Are you pregnant and unsure about what to do? Are you confused about all the options you have? Here at Life Options Clinic, we encourage all expectant mothers to book an ultrasound appointment even if they are planning to have an abortion. Some organizations will tell you that an ultrasound is not necessary, but we want to share with you why we believe it is important for you to do so.
1. HOW FAR ALONG IN THE PREGNANCY ARE YOU?
It is important to know how far along you are in your pregnancy, and an ultrasound will help determine an accurate gestational age of your baby. This is important to know no matter what option you are leaning towards. If you are thinking of having an abortion, there are different procedures depending on the gestational age of your baby. If you are leaning towards parenting or making an adoption plan, it is important that you begin getting medical care as soon as possible for a healthy pregnancy.
2. IS THIS A VIABLE PREGNANCY?
An ultrasound will also help determine if your pregnancy is viable or, in other words, if the heartbeat is present. Additionally, an ultrasound also helps determine the chances of a miscarriage occurring. Studies show that approximately 20 percent of pregnancies under 10 weeks end in miscarriage.
Therefore, why schedule an abortion if you don’t necessarily need one?* Whether you are planning to have an abortion or not, it is always important to know if your pregnancy is viable and if you are prone to miscarriage.
*(Note: Even if you are prone to miscarriage, you still need to seek medical attention).
To learn more about the signs and symptoms of miscarriage, go the the American Pregnancy Association’s website. There is a wealth of information on this site. Here is the link to learn more about miscarriage: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/miscarriage/
3. DO YOU HAVE AN ECTOPIC PREGNANCY?
An ultrasound can also determine the location of your pregnancy. While the majority of pregnancies develop in the uterus, there is a chance that you could have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed when the embryo is implanted in a location other than the uterus – such as the fallopian tubes. While ectopic pregnancies are rare, if not discovered early they can be life-threatening. So, it is very important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need to seek emergency medical attention immediately. It is also important to note that if you begin the process of having an abortion while having an ectopic pregnancy, it can be very dangerous and detrimental to your health. The American Pregnancy Association has more information about ectopic pregnancies. Just click on this link to go to their website: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/ectopic-pregnancy/
4. YOU DO HAVE OPTIONS, SO PLEASE KNOW YOUR OPTIONS … BE EDUCATED BEFORE YOU DECIDE!
If you think you might be pregnant or if you are considering an abortion, we encourage you to call for a FREE appointment for a pregnancy test and ultrasound at Life Options Clinic. Our website is www.lifeoptionsclinic.org. You can chat online with someone 24/7 to ask questions, or to schedule an appointment. Or call us Monday through Thursday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to schedule an appointment. Our number is 850-983-2730. If you call after hours, you will be able to connect with a compassionate and caring advocate who can help you with your questions and schedule an appointment for you. It is so important that you receive all the information you need before making any decision. Please be informed … an abortion is a medical procedure. This is your body and we want you to know what will be happening as you undergo any medical procedure. Your personal health and well-being is important to us. We are here to provide you with the information and support you need as you make your decision. We promise confidentiality and a no-pressure, no judgement approach as we speak with you about all your options.