3 Things Needed Before Abortion

Maybe you’re thinking about abortion. You most likely have many questions. We want to share three things needed before abortion: medical grade pregnancy testing, an ultrasound, and abortion education. Be informed so you can make your decision with clarity.

1. Medical Grade  Pregnancy Testing

While the results of home pregnancy tests are frequently accurate, there is always a chance for inaccurate results if taken at the wrong time. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, the best time to take a pregnancy test is at least one week after your missed period. Always follow up your home pregnancy test with medical-grade pregnancy testing to be sure. 

At Options for Women, we provide medical-grade pregnancy testing at no cost to you, administered by our medical staff. . Learn more about our no-cost pregnancy services.

2. An Ultrasound

After confirming your pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test, an ultrasound is essential to understand three details:

1. The viability of your pregnancy (if it is growing)
2. The location of your pregnancy (whether it’s growing inside or outside the uterus)
3. How far along you are (gestational age)

Our clinic offers limited ultrasounds so you can take your next step in the pregnancy confirmation process. 

3. Abortion Education

There are two types of abortions: medication abortion and surgical abortion. Both are medical procedures that come with risks. The difference is how the procedure is done, either through medication or surgery. 

In Minnesota, no abortion may be provided after 23 weeks, 6 days, unless necessary to preserve the woman’s life or health.

Again, an ultrasound will help to determine what type of abortion you qualify for based on how far along you are in pregnancy. 

Potential physical risks of medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
• An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Surgical abortion comes with physical risks such as…

• Damage to the womb or cervix
• Uterine perforation 
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Scarring of the inside of the uterus
• Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure

Schedule A No-Cost Appointment

No matter where you are in your pregnancy, we are here for you. Talk to one of our team members today to schedule your no-cost appointment to confirm your pregnancy and discuss your options.