When facing an unexpected pregnancy, it can feel like a decision needs to happen quickly. Before moving forward with abortion, it is wise to gather specific medical details about your pregnancy. An ultrasound provides insight that cannot be gained from a pregnancy test alone.
At Stillwater Life Services, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to help you better assess your situation. These services are designed to provide important health information before any final choice is made.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment today.
Important Information a Pregnancy Test Cannot Provide
A pregnancy test identifies the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone associated with pregnancy. What it does not show is how the pregnancy is progressing or whether there are medical concerns to address.
Key questions include:
- Is the pregnancy located inside the uterus?
- Is there evidence of ongoing development?
- What is the estimated gestational age?
An ultrasound helps answer these questions.
When Location Becomes a Health Issue
Although uncommon, a fertilized egg may implant somewhere other than the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy and most often occurs in a fallopian tube. Because a fallopian tube is not designed to support a growing pregnancy, it can rupture, leading to internal bleeding that requires emergency medical treatment. Abortion pills do not treat an ectopic pregnancy.
A limited ultrasound can detect whether the pregnancy is positioned within the uterus or elsewhere. If a concern is identified, a medical referral can be provided promptly.
Viability and Miscarriage
Miscarriage occurs in approximately 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies. Because hormone levels do not immediately return to pre-pregnancy levels, a test result alone cannot determine whether the pregnancy is ongoing.
During a limited ultrasound, signs of development are assessed, including whether cardiac activity is present when expected. If a miscarriage has already taken place, abortion would not be considered, and appropriate follow-up care would be discussed instead.
The Role of Gestational Age
The number of weeks into pregnancy can influence both physical risks and available approaches. Abortion pills are FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. Beyond that stage, the likelihood of complications rises, and the need for urgent follow-up care.
An ultrasound provides a more precise estimate of how far the pregnancy has progressed, reducing reliance on cycle-based calculations and guesswork.
Additional Support at Stillwater Life Services
Stillwater Life Services also offers low-cost STD/STI testing, which includes a lab fee. If additional support is needed, we provide referrals for medical care, housing assistance, counseling services, and financial assistance.
If you are considering abortion, taking time to receive accurate medical information can protect your health. Book an appointment with Stillwater Life Services to begin with pregnancy testing and learn whether a limited ultrasound is recommended for you.
Stillwater Life Services does not provide or refer for abortions.