Often, when facing an unexpected pregnancy, a woman’s first priority is to regain her sense of stability as soon as possible. Does this resonate with you? Maybe you’re looking to make a quick pregnancy decision, hoping that life will go back to normal once this problem has been solved. Your feelings of urgency may be especially strong if you’re considering abortion. Your thought process may go something like this: “I probably don’t need an ultrasound, because I’m not sure I want to continue. And it might make me feel uncomfortable. So, why would I go through with it?” In this blog, we’ll talk about why getting a scan is well worth the time and effort.
Avenue Women’s Center is a first-step clinic that exists to provide key information and support, so you can navigate your pregnancy with confidence. Our expert team is passionate about empowering individuals to move forward feeling free to choose their own best paths. We offer no-cost, confidential services like medical-grade pregnancy tests, options consultations, and limited medical ultrasounds to equip you for that goal.
Learn more about Avenue! We have 5 limited medical clinics in Darien, Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, West Chicago, and Wood Dale, Illinois.
Why are Ultrasounds Essential?
Getting an ultrasound is beneficial no matter which pregnancy option(s) you’re leaning toward. That’s because a scan can offer the basic information needed to take safe and knowledgeable next steps. An ultrasound confirms important details like how far along you are. A scan can also identify risks like ectopic pregnancy, a condition that poses a serious safety risk and requires immediate medical attention. Receiving an ultrasound is about strengthening your own knowledge and insight, so you can make step-by-step choices that are right for you.
What Can You Learn from an Ultrasound at Avenue?
Our limited medical ultrasounds at Avenue provide three key pieces of information:
- The gestational age. In other words, how far along you are. The age of your pregnancy will impact which abortion methods you’d be eligible for. Dating the pregnancy can clarify how much time you have to process your next steps before some of your pregnancy options become unavailable. After learning the gestational age, many women realize they don’t need to decide as quickly as they thought, and are able to take a small sigh of relief.
- The location of the pregnancy. Normal abortion procedures don’t work on ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies located outside of the uterus). If your pregnancy is ectopic, alternative medical steps need to be taken right away. A qualified medical professional would have to remove the ectopic pregnancy by other means so it no longer endangers your health.
- The chances of miscarriage. Most women would like to know whether or not their pregnancy is likely to end on its own before undergoing the medical process and expense of an abortion. About 1 in every 5 or 6 pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and the probability of this increases with age.
Avenue Women’s Center offers additional services like pregnancy consultations. A consultation is an opportunity to process your pregnancy result with a caring professional, and receive accurate information on all the options and resources available to you. The best part is, that all our high-quality services are completely free!
In Conclusion
All pregnancy options come with time constraints, especially abortion. If you feel a sense of urgency (as most women do), you’re probably hoping to skip any steps in your decision-making process that seem nonessential. Know that there’s nothing redundant about getting an ultrasound. It’s an extremely valuable tool that can equip you to move forward with your wellness at the forefront of your mind.
At Avenue, we’re committed to providing no-cost services like limited medical ultrasounds in a timely manner. We understand your need for prompt support, and we strive to meet that need to the very best of our ability. We also empathize with the emotional discomfort some women experience when they consider getting a scan. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team is here to make this process feel as approachable as possible. We’re a judgment-free space where your autonomy is respected and your strengths are reinforced.
Reach out to schedule an appointment! We’ve been serving people from Chicagoland and beyond for over 40 years, and we’d love to be a part of your support network too.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.