When you experience an unplanned pregnancy, you might experience shock or confusion. Your mind might be racing, and it could be easy to choose a pregnancy option out of haste. It is important to be informed about all of your options since every option has the potential to greatly impact your life, whether immediately or long term. How much do you know about medical abortion, adoption, and parenting?
Keep reading to learn, and then call A Women’s Pregnancy Center at 850-297-1174 to schedule your free appointment to speak to someone regarding your options.
Receiving a pregnancy confirmation through ultrasound will help you determine how far along you are based on your last menstrual period. Because approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage, it is important for you to know if there is a uterine pregnancy and a fetal heartbeat. These can be detected through our limited ultrasound. Our ultrasounds are completely free of charge, and available to each of our clients with a positive pregnancy test.
Give us a call at A Women’s Pregnancy Center at 850-297-1174 to learn more about our free, confidential services to help you in your decision making process. You can either make an appointment or stop by our center any time. We would love to walk alongside you during this time and equip you with information to help you make the best decision possible for you.
HOW A MEDICAL ABORTION WORKS
A medical abortion is a non-surgical procedure that requires no surgery or anesthesia. A medical abortion is actually two separate medications given at different times. The first, Mifepristone (also known as Mifeprex or RU-486) is a steroidal drug that inhibits the production of the pregnancy hormone progesterone. It is given at the first appointment with a doctor and prepares a woman’s body for abortion by softening the cervix and degrading parts of the placenta.
However, Mifepristone alone does not complete the abortion process. Between 24-48 hours after taking it, a woman must take a second drug, Misoprostol, to complete the abortion process. Misoprostol causes uterine cramps and contractions that detach the embryo from the uterus and induce a miscarriage.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Cramping and bleeding are expected; bleeding may be like a heavy period. Bleeding can last 9 to 16 days and possibly up to 30 days. Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, weakness, dizziness, and headache. Sometimes you may need to take additional medication for pain, and antibiotics may be prescribed if you experience any kind of infection. Before taking any medication, you should always discuss the risks with your doctor and know what to do if complications arise.
It is also important to be knowledgeable about the possible complications, should they arise, since they would take place in your home, away from immediate medical attention. You will need to have access to your doctor and/or emergency medical services in the event you need additional medical care.
Some symptoms that could indicate possible complications include heavy bleeding for a prolonged period, foul-smelling discharge from your vagina, a fever lasting more than 24 hours, digestive issues, and extreme abdominal and/or back pain. Possible complications include: heavy bleeding requiring surgery to stop the bleeding, and serious infection.
It is also possible to experience emotional side effects that are difficult to cope with following a terminated pregnancy. This is often referred to as Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS), which is in close connection to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Regardless of what you choose, we are here for you. AWPC does not perform or refer for abortions, but we are able to provide accurate information on each abortion procedure, including what to expect and potential side effects. Our center is able to provide After Abortion Care if you are struggling with the aftermath of this decision, and would like to speak with others who have gone down similar paths. We are here to be a source of encouragement and love in the community, and encourage all of our clients to remember that they have a family here, regardless of which option they choose for their pregnancy.
KNOW ALL YOUR OPTIONS
Before making any decision regarding your pregnancy, it is important to consider all the possible options. At Women’s Pregnancy Center, we know from experience that an unplanned pregnancy can result in feeling overwhelmed and unsure. We want you to be informed with what all of your options are, which also include parenting or adoption, while also encouraging you through each step of this process. Remember that we are here for you, and you always have a support system at AWPC!
PARENTING
If you are considering moving forward with your pregnancy, parenting is another option to consider. If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, the idea of becoming a parent can be shocking initially. If you have never been a parent before, the unknown might be a bit intimidating. However, at A Women’s Pregnancy Center, we are here to equip you with resources that can prepare you to take on the joy of parenting, as well as material assistance from our Belly Boutique.
Our center also provides ongoing counseling if you want more information on parenting, which is completely free of charge. We not only want to inform you about each option that is available to you, but we also want to make sure you are ready to take on the next step with a wealth of knowledge! Though parenting takes preparation, we want to help in any way we can to make sure you can welcome your little one into the world with confidence!
ADOPTION
If you are pregnant, but you are unsure if parenting is the best option for you, adoption is another choice you could pursue. It is truly a selfless act of love, and you are allowing your child to be raised by a great family of your choice, as you continue your own path.
If you are interested in adoption, there are three types available: open adoption, semi-closed adoption, or closed adoption. These three options provide you with the ability to choose what is best for you and your child, and the level of involvement that you would have in their life. Adoption does NOT mean that you will never see your child again! We have excellent resources and adoption agencies nearby that would love to help you map out a plan regarding your adoption process.
At A Women’s Pregnancy Center, we are here to help you through this decision, and free counseling is available if you’d like to put your thoughts on the table, and have one of our experienced counselors guide you through potential steps forward.
We understand that choosing adoption takes both love and courage, and it isn’t an easy decision. If this is the option you pursue, we are here to encourage and empower you each step of the way!
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
If you are unsure regarding your plan moving forward. A Women’s Pregnancy Center is here to help you navigate each option with confidence. We offer free and confidential counseling to anyone with a desire to feel better equipped and informed prior to making a pregnancy decision. Not only are we here for the women of our community, but we also have helpful resources for new dads as they navigate pregnancy with their partner. To schedule an appointment with us, call AWPC at 850-297-1174. We would love to hear from you!
We never financially benefit from your decision and can discuss your options with absolutely no pressure. Our Center provides free medical-grade pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and options information. Though we do not perform or refer for abortions, we are able to provide accurate abortion education to ensure that clients are informed prior to a pregnancy decision. All services are free and confidential.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: