Reasons Why You Should Get an Ultrasound Before Deciding on an Unexpected Pregnancy
- Holly Blackwell
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
When you find out you’re unexpectedly pregnant, your mind can start spinning with questions:
What am I going to do?
How far along am I?
Is everything okay?
You might feel fear, panic, denial, or maybe even numb. We want you to know: it’s okay to feel all of that. At Pregnancy Resources of Abilene, we understand how heavy this moment can feel. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. But there is one simple step that can help you feel more in control of what comes next: getting an ultrasound.
Why Does an Ultrasound Matter?
An ultrasound is a safe, painless, and non-invasive way to see what’s going on inside your body. No matter what options you’re considering—parenting, adoption, or abortion—this early scan can give you answers that help guide your next steps.
Here’s why an ultrasound is such an important part of making a decision you can feel confident about:
1. It Confirms the Pregnancy is Viable
A positive pregnancy test tells you you're pregnant—but it doesn’t tell you if the pregnancy is developing normally. Around 10 to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, usually in the first trimester. Some pregnancies may not progress at all, like in the case of a blighted ovum.
An ultrasound can:
Confirm there's a heartbeat.
Show whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus.
Detect signs of a miscarriage or other complications.
Knowing this can help you avoid unnecessary medical procedures and give you clarity about what’s really happening.
2. It Rules Out a Life-Threatening Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy happens when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. It’s rare but very serious—and it cannot continue normally. Many early pregnancy symptoms (like cramps or nausea) can feel normal, even with an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound can quickly check that the pregnancy is in the right place and protect your health.
3. It Tells You How Far Along You Are
If you’re unsure when your last period was—or if your cycle is irregular—an ultrasound can give you a clearer picture of how far along you are. This matters because your gestational age impacts what options are available to you, and when.
4. It Helps You Explore Your Options with Confidence
When you're dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, the unknowns can be the scariest part. An ultrasound helps bring those unknowns into the light—giving you medical clarity, peace of mind, and space to think through your choices with more confidence and less fear.
You Deserve Support—Without Pressure or Judgment
At Pregnancy Resources of Abilene, we offer free, confidential ultrasounds in a calm and compassionate setting. We’re here to walk beside you—not to push you in any direction. Our trained team will explain your results in a way that’s easy to understand and support you as you figure out your next step—whatever that may be.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
An ultrasound won’t answer every question—but it’s a strong first step toward clarity. You deserve to know what’s happening with your body. You deserve to have accurate information. And most of all, you deserve to feel supported, safe, and seen—no matter what you’re going through.
We’re here for you.
