Ultrasound
Importance
Why You Need an Ultrasound Before Abortion in Washington
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may wonder why you need an ultrasound before abortion.
Ultrasound examinations answer three key questions:
- Am I pregnant for sure?
- Is there a heartbeat?
- How far along am I?
The answers to these questions impact your pregnancy options.
Essential Medical Information from Your Free Ultrasound
During your ultrasound examination, trained medical professionals can determine crucial information about your pregnancy.
Our free ultrasound services confirm:
- Fetal heartbeat
- Pregnancy location within the uterus
- Estimated gestational age
- Detection of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
Understanding Pregnancy Viability
A viable pregnancy means that growth and development are progressing as expected during the early stages of pregnancy. For example, at about 6 weeks gestation, the fetal heartbeat can typically be detected by an ultrasound technology.[1] This serves as one of the primary indicators of pregnancy viability.
Miscarriage
Knowing whether your pregnancy is viable is critical because approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies end naturally in miscarriage.[2] Without ultrasound confirmation, you may not know whether natural pregnancy loss has already begun.
Ectopic Pregnancy
If there is no sign of a pregnancy inside the uterus, this could mean that the pregnancy is growing in another location (ectopic). Ectopic pregnancies occur in roughly 1-2% of all pregnancies and can be life-threatening if not properly diagnosed and treated.[3]
Ectopic pregnancies are not treated by the standard abortion pill protocol (mifepristone plus misoprostol)[4], making prompt diagnosis crucial for your health and safety. If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected, immediate care is required, usually at a local emergency room.
Why Gestational Age Matters
Gestational age refers to how far along you are in your pregnancy, measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. However, calculating gestational age based solely on your period can be inaccurate due to irregular cycles, recent birth control use, or other factors. Professional ultrasounds are the most accurate way to determine your gestational age.
Knowing your gestational age is crucial because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.[5] Additionally, Washington prohibits abortion after viability.[6]
Consider receiving a free ultrasound at Sparrow. If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for an abortion, our compassionate client advocates will help you explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make the best choice for your health and future.
What to Expect During Your Free Ultrasound Appointment
During your free ultrasound appointment, our compassionate medical staff will guide you through the entire process. We’ll explain what we’re seeing on the ultrasound screen and answer any questions you may have about your pregnancy.
Your free ultrasound appointment will include:
- Pregnancy confirmation through ultrasound imaging
- Estimated gestational age determination
- Fetal heartbeat detection and viability confirmation
- Medical referrals for prompt attention to any pregnancy complications identified
- Detailed explanation of your ultrasound results
- Time for questions and discussion in a supportive environment
Our goal is to ensure you leave your appointment with accurate information about your pregnancy status and a clear understanding of your individual situation.
Schedule Your Free Ultrasound Today
No matter where you are in your unplanned pregnancy journey, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Our ultrasound-trained medical personnel provide the support and vital information needed to make informed decisions about your health and future.
Don’t wait to get the professional care you deserve. Give us a call at (509) 210-6865 or schedule your free ultrasound appointment online today. We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, to accommodate your needs.
*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of our limited ultrasound exams is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If we cannot detect a fetal heartbeat during your appointment, we will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an ultrasound before having an abortion?
An ultrasound is essential before abortion because it provides critical medical information about your pregnancy that directly impacts your safety and treatment options.
Ultrasound examinations answer three key questions:
- Am I pregnant for sure?
- Is there a heartbeat?
- How far along am I?
The answers to these questions impact your pregnancy options.
This information is crucial because the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period, and certain pregnancy complications like ectopic pregnancies cannot be treated with standard abortion medications.
What will the ultrasound show about my pregnancy?
During your free ultrasound examination, trained medical professionals can detect several important aspects of your pregnancy including:
- Pregnancy location within the uterus
- Fetal heartbeat
- Estimated gestational age
- Detection of multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
How accurate is gestational age calculation without an ultrasound?
Calculating gestational age based solely on your period can be inaccurate due to several factors including irregular menstrual cycles, recent birth control use, or other hormonal influences.
Professional ultrasounds provide the most accurate method for determining gestational age. In fact, many women discover through ultrasound that they are either earlier or further along than they initially thought.
What happens if my ultrasound shows I'm too far along for an abortion?
If your ultrasound determines that you’re too far along for an abortion, the medical staff will explain your situation and help you understand all available options.
Our compassionate client advocates will work with you to explore all of your pregnancy options, ensuring you have complete information to make the best choice for your health and future circumstances.
Sources
- Männer, J. (2022, June 9). When Does the Human Embryonic Heart Start Beating? A Review of Contemporary and Historical Sources of Knowledge about the Onset of Blood Circulation in Man. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9225347/
- Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage – Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 18). Ectopic Pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy
- FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2025, January 17). Mifeprex (Mifepristone). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information
- Wyoming Legislature. (2022). Wyoming House Bill 0092. https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2022/HB0092