Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy often causes a woman fear and uncertainty. She faces a decision that affects her future, whether she chooses to continue the pregnancy or not.
If you are facing that decision, below are six things you need to know, especially if you’re seriously considering abortion.
Am I really pregnant?
You may get a positive result on a home pregnancy test (or 10 tests!), but that only means you have a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. Your home test may be positive, however, that may not mean you have a viable pregnancy. True Care uses lab-quality urine pregnancy tests, and our nurses can tell you if your pregnancy is viable or not using limited obstetrical ultrasound.
Is the pregnancy viable?
A viable pregnancy means the embryo or fetus is located in your uterus and has a heartbeat. (Embryo is the term used from conception to 10 weeks, and the fetus is used from 11 weeks to birth.) Approximately 31% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, often before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Also, sometimes implantation happens outside the uterus (a situation known as an ectopic pregnancy, which can be life-threatening). A few other reasons for a positive pregnancy test are tumors, certain medications, or molar pregnancy.
How far along am I?
Knowing this information can help you know what abortion procedures you qualify for, and therefore, how much it will cost. Knowing how far along you are lets you know the due date and may help you determine who the father of the baby is, if you’re not sure. True Care provides free ultrasounds for women who come to our center for pregnancy testing.
What are my options?
Once our nursing staff lets you know that you are pregnant and how far along you are, we will provide you accurate education on all three of your pregnancy options. Your first decision is whether to continue the pregnancy or to have an abortion. Should you decide to carry the pregnancy to term, then you can choose between parenting or adoption. Your True Care Advocate will give you information about abortion, parenting, and adoption so you can make an informed decision. We offer up-to-date and factual education about each pregnancy option in a non-judgmental, confidential, caring manner.
What if I have an abortion and afterward change my mind?
Some women who have abortions regret their decision. If you have a medical abortion and, after taking the first pill, wish you hadn’t done so, you may still have a choice to continue your pregnancy. Medical abortion is often used to terminate an early pregnancy (10 weeks along and under). Mifepristone is the first of two pills given. If you have taken this pill but not the second one provided to you (Misoprostol), you may be eligible for Abortion Pill Reversal (APR). Medical professionals use progesterone, a natural hormone, to try to stop the effects of the mifepristone. Progesterone has been successfully used for decades with women who have a history of miscarriage. More than 1,000 women across the United States have been given progesterone through APR and gone on to have healthy babies. True Care provides information on and offers APR.
What resources are available to help me?
Many women don’t realize they qualify for Medicaid insurance or other programs. True Care’s Resource Coordinator assists hundreds of our patients with Medicaid, job training and employment programs, online education programs, WIC, and many other resources. She knows the various community agencies and helps connect our patients with the different resources from which they can benefit. Our Resource Program is another free service we provide our patients.
B-R-E-A-T-H
When making a major decision in life, including whether to continue or terminate a pregnancy, it’s important to slow down and take a deep breath. Take time to process how you feel about being pregnant and don’t make a hasty decision. Then, contact True Care for your free appointment and get all the answers to the above questions.
Schedule a Free Appointment
To make your free appointment, contact our Scheduling Line at 307-215-9684 or visit our contact us online.