When you find out that you’re pregnant and didn’t mean to be, you can feel a number of different emotions at once and have an immediate desire to make some type of choice or make it quickly. This is a completely natural response, but it is wise to take a moment to compose yourself and look at a few medical facts to protect your health. Once you are ready to make a decision or schedule an appointment, an initial obstetrical ultrasound will be needed for your medical safety and well-being.
What does an ultrasound actually tell you?
At GMPC Medical, we start with a lab-quality pregnancy test to confirm that you are pregnant. If you are pregnant, we will do a limited obstetrical ultrasound at no charge to you. An ultrasound is not simply a way for you to look at an image on a screen; it also provides three key pieces of information before you make a decision. An ultrasound will tell you if the pregnancy is viable, how far along you are, and where the pregnancy is located. After gathering this information, you will be able to look at the future versus reacting to what you fear.
Why is it important to have an ultrasound?
One of the main reasons why it is necessary to have an ultrasound is to verify the viability of your pregnancy, meaning the pregnancy can continue to grow on its own. About 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies are estimated to end in natural miscarriage in the first trimester, according to medical studies. If an ultrasound indicates that the pregnancy is not progressing or has ended, an abortion procedure is unnecessary. (Many women appreciate knowing this before spending money on abortion-related medical expenses.) More importantly, knowing whether the pregnancy is viable will help you avoid having to undergo procedures that are medically unnecessary and to seek follow-up care appropriate for your physical health.
Location of pregnancy and time frame
The ultrasound also determines where the pregnancy is located. In a normal pregnancy, the embryo implants into the uterus; however, in some instances, the embryo may implant somewhere else, such as in a fallopian tube. This is considered an ectopic pregnancy, which occurs in about 2 percent of pregnancies. Ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies that require immediate medical treatment at a hospital. An abortion pill or standard procedure will not resolve an ectopic pregnancy, so identifying your pregnancy as ectopic early on is essential to ensure your safety.
Timing is also important because by knowing how far along you are, you can better understand which abortion methods or options are available to you. Gestational age is not just a rough estimate from your last menstrual period; the ultrasound results will give you a more precise measurement. This is critical in Georgia because state law has specific regulations regarding how far along a woman can be when seeking an abortion, so knowing your dates is necessary to make an informed decision.
Accurate information counts
At GMPC Medical, we offer pre-abortion screening, including both a pregnancy test and an ultrasound, free of charge. You will have access to all the medical data you need to make an informed decision. We provide you with a safe and comfortable environment to ask questions and discuss your options without feeling rushed or judged. All services we provide are fully confidential, keeping your personal information private and between you and the GMPC Medical team.
If you are inquiring about obtaining a free ultrasound in Blairsville, GA, you should not feel like you have to deal with this process by yourself. Our role is to provide you with clinical credibility alongside the emotional support you deserve during a stressful time. Our staff is available to assist you in understanding your body and your health so that you have the information you need to feel confident moving forward with your decision.
For inquiries or questions about your options, call our 24/7 nurse line at (706) 403-1017. You can also visit our office at GMPC Medical at 136 Hospital Dr., Ste A, Blairsville, GA 30512. We are open Tuesday through Thursday to serve you, but our nurse line is available m24/7.