as well as STI/STD testing and treatment.
What happens during an abortion?
This depends on the type of abortion you get. If you get a medical abortion, you will be taking two different medications. One pill stops the pregnancy, and the other pill expels the pregnancy tissue from your body.
If you get a surgical abortion, a doctor must insert a speculum to examine your uterus. Your cervix will be stretched open with dilators either before or during the procedure. Next, the doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus.
Do abortions hurt?
Pain and discomfort levels vary from woman to woman. Some women experience the physical side effect of severe cramping, fever, vomiting, chills, etc.
Additionally, some of the emotional and psychological side effects don’t always present themselves until much later.
How long does the pain last after an abortion?
You can expect to experience light to heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by cramping for about two weeks. However, if you continue to have bleeding and cramping for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention.
What are the side effects of an abortion?
- Intense cramping
- Bleeding heavier than a period
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Mild fever
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- An allergic reaction to the medication
- Infection
- An incomplete abortion
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Passing clots for two or more hours that are equal or larger than the size of a lemon
- Strong smelling vaginal discharge
- Excessive bleeding, using two or more pads in an hour
How much does abortion cost (or what is the average cost of an abortion)?
The average cost of an abortion in the US in the first trimester is approximately $500. Second-trimester abortions average $1,500. However, abortion costs tend to be higher in states where abortion is more restricted.
