3 Things Needed Before Abortion
Women contemplating an abortion might question if there are any steps they should first take. The answer is yes; it’s important to protect your health and wellness and understand what options are available to you. Here are 3 things women should do before an abortion procedure:
- Medically confirm pregnancy
- Have a complete physical exam
- Understand the risks
How and Why Should I Confirm My Pregnancy?
Women should look to confirm their pregnancy in a medical facility so that professionals can give key information that’s important to know.
For example, understanding that pregnancy is viable, not outside the uterus (ectopic), and the gestational age can prove helpful. The Mayo Clinic states this can be important because a medical abortion isn’t an option for those who are too far along in pregnancy or have an ectopic pregnancy.
You can begin by seeing a trusted provider or local pregnancy center to confirm a pregnancy. Usually, a pregnancy test and ultrasound will be used to confirm a pregnancy and give you the information quickly so you can begin planning your next step.
Why Is A Physical Exam Important?
A physical exam is a great way to safeguard your health and safety. A complete physical helps medical professionals identify any underlying issues that may impact your wellness.
Some individuals are not recommended for specific procedures due to medical history, existing conditions, or currently used medications. Or, sometimes providers give specific instructions or adjust medicines because it is not advised to take them simultaneously with a procedure.
Understanding the state of your health is important to protect your wellness now and in the future.
Why Do I Need To Know The Risks?
Like other medications or operations, you deserve to understand what risks you may encounter before undergoing the procedure. Additionally, many abortion procedures are outpatient or home procedures. Due to this, you are responsible for monitoring yourself for risks or complications that could arise and potentially be life-threatening. Depending on the type of procedure, some risks may include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Other risks to be aware of could be:
- Perforation of the uterus.
- Damage to the cervix.
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall.
Speaking to a doctor or pregnancy center about what signs and symptoms to monitor yourself for can be potentially lifesaving.
Where Can I Go For More Information?
If you would like to discuss all your options, receive pregnancy confirmation, or discuss the risks of abortion, we invite you to contact us. We provide free, confidential appointments, pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and more!
We will give you the care you deserve while providing you with the answers you seek, and together we will find a way forward.
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should verify the results. We provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing to help you receive the answers you need.
Ultrasounds
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make an informed decision. An ultrasound scan can determine how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it’s viable.
STD Testing
Before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STD. Take control of your health, get tested today, and receive the peace of mind you deserve!
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should verify the results. We provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing to help you receive the answers you need.
Ultrasounds
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make an informed decision. An ultrasound scan can determine how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it’s viable.
STD Testing
Before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STD. Take control of your health, get tested today, and receive the peace of mind you deserve!
