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Ultrasound
Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Abortion in California
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may wonder why you need an ultrasound before abortion.
The answer is that ultrasounds determine two key aspects of your pregnancy: viability and gestational age, both of which impact your pregnancy options.
Essential Medical Information from Your Free Ultrasound
During your ultrasound examination, trained medical professionals can determine crucial information about your pregnancy.
Our free ultrasound services confirm:
- Fetal heartbeat
- Pregnancy location within or outside the uterus
- Accurate gestational age
Understanding Pregnancy Viability
Through Free Ultrasound
A viable pregnancy means that growth and development are progressing as expected during the early stages of pregnancy. For example, at about 6 weeks gestation, the fetal heartbeat can typically be detected by an ultrasound technology.[1] This serves as one of the primary indicators of pregnancy viability.
Why Gestational Age Matters
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. However, calculating gestational age based solely on your period can be inaccurate due to irregular cycles, recent birth control use, or other factors. Professional ultrasounds are the most accurate way to determine your gestational age.
Knowing your gestational age is crucial because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[2]
Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Pregnancy Care Center. If your ultrasound determines that you are further along than expected, our compassionate patient advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future.
What to Expect During Your Free
Ultrasound Appointment
During your free ultrasound appointment, our compassionate medical staff will guide you through the entire process. We’ll explain what we’re seeing on the ultrasound screen and answer any questions you may have about your pregnancy.
Your free ultrasound appointment will include:
- Comprehensive pregnancy confirmation through visual imaging
- Precise gestational age determination
- Fetal heartbeat detection
- Pregnancy viability evaluation
- Time for questions and discussion in a supportive environment
Our goal is to ensure you leave your appointment with complete, accurate information about your pregnancy status and a clear understanding of your individual situation.
Reach Out About A Free Ultrasound Today
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our ultrasound-trained medical personnel provide the support and vital information needed to make informed decisions about your health and future.
Don’t wait to get the professional care you deserve. Give us a call at 559-237-0847 to talk with our team today about scheduling an ultrasound. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate your needs.
Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. Our limited ultrasound examination is strictly for confirming pregnancy, detecting fetal cardiac activity, and estimating gestational age. We cannot diagnose medical problems you may be experiencing, pregnancy-related or otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an ultrasound before having an abortion?
An ultrasound is essential before abortion because it provides critical medical information about your pregnancy that directly impacts your safety and treatment options.
The ultrasound determines two key factors: pregnancy viability (whether the pregnancy is developing normally) and accurate gestational age (how far along you are). This information is crucial because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period, and certain pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancies cannot be treated with standard abortion medications.
What will the ultrasound show about my pregnancy?
During your free ultrasound examination, trained medical professionals can detect several important aspects of your pregnancy including:
- Fetal heartbeat
- Whether the pregnancy is located within or outside the uterus
- Gestational age determination
- Detection of multiple pregnancies such as twins or triplets
How accurate is gestational age calculation without an ultrasound?
Calculating gestational age based solely on your period can be inaccurate due to several factors including irregular menstrual cycles, recent birth control use, or other hormonal influences.
Professional ultrasounds provide the most accurate method for determining gestational age. In fact, many women discover through ultrasound that they are either earlier or further along than they initially thought.
What happens if my ultrasound shows I'm too far along for the abortion pill?
If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for the abortion pill, the medical staff will explain your situation and help you understand all available options.
Our compassionate client advocates will work with you to explore all of your pregnancy options, ensuring you have complete information to make the best choice for your health and future circumstances.
Sources
- Männer, J. (2022, June 9). When Does the Human Embryonic Heart Start Beating? A Review of Contemporary and Historical Sources of Knowledge about the Onset of Blood Circulation in Man. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9225347/
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information