Before considering an abortion, it’s important to pause and gather the right medical information. A positive pregnancy test is an important first step, but it doesn’t answer the questions that matter most for safety and next steps. Knowing a few key details ahead of time can help protect your health and help you make a decision with more confidence.
The Pregnancy Help Center offers free, confidential services in a private setting where you’ll be treated with respect and care. Pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing, educational resources, and professional guidance are available at no cost so you can get answers without pressure.
Schedule a private one-on-one appointment to get reliable information and feel more confident about your next steps.
1. Gestational Age (How Far Along the Pregnancy Is)
Gestational age tells you how far a pregnancy has progressed. This matters because abortion methods and potential risks can vary depending on timing, and some options are only available in early pregnancy.
A home pregnancy test cannot determine gestational age. An ultrasound can provide reliable dating so you know how far along the pregnancy is and what options may be available.
2. Ultrasound Safety Checks (Location and Viability)
An ultrasound also helps confirm that the pregnancy is located in the uterus. In some cases, a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency. If left untreated, it can cause the fallopian tube to rupture and lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. It also cannot be treated with a medical abortion, which is why confirming pregnancy location is an important safety step before moving forward.
An ultrasound can also assess viability by checking for signs of development, such as fetal cardiac activity. This matters because miscarriage is common in early pregnancy and occurs in an estimated 10–20% of known pregnancies, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Knowing whether a pregnancy is developing as expected can help ensure you receive the right care.
3. STI Testing (Protecting Your Health)
STI testing is another important step before an abortion. Some sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea, can exist without symptoms.
If left untreated, STIs can increase the risk of infection after an abortion and may contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause long-term inflammation and scarring that may lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy in the future. Testing and treatment, when needed, can help reduce these risks.
Taking the Next Step
Getting these medical details first can help you make decisions based on facts rather than uncertainty. The Pregnancy Help Center offers a confidential place to ask questions, review results, and understand your options without pressure.
To learn more or schedule a free, confidential appointment, contact the Pregnancy Help Center today.
The Pregnancy Help Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
