Even if abortion is the first thing on your mind when you’re unexpectedly pregnant and considering options, there are several steps you should take beforehand. Seeking the medical care you need, confirming key pregnancy details, and ensuring you understand all available options will help you to make the best possible decision.
Continue reading to learn more.
1.Confirm Key Pregnancy Details
Perhaps you’ve already confirmed your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test. If this is the case, you might think you have all the information you need to decide. Not quite! You’ll want to receive an obstetric ultrasound, too. Ultrasounds reveal crucial information such as:
- Viability: Up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Ultrasounds verify that your pregnancy is growing normally and has a heartbeat. If you are experiencing a miscarriage, you will not need an abortion and may require medical treatment.
- Gestational age: Your gestational age, or how far along you are, is essential information. This detail can help to inform you which abortion procedure you may be eligible for.
- Location of pregnancy: Sometimes, a condition called ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants in an area outside of the uterus, such as in one of the fallopian tubes. This condition is dangerous and always requires medical treatment. An ultrasound will confirm that you have an intrauterine pregnancy.
WISH Medical offers no-cost, limited obstetrical ultrasounds.
2.Identify a Support Person
Regardless of how you’re feeling about this pregnancy, it may be helpful to identify a support person who can help you through this process. This can be a loved one, such as a family member or friend. Having someone in your corner will allow you to talk through your options and provide a nonjudgmental listening ear.
If you can’t identify someone who could help, don’t despair. We’re here to offer you the help you need in a supportive, trustworthy environment. Our services are confidential, and we’re committed to respecting your privacy.
3.Review Your Pregnancy Options
Deciding what to do about your unexpected pregnancy can seem overwhelming, especially if you feel pressured to make a specific decision. Though many women think abortion is their only option, the truth is more complex. Other options, including adoption and parenting, may be better suited to you. At WISH Medical, our Client Advocates can walk you through all the options you want to consider.
Though adoption and parenting have challenges, they can be very fulfilling options. And there is a plethora of support available to those choosing these paths. Your local pregnancy center offers resources geared toward helping people choose a strong adoption plan or parent their child.
WISH Medical can refer you to Life Bridge, a center that offers a variety of parenting resources, including educational classes, maternity clothes and baby essentials, community referrals, and more. All of these resources are provided at no cost to you. Life Bridge also offers support groups to help those facing relationship issues, pregnancy loss, and other challenges.
Learn More Today
If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, help is available at WISH Medical.
Make an appointment at WISH Medical or contact Life Bridge today. You’ve got this!