4 Reasons You Need an Ultrasound Before An Abortion

August 14, 2026

Before making any decision about your pregnancy, there is medical information that a positive pregnancy test cannot provide. A limited ultrasound can give you specific details about your pregnancy, including estimated gestational age, location, and whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing. These details are the foundation of an informed decision.

Women’s Care Center Parkersburg offers complimentary pregnancy testing, and if your pregnancy test is positive, you may qualify for a limited ultrasound performed by a licensed healthcare professional. We also offer an abortion information consultation where you can ask questions and learn more about your pregnancy and your options.

Schedule your appointment today. Keep reading for the four reasons why you need an ultrasound before an abortion.

1. Learn How Far Along You Are

One of the first questions many women ask is, “How far along am I?”

A pregnancy test confirms the presence of the pregnancy hormone hCG, but it cannot estimate your gestational age. A limited ultrasound can provide that information.

Gestational age is medically significant when considering your options. For example, the FDA has approved the abortion pill for use only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.  

2. Confirm the Pregnancy Is Located in the Uterus

Not every pregnancy develops inside the uterus.

A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy. While occurring in approximately 2% of known pregnancies, an ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition that requires prompt attention and cannot be treated with the abortion pill.

A limited ultrasound can help determine whether the pregnancy appears to be located within the uterus or whether further medical evaluation is needed.

3. Understand Whether the Pregnancy Is Developing

A limited ultrasound can also indicate whether the pregnancy appears to be progressing as expected.

Sometimes a pregnancy may have already ended naturally through miscarriage without obvious symptoms. If ultrasound findings raise this concern, further medical evaluation and follow-up are needed to determine whether additional care is required.

Taken together, gestational age, pregnancy location, and signs of progression can identify health concerns that require further evaluation and provide context for the medical care you may need.

4. Check for an STI

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be present without noticeable symptoms. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to the upper reproductive tract, including the uterus and fallopian tubes, and cause pelvic inflammatory disease. PID may lead to chronic pelvic pain, scarring, infertility, or an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Women’s Care Center offers STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Testing can identify an infection so that appropriate treatment can be discussed before making any pregnancy decision.

Know What to Expect

We understand that taking this first step can feel uncertain, and we want you to feel as prepared as possible before you arrive.

Your consultation will begin with a urine pregnancy test and a review of your medical and reproductive health history. If you qualify for a limited obstetric ultrasound, it may be performed during the same visit or scheduled for a follow-up appointment.

Our medical personnel can also provide abortion information relevant to state law, discuss whether STI testing is recommended, and answer any questions you have. You are welcome to ask anything. There are no wrong questions here.

Throughout your appointment, you will not be pressured, judged, or rushed. This is your appointment, and we are here to support you through it.

Contact Women’s Care Center to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Women’s Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.