It is your right to be informed about pregnancy options, to know what procedure might be used, and the risks associated with each. When signing consent for an abortion, you are acknowledging you have been informed of:
- Your medical risks associated with the chosen procedure
- The probable age of the fetus at the time the abortion is scheduled
Am I Pregnant? (Pregnancy Symptoms)
Pregnancy symptoms are different for every woman. Some possible common pregnancy symptoms may include:
- A missed period
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Excessive tiredness
- Constipation
- Mild cramping
- Light spotting
- Moodiness
Just because you may be experiencing these symptoms may not necessarily mean you are pregnant. Only a Physician can diagnose pregnancy. The only way for you to know for sure that you are pregnant is to have an ultrasound exam so that our Medical Director may confirm that you have a viable intrauterine pregnancy. Our staff is ready to welcome and help you. Call (229) 848-6778 to schedule an appointment.
Plan B (Emergency Contraception)
Before taking Emergency Contraception, it is important to connect with a medical professional who can further explain what it is and how it affects your body.
Emergency contraception is taken after a woman has unprotected sex or her birth control method has failed. There are risks and side effects associated with emergency contraceptives one should be aware of, such as:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Menstrual pain or cramps
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
Emergency contraceptives such as Ella or Plan B pill should not be confused with the abortion pill, Mifeprex known as RU 486.
If your period is more than a week late, give us a call to schedule an appointment. One of our medical professionals will offer you a pregnancy test at no charge to you.
Abortion
Finding out you are pregnant can be an emotional and difficult experience. You have three options when you become pregnant: parenting, adoption, and abortion. Our medical team is available to talk with you about each of your options and answer your questions.
The gestational age of the fetus determines what type of abortion procedure you would have. An ultrasound is used to measure how far along someone is in their pregnancy.
Post-Abortion
Have you had an abortion?
Many women who have had an abortion report feeling an immediate sense of relief while others say they felt an overwhelming sense of sadness. Your feelings matter. Whatever your experience may have been or will be in the future, we are here for you.
Journey with someone who has been there too.
We have post-abortion advocates who will listen to where you’ve been, guide you on how to move forward, and offer hope to encourage you right where you are at in your healing process.
It’s not too late. You can still make strong choices after an abortion.
Pregnancy Options
Abortion Education
There are 2 kinds of abortions available to women facing unwanted pregnancies.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is the use of medicine to end a pregnancy. The medicine helps remove the fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb (uterus).
Abortion – medical. (2013). Retrieved September 10, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007382.htm
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb (uterus).
Abortion – surgical. (2013). Retrieved September 10, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002912.htm
Medical Abortion: Medical abortion is the use of medicine to end a pregnancy. The medicine helps remove the fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb (uterus).
Surgical Abortion: Surgical abortion is a procedure that ends a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb (uterus).
You need to have an ultrasound exam to determine exactly how far along you are. Be informed before you make a decision.
1 Abortion – medical. (2013). Retrieved September 10, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007382.htm
2 Abortion – surgical. (2013). Retrieved September 10, 2013, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002912.htm
Adoption Education
Creating an adoption plan for your child is a way to be in control of what happens with your life. You choose the private agency, the family, and most other preferences about the adoption itself. There are no costs to you and the adoptive families approved by your agency must meet standards that are shared with you so you know the child will be cared for. Prior to finalizing the adoption, a caseworker will make home visits to ensure the child’s well-being. In an open adoption, you will see for yourself how well your child is cared for and how much your child is loved.
For more information, and to learn about the adoption experiences of birth mothers and families, visit www.bravelove.org.
Parenting Education
If you decide to parent:
- See your OB/GYN right away
- Take prenatal vitamins
- Eat a healthy balanced diet
- Small frequent meals
- Crackers at bedtime
- Crackers in the morning
- Do not try to lose weight during your pregnancy
- Take plenty of calcium, found in:
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Fortified juices
- Take plenty of iron
- Avoid alcohol
- Try to quit smoking
- Get plenty of rest
- Do not take any medications unless otherwise directed by your doctor
We also have several resources within our network that we would be glad to connect you with, so you still do not have to do this alone.
Citation: Mayo Clinic – Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-development/PR00114
Read our Patient Bill of Rights