If you think you may be pregnant, a drugstore pregnancy test can be a convenient first step. But if your test is positive, you may need additional information to confirm your pregnancy and understand how far along you are.
You may be able to get free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound at a local pregnancy resource center.
At Options Baltimore, we provide cost-free pregnancy services in a caring, confidential, and pressure-free environment.
Start With a Free Pregnancy Test
Our team can provide a medical-grade urine pregnancy test that detects hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced during pregnancy.
While a positive home pregnancy test is a strong indication that you may be pregnant, additional medical information can help you understand what is happening with your pregnancy.
Why Is an Ultrasound Important?
If your pregnancy test is positive, a limited ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy that a urine test cannot.
Depending on how far along you are, a limited obstetric ultrasound may help determine:
- Whether the pregnancy is developing
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- How far along the pregnancy may be
- Whether cardiac activity is present
An ultrasound can also help identify a possible ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus and can be a serious medical emergency.
The timing of an ultrasound matters. Depending on your circumstances and how far along you may be, our medical team can let you know whether an ultrasound is appropriate and what information it may provide.
If you are considering abortion, getting an ultrasound before making a decision can provide important information about your pregnancy and your health.
What If I’m Considering the Abortion Pill?
If you are considering a medication abortion, it is important to know how far along the pregnancy is and whether there are circumstances that require additional medical evaluation.
For example, medication abortion is not appropriate in certain situations, including a suspected ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound may help identify whether a pregnancy is located inside the uterus, but it does not replace a complete medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Your eligibility for an abortion procedure or medication, as well as the cost, can depend on factors such as how far along the pregnancy is and your individual health circumstances.
Our center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not provide or refer for abortions. We do provide cost-free pregnancy services and support so you can learn more about your pregnancy and your options without pressure.
What If the Ultrasound Shows a Pregnancy That Isn’t Developing?
Sometimes an ultrasound shows that a pregnancy is not developing normally or is no longer viable.
If you are experiencing a possible miscarriage, it is important to receive appropriate medical care. Do not assume that abortion medication or an abortion procedure is the appropriate treatment for a miscarriage. Our team can help you understand your next steps and refer you for medical care when appropriate.
Get the Information You Need Before Making a Decision
An unexpected pregnancy can bring a lot of questions:
Am I really pregnant?
How far along am I?
Is the pregnancy developing?
Is the pregnancy located where it should be?
What are my options?
You don’t have to answer all of those questions alone.
Our goal is to provide accurate information, compassionate support, and a safe place where you can learn more about your pregnancy and your options.
Free Pregnancy Services and Support
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, we may be able to help with:
- Free pregnancy testing
- Limited obstetric ultrasound, when appropriate
- Pregnancy information and education
- Parenting education and classes
- Material assistance
- Pregnancy support
- Referrals for additional medical care when needed
You deserve the opportunity to understand your pregnancy before making an important decision.
Contact us today to learn more about our free pregnancy services and schedule an appointment.