There are many reasons why you might consider ending your pregnancy. If your pregnancy was unintended, you may be focused on starting your career, or you don’t feel ready to be a parent right now.
You may feel pressed for time to decide what to do next. We understand. First, you need a little more information.
Before you have an abortion
Your situation is unique to you. There are a few ways you can prepare to ensure your safety and health before having an abortion though.
1.) Verification of Pregnancy
It’s possible that you tested positive on a home pregnancy test but are not currently pregnant.
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s likely that more than 20% of early pregnancies end in miscarriage. Additionally, various factors can sometimes lead to inaccurate results on home tests.
Why Does Medical-Grade Pregnancy Testing Matter?
To rule out the uncertainty, take a medical-grade pregnancy test. At AWPC, we provide this service at no charge.
If the test is negative but you’re still missing your period, there’s a chance you could be dealing with a different issue, such as a thyroid disorder or a problem with your ovaries.
If the test is positive, we can assist you with the next two steps.
2.) STD/STI Testing and Treatment
It’s common to have a sexually transmitted infection and not know it. Some STIs, such as chlamydia, do not have obvious symptoms at first.
Why Do STIs/STDs Matter?
Having an abortion with an untreated STI/STD could increase your risk of developing a pelvic infection called PID.
Because of this, it’s best to get screened and treated for STDs before your abortion.
Our sexual health team can discuss your health history with you and offer screening recommendations, along with connecting you to low-cost testing and treatment.
3.) Confirmation of Gestational Age, Progression, and Location
There are a few different types of abortion procedures used in the United States, and the type you have will largely depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
The dating, progression, and location of pregnancy cannot be determined by a pregnancy test. Instead, these are confirmed with an obstetric ultrasound.
Why Do Ultrasounds Matter?
It’s important to confirm how long you’ve been pregnant, the progression, and the location of your pregnancy because that will determine which type of abortion procedure you’re eligible for.
An Ultrasound Reveals if Your Pregnancy is Progressing
When an ultrasound is conducted at our Center, the ultrasound tech will be able to provide an estimate of how far along you are based on the first day of your last menstrual period. Additionally, it’s important to confirm whether or not your pregnancy is actually progressing, indicated by fetal heartbeat. (An OB’s office can provide exact measurements of how far you are in your pregnancy, and we can provide referrals to these offices as well.) Depending on the length and progression of your pregnancy, you may be eligible for the abortion pill, or you may need a surgical abortion.
Confirming the number of weeks and progression of your pregnancy will help you consider the options available to you.
An Ultrasound Reveals The Location of Your Pregnancy
Some pregnancies occur outside of the uterus, which can lead to serious harm. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you will need specialized medical attention, and the FDA advises you not to take the abortion pill.
The only way to know the location is with an ultrasound. For your own safety, you’ll want this confirmation before your abortion. Our free non-diagnostic ultrasounds make this information readily available to you.
Start Here
We know you have a lot on your plate. We’re here to help you as you navigate your health decisions, and we’re dedicated to making our services as affordable and accessible as possible. At our Center, we provide medical-grade pregnancy tests, limited ultrasounds, and options counseling. Though we do not perform or refer for abortions, we are able to educate clients on each pregnancy option so you can be fully informed prior to a decision.
Contact us today to get started with a free pre-abortion assessment, including these three things. We offer same-day appointments and accept walk-ins whenever available.