A pregnancy test can tell you that hCG (the pregnancy hormone) has been detected, but it cannot tell you how far along you are. That detail is crucial when you are trying to understand your pregnancy options.

An ultrasound can provide a clearer estimate and help answer other important questions about your pregnancy before you decide what comes next. Hope Women’s Center provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds so you can see how your pregnancy is developing and understand more about your options.

Reach out to make an appointment today.

Your Pregnancy Timeline Can Affect Your Options

Different stages of pregnancy involve different medical considerations. If you are considering abortion, the method used and associated risks can depend on how far along you are. For example, the FDA-approved regimen for the abortion pill is intended for an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.

Gestational age also helps healthcare professionals understand what may be visible on an ultrasound and what follow-up may be needed. If a pregnancy is earlier than expected, some findings may not yet be visible, and another scan or additional testing may be necessary.

Knowing your estimated gestational age gives you more specific information about your pregnancy and the questions to ask about your options.

How Can You Calculate How Far Along You Are?

Pregnancy is generally dated from the first day of your last menstrual period, rather than the date of conception. For example, if four weeks have passed since the first day of your last period, you would generally be considered four weeks pregnant.

However, this calculation is only an estimate. If your periods are irregular, you do not remember the date of your last period, or you ovulated later than expected, your pregnancy may not be as far along as your calculation suggests.

An ultrasound can help estimate gestational age by measuring the developing pregnancy. It can also provide information about where the pregnancy is located and whether signs of development are visible.

Why An Ultrasound Is Important

A positive pregnancy test does not always tell the whole story. The hormone hCG can remain detectable for a period of time after a miscarriage, meaning you may still receive a positive result even though the pregnancy has ended.

The location of the pregnancy matters, too. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. An ultrasound may help identify an ectopic pregnancy, although additional blood tests or follow-up imaging may be needed if the findings are unclear.

 An ectopic pregnancy can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and needs urgent medical attention if suspected.

Get Clearer Answers at Hope Women’s Center

You do not have to rely on dates or guesswork to understand your pregnancy.

At Hope Women’s Center, you can receive free and confidential pregnancy services to better understand your pregnancy and your options. 

Contact us to make your appointment. We are here for you.

Hope Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

Abortion in Texas is prohibited unless a licensed physician deems it necessary to preserve the life or health of the woman. However, women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for obtaining one.