Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?

Not every abortion-pill provider requires an ultrasound before prescribing medication. However, an ultrasound can provide information that an online questionnaire cannot—such as helping determine gestational age and, when visible, the location and development of the pregnancy.

If you are considering ordering abortion pills online, those can be important things to know before taking medication. You can learn more HERE. 

At The Bridge Wellness South, we offer free pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasound because we believe you deserve more than information about abortion. You deserve information about your pregnancy.

What can an ultrasound tell me before taking abortion pills?

An early pregnancy ultrasound may provide several important pieces of information:

• How far along you are (learn about pregnancy dating HERE)
• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus, or ectopic
• Whether cardiac activity is detectable at the time of the scan
• Information that may help clarify what is happening if your pregnancy dates are uncertain

First-trimester ultrasound is the most accurate ultrasound method for establishing or confirming gestational age.

That matters because the abortion pill regimen approved by the FDA is indicated for an intrauterine pregnancy through 70 days—or 10 weeks—from the first day of your last menstrual period.

Is an ultrasound required before the abortion pill?

No. Current medical guidelines do not say that every woman must have an ultrasound before medication abortion.

But “not required for everyone” and “not useful” are two very different things.

You may especially want an ultrasound or medical evaluation if:

• you are unsure when your last period began (learn about pregnancy dating HERE);
• your periods are irregular;
• you are unsure how far along you may be;
• you have pelvic or abdominal pain;
• you are experiencing unusual bleeding;
• you have previously had an ectopic pregnancy;
• you became pregnant with an IUD in place;
• you have had previous tubal surgery; or
• you simply want more information before deciding what to do.

ACOG specifically recommends evaluation for women with symptoms or risk factors suggesting an ectopic pregnancy.

Why does pregnancy location matter?

A normal pregnancy develops inside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy develops somewhere outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

Abortion pills do not treat an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancies are uncommon, but they can become dangerous if they grow and rupture. Severe abdominal or pelvic pain with bleeding, extreme lightheadedness, or fainting are warning signs that require emergency medical attention.

This is one reason knowing more about your pregnancy can matter before taking medication at home.

If you are experiencing severe pain, fainting, significant dizziness, or other symptoms that concern you, seek medical care immediately rather than waiting for a pregnancy-center appointment.

Why does knowing how far along I am matter?

Pregnancy dating can be confusing.

Pregnancy is usually counted from the first day of your last menstrual period, not from the day you had sex or the day conception occurred.

If you have regular cycles and remember your last menstrual period clearly, that date can provide an estimate. But cycles vary, ovulation does not happen on exactly the same day for every woman, and sometimes people simply do not remember when their last period started.

ACOG notes that first-trimester ultrasound is the most accurate ultrasound method for establishing or confirming gestational age.

This matters when considering abortion pills because the FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is through 10 weeks of pregnancy.

What if I ordered abortion pills online without having an ultrasound?

First, know where your medication came from.

The FDA allows mifepristone to be prescribed by certified providers and dispensed by certified pharmacies, including through the mail. But the FDA does not recommend purchasing mifepristone outside of its regulated REMS program—for example, from an unregulated website or foreign source—because it cannot verify the medication’s safety, effectiveness, or quality.

If pills are already on their way, you still have time to gather information.

Ordering medication does not mean you have to rush yourself into taking it.

You can confirm your pregnancy, ask questions, learn how far along you may be, and talk through your circumstances before taking your next step.

Can an ultrasound tell me what decision I should make?

No.

An ultrasound provides information. You still make the decision.

And sometimes the decision itself is the part that feels overwhelming.

Maybe you found out you are pregnant and immediately began searching:

How much are abortion pills?
Can I get abortion pills online?
How quickly can they arrive?
Can I do this without anyone knowing?

Those are understandable questions when you are frightened.

But before focusing only on how quickly you can end the situation, it may help to ask another question:

What do I actually need right now?

Maybe you need medical information.

Maybe you need to know whether you can finish school and have a baby.

Maybe someone is pressuring you.

Maybe money is the biggest problem.

Maybe the father of the baby isn’t supportive.

Or perhaps you’re simply afraid that your life cannot include a pregnancy right now.

Those concerns deserve more than a search result.

You can come to The Bridge before you’ve made a decision

At The Bridge Wellness South, you do not need to arrive knowing what you are going to do.

We provide free and confidential pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasound when appropriate, and one-on-one pregnancy decision support.

We will answer questions, listen to what is making this pregnancy feel difficult, and help you understand the resources available to you.

The Bridge does not perform or refer for abortions. We are a life-affirming organization because we believe your life and your baby’s life have value.

That also means we want to care well for the woman sitting in front of us—not simply tell her what she should think.

Online information can answer many questions.

Sometimes, though, you need someone in the room with you while you figure out which questions actually matter.

The Bridge Wellness South
100 Eagles Walk
Stockbridge, GA 30281
770-957-8288

Pregnancy testing and our other services are provided at no cost.

Pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, and our other services are offered at no cost. The Bridge Wellness South

This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical care. If you are experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding, fainting, or other symptoms of a medical emergency, seek emergency medical attention.

Related questions

Can I take the abortion pill without an ultrasound?
In some circumstances an ultrasound is not medically required before medication abortion. However, an ultrasound can provide information about pregnancy dating and location, especially when dates are uncertain or symptoms or risk factors for ectopic pregnancy are present.

Can an ultrasound detect an ectopic pregnancy?
Ultrasound is one tool healthcare professionals use when evaluating for ectopic pregnancy. Evaluation may also include symptoms, medical history, examination, and blood testing depending on the situation.