Finding out you’re pregnant unexpectedly can bring up a lot of questions and a feeling of urgency to act quickly. One question you may have is, “Do I really need an ultrasound if I’m considering the abortion pill?” The short answer is yes, it’s essential – and here’s why.
Reason #1: An Ultrasound Shows Where the Pregnancy Is Located
One of the most important things an ultrasound does is show where the pregnancy is growing. Most pregnancies implant inside the uterus. But sometimes the fertilized egg latches on outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. That’s called an ectopic pregnancy.
The abortion pill cannot treat or end an ectopic pregnancy, which can become life-threatening if not diagnosed early. The abortion pill works on the uterus but do nothing to stop an ectopic pregnancy from growing and possibly rupturing.
Because the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy (like pain and bleeding) can look similar to early pregnancy or to side effects of the abortion process, the only reliable way to detect it is with an ultrasound.
Reason #2: An Ultrasound Confirms the Pregnancy Is Progressing Normally
Another reason ultrasound is used is to check whether a pregnancy is progressing – that means checking if the embryo has a heartbeat and is growing as expected. Sometimes a pregnancy ends on its own early on, which is called a miscarriage. A home pregnancy test may still show positive even if a miscarriage is happening or has already happened, but only an ultrasound can confirm that for sure.
If someone is already miscarrying, the abortion pill doesn’t make sense and can lead to unnecessary medical and emotional stress.
Reason #3: An Ultrasound Helps Determine How Far Along the Pregnancy Is
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the abortion pill only within the first 10 weeks (about 70 days) of pregnancy. While some people might estimate how far along they are based on when they think their last period was, menstrual dates aren’t always accurate.
Dating by ultrasound gives the most accurate measurement of gestational age. Knowing how far along a pregnancy is helps make sure that the medical care someone receives is safe and appropriate.
What the Risks Could Be Without an Ultrasound
Being fully informed about medical risks is about helping you understand what could happen so you can make safe choices.
Risk #1: Missing an Ectopic Pregnancy
If a pregnancy is ectopic and not diagnosed before taking the abortion pill, that condition could continue without treatment and become dangerous. A ruptured ectopic pregnancy can cause serious bleeding and is considered a medical emergency.
Risk #2: Taking the Abortion Pill Too Late
Because the abortion pill is meant to be used early in pregnancy, taking it when someone is actually farther along than they thought can increase the chance of complications, such as incomplete abortion (where part of the pregnancy remains) which could lead to infection or additional medical procedures.
Risk #3: Mistaking a Miscarriage for a Viable Pregnancy
If someone takes the abortion pill when they are already miscarrying, they may be putting their body through medication and side effects unnecessarily and may still need medical care to manage the miscarriage safely.
What Does AAPLOG Say?
The American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists (AAPLOG), a medical organization that emphasizes patient safety and informed consent, has stated that ultrasound is essential before significant medical procedures during pregnancy. They point out that ultrasound provides the most accurate information about:
- Where the pregnancy is located,
- Whether the embryo has a heartbeat, and
- How far along the pregnancy is.
AAPLOG also specifically argues that determining the location of a pregnancy (which requires ultrasound) cannot be done reliably through history or symptom screening alone, because many people with ectopic pregnancies don’t have risk factors or clear symptoms at first.
How to Think About An Ultrasound
Getting an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill isn’t just about the decision you’re making right now. It’s about you and your health, both now and in the future. An ultrasound gives you information you can’t otherwise get: where the pregnancy is, how far along it is, and whether it’s developing normally.
Even if someone is clear on their pregnancy date based on their menstrual cycle, ultrasound provides an extra layer of confirmation that can help prevent surprises or emergencies. Being fully informed can help you talk with medical professionals, ask questions, and make a fully informed choice.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
If you’re considering the abortion pill or just trying to understand what your options are, an ultrasound can give you clear medical information about your pregnancy that simple test results or your own estimates can’t provide. Organizations like AAPLOG emphasize that this information improves safety and helps women make truly informed decisions about their care.
You’re health and safety are important, so it’s always okay to ask questions. Talk to a trusted advocate or healthcare provider, and get all available medical information before making a decision.
Let Hope’s Pathway Chatham come alongside and support you from the moment you think you may be pregnant. We can provide you with a free, medical-grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound referral to confirm your pregnancy. Nurses are also available to chat 24/7 about any questions or concerns you may have about your pregnancy.
Sources:
• AAPLOG: Determination of pregnancy location requires ultrasound. (https://aaplog.org/aaplog-responds-to-facts-are-important-understanding-ectopic-pregnancy/)
• AAPLOG statement on necessity of ultrasound before procedures. (https://aaplog.org/aaplog-statement-on-the-necessity-for-ultrasound-before-elective-procedures-on-the-pregnant-woman/)
• AAPLOG: Ultrasound and ectopic risks. (https://aaplog.org/aaplog-responds-to-acogs-advocacy-and-health-policy-statement-understanding-the-practical-implications-of-the-fdas-december-mifepristone-rems-decision/)
• Ectopic pregnancy risks from studies.(https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/22/22A902/263831/20230418122313449_Amicus%20Brief%20of%20Charlotte%20Lozier%20Institute.pdf)