If abortion seems like the best choice for your unexpected pregnancy, get the facts first. Learn the time limits for specific procedures. At SouthWest Options for Women, we can verify your pregnancy, discuss abortion procedures and potential risks, and talk about your situation. Now’s the time to schedule your free and confidential appointment.
Have You Verified Your Pregnancy First?
Did you know a positive pregnancy test may not be enough information to determine if you are pregnant? It is possible to get a positive test result and no longer be pregnant.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. There’s no point in scheduling an abortion if you have miscarried.
How Do I Find Out if I’ve Miscarried?
You should take more than one pregnancy test. If you test positive on one and negative on another, you may have had a chemical pregnancy that results in early pregnancy loss. The Cleveland Clinic says a miscarriage is the most common reason you wouldn’t get accurate test results.
Our free and confidential pregnancy services include pregnancy testing. Don’t continue to spend money on tests when you can get one for free. If you receive a positive result, we schedule you for a free and confidential ultrasound exam.
Ultrasound is the best way to verify if your pregnancy is developing with a detectable heartbeat or if you’ve had a miscarriage. In addition, an ultrasound correctly dates your pregnancy and shows you its location.
Are There Limits to When I Can Take the Abortion Pill?
Once you have verified your pregnancy and determined how far along you are, you know the type of abortion procedure you qualify for. The FDA recommends not using the abortion pill method past 10 weeks and not ordering the drugs online.
As you can see, knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is critical. If you exceed the suggested 10-week limit, you may need to consider a surgical procedure. Potential risks of the abortion pill method include incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, and infection.
What Can I Do if I Can’t Use the Abortion Pill?
Minnesota bans abortions after fetal viability, which is the stage of pregnancy when the fetus could survive outside of the womb. Usually, medical experts place viability around week 20 through week 24. Mercy One puts it at 22 weeks.
If your pregnancy is between weeks 11 and 20, you may have to have a surgical abortion. Various surgical abortion procedures depend on how far you are in your pregnancy. The abortion provider might use a suction or vacuum-like device along with scraping tools and forceps. Potential risks include perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, and infection.
You Have Other Options
You have other options for your unplanned pregnancy than just abortion. You could choose to make an adoption plan that would remove the responsibility of parenting but still allow you to have a relationship with your child.
You might be surprised at the amount of help available if you choose to parent. We offer educational and material support. In fact, we will come alongside you and design a unique plan specifically for you. Our community offers many programs, too.
Contact SouthWest Options for Women to learn more about abortion procedures and date your pregnancy through free and confidential ultrasound. Be prepared for what’s ahead. We’re here to help you.