Can You Take The Abortion Pill Without an Ultrasound?

Do you need an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill? That can depend on where you live. But required or not, there are some pretty important reasons to want one.

An ultrasound gives you personalized answers about your body, your pregnancy, and your options. That information can affect what your experience with the abortion pill may look like.

Pregnancy Support Center of Perryton offers free appointments for those considering or planning an abortion. You'll start with pregnancy testing and, if you qualify, we'll help you access a free ultrasound before your next step.

Do I Need an Ultrasound Before the Abortion Pill?

An ultrasound isn't required in every situation before a medication abortion. However, it can provide information about your pregnancy that's important before taking abortion pills.

An ultrasound can help:

• Estimate how far along the pregnancy is
• Provide information about where the pregnancy is developing

This is especially relevant if you're unsure when your last period started, your periods are irregular, or there are other reasons your pregnancy dates may be uncertain.

Why Does Timing Matter?

The abortion pill typically involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty.

The FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is approved for an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks, or 70 days, from the first day of your last menstrual period.

That's one reason knowing how far along you are can be useful when you're considering the abortion pill.

What About Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. An untreated ectopic pregnancy can become a medical emergency.

An ultrasound can provide information about where a pregnancy is developing. If there is concern for an ectopic pregnancy, additional medical evaluation may be necessary.

Seek medical care promptly if you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal or pelvic pain, shoulder pain, dizziness, weakness or fainting, particularly if you could be pregnant.

What If I Already Know I Want an Abortion?

You don't have to be undecided to get pregnancy testing or ask questions before an abortion.

General information online can tell you how abortion pills work. What it can't tell you is what applies to your pregnancy.

You may still want answers to questions like:

• How far along am I?
• How much will this hurt?
• What do I need to be prepared for?
• What symptoms should I know about before taking it?

Pregnancy Support Center of Perryton offers a private place to ask those questions without cost or pressure during a free abortion info appointment.

Prepare Before You Start

If you're considering the abortion pill, your first step is to learn about your pregnancy.

Pregnancy Support Center of Perryton offers:

• Free self-administered pregnancy testing
• Ultrasound referrals and scheduling support for those who qualify
• Abortion information
• 24/7 texting with nurses
• Private care in a safe space

There's no cost or insurance required. 

Request a Free Appointment or text our nurses 24/7 at (806) 583-0400.

Sources

1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Mifepristone Information.
2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ectopic Pregnancy.