Are you considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy? Before you schedule an appointment with an abortion provider, there are three things you need to do first. In addition to learning about the various methods, expected side effects, and potential risks, you need additional information. Let’s review so you are aware.
1 Have You Verified Your Pregnancy?
You need more information than a late period and a positive pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy. You should start with a pregnancy test, but did you know there’s more to learn?
How Far Along Are You?
Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy determines what type of abortion you can have. You need to count from the first day of your last menstrual period to be accurate.
Where is Your Pregnancy Located?
Although rare, some pregnancies grow outside of the normal location. These pregnancies are called ectopic, and they can be extremely dangerous. Abortion does not take care of an ectopic pregnancy.
Is Your Pregnancy Viable?
A viable pregnancy is growing with a detectable heartbeat. Experts report that up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage.
They also say the number may be higher because many miscarriages occur before a woman even knows she is pregnant. You can get a positive pregnancy test result days or even weeks after a miscarriage.
Where Do You Get the Above Information?
At Pee Dee Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer no-cost and confidential pregnancy tests. Even if you’ve already taken one, it’s always good to get a second. Then, we can refer you for an ultrasound. Only a physician or other healthcare professional can confirm your pregnancy.
2 Are You Aware of the Methods, Side Effects, and Potential Risks of Abortion?
It’s essential to know what to expect, especially if you are completing your abortion at home. You need to recognize symptoms like excessive bleeding and severe cramping.
The Mayo Clinic recommends not having a medical abortion (the abortion pill method) for specific reasons, which include:
- You are too far along in your pregnancy. They suggest up to nine weeks only.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Have an ectopic pregnancy
- Have certain medical conditions
- Take a blood thinner
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- You are allergic to the drugs used
Talk with a member of our team to get more information on the procedures, side effects, and potential risks of abortion.
3 Have You Looked at All of Your Options?
Abortion is not your only option for your unplanned pregnancy. Have you considered making an adoption plan? You have complete control of the adoption process, which costs you nothing. You select the potential adoptive parents, the adoption plan, and the future you want for your child.
You might also consider parenting. Although you may not feel ready, we can help you. The staff at Pee Dee can provide you with educational classes on pregnancy, prenatal care, childbirth, parenting, etc. We also offer material support through our unique Baby Boutique.
Get the information you need. Contact us to learn more about what we can provide as you decide. We’re here for you.