Can You Take The Abortion Pill Without an Ultrasound?

If you’re considering abortion pills, it’s understandable to wonder why an ultrasound matters first. But this step isn’t just medical—it’s about protecting your health and helping you make an informed decision with confidence.

An ultrasound helps determine the exact stage of your pregnancy and ensures your safety before starting any medication. It’s a simple, essential way to care for yourself in the middle of an emotional and uncertain moment.

Finding the Fetus

Abortion pills are usually prescribed for early pregnancies—typically within the first 10 weeks. The FDA has approved their use up to 70 days from the first day of your last period.¹

However, an ultrasound does more than measure time. It confirms where the pregnancy is located, ensuring it’s not ectopic (outside the uterus). An ectopic pregnancy can’t be ended with abortion pills and can become dangerous if untreated.

While it might feel like an extra step, an ultrasound is one of the safest and most important ways to make sure your body is cared for properly.

How the Abortion Pill Works

A medication abortion uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs to maintain pregnancy.
Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents.

This process is most effective within the first 70 days of pregnancy.

It’s also important to remember that around 10%–20% of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage.² A positive pregnancy test only confirms pregnancy hormones, not whether the pregnancy is viable.³ An ultrasound verifies that the pregnancy hasn’t already miscarried and that it’s developing inside the uterus.

Without that information, it’s difficult to know if medication abortion is safe or effective in your situation.

When Not to Use the Abortion Pill

Abortion pills aren’t safe or suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, medications, or unknown pregnancy details could make the process unsafe.

A healthcare provider can help determine whether medication abortion is the right—or safest—option for you. Taking time to confirm that now could prevent serious complications later.

Assessing Risks and Considerations

Choosing abortion is never a simple decision. It carries emotional, physical, and sometimes relational effects that are deeply personal. While medication abortion can be safe for many women, it still comes with risks such as:

Incomplete abortion
Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Infection
Rare but serious medical emergencies

Skipping an ultrasound increases these risks. It’s what confirms that your pregnancy isn’t ectopic and that it’s within the safe timeframe for abortion pills.

Without that clarity, you may not know exactly how far along the pregnancy is, which can change the procedure’s effectiveness and your next steps. Understanding these details helps you make a fully informed, confident decision about your health.

Get Help Determining Your Options

If you feel uncertain about your pregnancy and are thinking about the abortion pill, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our compassionate team at Adira Clinic in Katy, Texas, offers free, confidential care—including pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations.

You’ll have space to talk through your options without pressure, and the chance to understand what’s safest for your body and your future.

Sources

1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes

3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy