4 THINGS NEEDED BEFORE AN ABORTION
Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy is never easy. Being free to choose means understanding all options and resources available. At Crossroads Resource Center, our compassionate staff is here to walk with you.
Abortion is one of your three pregnancy options. Here is more information about what you need before proceeding with this decision, and what the risks are. You deserve to know them all. Knowing how far along you are will determine what type of abortion you are eligible for.
SURGICAL VS. MEDICATION ABORTION
Surgical abortion terminates pregnancy by using different types of surgical instruments to remove the fetus. This type of abortion is for women over 10 weeks pregnant and normally involves anesthesia. Risks of surgical abortion include excessive bleeding, damage to the womb or cervix, scarring of the uterus, and infection.
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, terminates pregnancy through two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone first blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and keeps the embryo from implanting or growing. Misoprostol causes contractions that expel the pregnancy through the vagina. Medication abortion is only for women 10 weeks pregnant and under. Risks of medication abortion include incomplete abortion, prolonged and heavy bleeding, infection, and fever.
1. GET A LAB-QUALITY PREGNANCY TEST
Get your pregnancy confirmed with a lab-quality pregnancy test prior to moving forward with abortion. This will confirm the results of your at-home pregnancy test, as there is still a chance for inaccurate results. Schedule a confidential pregnancy test at no-cost to you at Crossroads Resource Center today. Our team can help you get the clarity you need.
2. VERIFY PREGNANCY WITH ULTRASOUND
After confirming your pregnancy through a lab-quality pregnancy test, verify the results with an ultrasound. An ultrasound reveals three vital details about your pregnancy, including:
- The viability of your pregnancy (has a heartbeat)
- The location of your pregnancy
- How far along you are
An ultrasound also verifies if you miscarried or have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy growing outside of the uterus). In either of these cases, an abortion procedure would not be necessary. Your doctor would guide you in what medical procedure would be needed.
3. THE IMPORTANCE OF STI TESTING
Whether you have a positive or negative pregnancy test this is a good time to consider STI testing to ensure that you have not been exposed. Our nurse tests for the two most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases in Grant County which are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. All women considering abortion should be tested for STIs, even if they are not experiencing any symptoms, to ensure that there are no possible complications. It is important to know that undiagnosed/untreated STIs can have a negative impact on any future pregnancies that you may have.
4. UNDERSTAND YOUR PREGNANCY OPTIONS
Before this procedure, you will need proof of a confirmed pregnancy through a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. Once you've confirmed you have a viable, healthy pregnancy, learn about your pregnancy options. You have three options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. If you'd like to talk more about the option of abortion, or any other pregnancy options, contact us today.
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