(July
29, 2008) The ultrasound, a routine part
of pregnancy care for those planning to
deliver, is also highly suggested for
women thinking about getting an abortion.
(July
29, 2008) The ultrasound, a routine part
of pregnancy care for those planning to
deliver, is also highly suggested for
women thinking about getting an abortion.
This is the advice a woman would get from numerous authoritative sources, such as Early Options, a program of the National Abortion Federation, which says, "In the context of medical abortion, ultrasonography can help determine gestational age, assess the outcome of the procedure, and diagnose ectopic pregnancy and other types of abnormal pregnancy."
The ultrasound has many uses in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, Early Options states. Ultrasound employs high-frequency sound waves to create a visual image. "The ultrasound probe generates sound waves capable of penetrating organic tissue and also serves as a receiver of sound wave energy. Reflected waves (echoes) are detected by a transducer within the probe and converted to an electrical signal. This signal is used to generate a two-dimensional image on an oscilloscope (the ultrasound monitor)," the website states.
The first-time user may find it difficult to identify the fetus, as in the picture above, which shows the fetus at about 12 weeks. The moving image helps.
WomanCare Services, of Berwyn, IL uses ultrasounds to determine the gestational age, since there are different termination procedures depending upon the number of weeks of pregnancy. The center suggests that it is important to get an ultrasound before an abortion to make a more informed decision. WomanCare arranges for free ultrasounds for their clients.
In addition, those wanting to use RU486 to terminate their pregnancies should have an ultrasound to ensure that they are not farther along than seven weeks, since RU486 taken after that time can cause serious medical problems, the pregnancy center reports. Learn about the center's free ultrasounds.
Women in Berwyn, Cicero, Lyons, Forest Park, La Grange, Stickney, IL and other area communities can contact WomanCare Services with regard to abortion, free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds.
Source:
Early
Options, A Provider's Guide to Medical
Abortions
Abortion and Birth Control News is a project of TreeFrogClick, Inc. President, Kevin J. Banet