To help protect your health and wellness, below are three things you should do before having an abortion:

• Take a medical-grade pregnancy test and have an ultrasound
• Speak with a trusted professional about risks, complications, and impacts.
• Have a complete physical

Why Take Another Pregnancy Test and Have An Ultrasound?

At-home pregnancy tests are great resources that are accessible and inexpensive. However, at times home-pregnancy tests can give inaccurate results. Reasons for this could be:

• User error 
• Faulty Test
• Tested too soon
• Diluted urine

A medical-grade pregnancy test administered by professionals can help mitigate causes for inaccurate results. 

An Ultrasound is important, so women know how far along they are in pregnancy, where their pregnancy is located, and that it doesn’t pose a risk to their health (such as an ectopic pregnancy). The information provided by ultrasound will also help women understand what options are available to them. 

Why Should I Speak With A Medical Professional? 

Speaking with a trusted physician or pregnancy center is important, so you understand the risks and complications associated with an abortion. Many abortions are outpatient appointments. This means you are responsible for recognizing any life-threatening signs or symptoms that take place. Depending on the type of procedure you have, some of these risks 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 are:

 Injury to the uterine lining or cervix.

• Uterine perforation 
• Hemorrhaging 
• Tissue remaining in the uterus
• Blood Clots

Why Should I Have a Physical Exam?

Knowing what procedures are safe for your health is essential to protect it. For example, the Mayo Clinic states not everyone is eligible for a Medical Abortion, that includes those who: 

• Are too far along in your pregnancy 
• Have an intrauterine device (IUD) 
• Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus
• Have certain medical conditions
• Take a blood thinner.
• Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider 
• Have an allergy to the medicine used

Additionally, giving a complete health history and a full list of any current medications (in case of drug interaction) is essential for your physician to know beforehand. 

Lastly, the Mayo Clinic states, “Talk with your health care provider to get answers to your questions, help you weigh alternatives, and consider the impact the procedure may have on your future.”

Who Can I Speak With More? 

Please contact us today if you want clarity on the risks or complications associated with an abortion. We also offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and options counseling for your convenience. 

We are here to help provide the answers you seek and support you no matter your decision. You are our priority, and we would be honored to walk this journey alongside you.