When faced with pregnancy, it is easy to feel paralyzed with uncertainty and doubts, especially if you weren’t planning your pregnancy. Understanding your first steps can give you the confidence to take action.
If you are considering abortion as an option for your pregnancy, your first steps are to obtain a pregnancy test, ultrasound, and abortion information.
1. Pregnancy Test
Many women rely on pregnancy symptoms to determine if they are pregnant. However, since symptoms like a missed period, nausea and vomiting, and frequent urination may be attributed to other conditions, it is not wise to rely on pregnancy symptoms alone to diagnose pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) because hCG is typically only detectable in the body during pregnancy.
The claims of the accuracy of drug-store pregnancy tests vary by brand, but free pregnancy tests provided by Hope Place are highly accurate.
2. Ultrasound
Whether you choose to carry your pregnancy to term or terminate it, an ultrasound provides essential information that can protect your health.
- Viability—Even accurate pregnancy tests can return a positive result for weeks after a miscarriage which occurs in around 20% of pregnancies. An ultrasound will determine if the pregnancy is viable by detecting a heartbeat. If a miscarriage occurs, an abortion will not be necessary.
- Date—How long a woman has been pregnant carries a lot of weight in determining an appropriate abortion procedure. For example, medical abortion, also called “the abortion pill,” is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
- Location—While most embryos implant in the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when an embryo implants outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition for a woman and requires early intervention to prevent complications. However, abortion does not treat ectopic pregnancy, so an ultrasound to diagnose the condition is essential.
3. Abortion Information
To determine if abortion is the right choice, gather as much information about the available procedures. Make sure you understand the side effects, risks, and complications that can occur both physically and mentally. Abortion is a serious medical procedure and is not a decision that should be made lightly.
In addition to information about abortion, learn about your other pregnancy options, parenting and adoption. Understanding all your options will empower you to make a choice that leaves you feeling confident.
Find Support
An unexpected pregnancy is scary enough without blindly reacting with what some think is the “easiest” option. Let us provide you with the services and support you need to take control of the situation without regret. Call us at to schedule a free, empowering appointment today.