If you have an unexpected pregnancy and are considering abortion, getting clear medical information about your pregnancy is an important first step. A lab-quality pregnancy test can confirm pregnancy, but it cannot provide details about what is happening inside the uterus, making a viability ultrasound essential.

At Women’s Clinic, we provide free, lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited viability ultrasounds in a confidential setting. This service is for women who are considering abortion or are unsure about their next steps. If you are wondering whether a viability ultrasound is right for you, our team can talk through your situation and answer any questions you have.

What an Ultrasound Shows

An ultrasound sends sound waves through the body to generate images of internal structures. During pregnancy, those images give medical professionals a clear look inside the uterus to take measurements and assess the pregnancy’s development.

An ultrasound will reveal three key details: your pregnancy’s location, gestational age, and viability.

Pregnancy Location

One of the first things a viability ultrasound can help determine is the location of the pregnancy. Most pregnancies develop in the uterus, but in a small percentage of cases, the pregnancy implants outside the uterus, commonly in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention.

Gestational Age

A viability ultrasound also measures how far along you are in your pregnancy. This information is used to estimate gestational age and may affect what options are available based on timing. Knowing gestational age can also help guide appropriate next steps in care.

Pregnancy Viability

Another purpose of a viability ultrasound is to assess the pregnancy’s progress. Early in pregnancy, this includes confirming cardiac activity and evaluating whether development is consistent with expected timelines. About 1 in 4 known pregnancies end in miscarriage.

Why This Matters Before an Abortion Decision

Without a viability ultrasound, certain medical factors about a pregnancy may not be known before making a decision.  For example, an ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment and cannot be resolved through abortion procedures.

If a miscarriage has already occurred, a woman may still experience pregnancy symptoms without realizing the pregnancy has already ended. 

In other cases, the pregnancy may be further along than expected, which may increase the likelihood of complications, including an incomplete abortion.

Protecting Your Health and Next Steps

Understanding these details can help you make more informed decisions about your health and safety. If you would like to learn more or ask whether a viability ultrasound could be right for you, contact Women’s Clinic to schedule a visit. Call or text us during our expanded hours at 443.333.8856.

You do not need insurance, and same-day appointments are available. 

Women’s Clinics does not provide or refer for abortions.