Anxiety or uncertainty is normal if you are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. If you’re considering an abortion, but are unsure of the steps to take, read this article for recommended health screenings to protect yourself as you decide if an abortion is the best option.
Pregnancy Testing
If you have been relying on timing and common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or fatigue, taking a pregnancy test can eliminate any potential what-ifs and give you more confidence as you make a plan.
Even if you have taken an at-home pregnancy test, while they are generally highly accurate, one study indicates that up to 5% of pregnancy tests can be misleading. While it may be a negative result, you could, in fact, still be pregnant.
At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests. We also help you calculate the pregnancy test timing based on your last missed period.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound should be your next step if your pregnancy test reads positive. This step can verify that the pregnancy is located in the uterus. When the embryo implants outside the uterus, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening condition, so it is critical that it is diagnosed early. Ectopic pregnancy can not be treated with abortion.
Additionally, an ultrasound will inform you of a pregnancy’s viability. According to the National Library of Medicine, up to 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage may not need treatment or might need intervention from a medical provider.
An ultrasound will also date the pregnancy. The length of time you have been pregnant can affect the options that are available to you.
STD Testing
Getting tested and seeking treatment for a sexually transmitted disease before an abortion is an excellent way to reduce the risk of complications.
Pelvic infections are the most common complication of elective abortion, so reducing this risk can protect your health..
The good news is that most STDs are very treatable, especially if detected early. At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost STD testing and can provide treatment is an STD comes back as positive.
Next Steps
It’s easy to feel alone or overwhelmed when facing an unplanned pregnancy, but we are here to empower you with information and options.
At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost pregnancy services so you can prioritize your health and safety. Schedule your appointment today!
