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LivingWell, Medical, Pregnancy, Ultrasounds

Verifying Your Pregnancy: Why It’s Important

Finding out that you’re pregnant can bring a whirlwind of emotions such as excitement, anxiety, or even uncertainty. Whether it was planned or not, confirming your pregnancy is crucial for making informed decisions. A missed period or early symptoms can be indicators, but only a reliable pregnancy test and medical verification can provide true clarity. In this blog, we’ll explore why confirming your pregnancy is the first vital step to take before making any pregnancy related decisions.

What does it mean to verify my pregnancy?

Verifying your pregnancy means confirming that you are pregnant through reliable methods. While an at home pregnancy test can determine that you’re pregnant through the hCG hormone in your urine, it cannot determine how far along you are or if your pregnancy is viable. On top of that, they aren’t always 100% accurate. “Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate, but home pregnancy tests differ in their ability to find a pregnancy in people who have recently missed a period.” (Mayo Clinic).

Medical confirmation ensures that your pregnancy is viable and progressing normally. This is done through a reliable pregnancy test and an ultrasound.

Why should I verify my pregnancy?

All pregnancy decisions, such as abortion, rely on important factors like how far along you are and if your pregnancy is viable. These factors determine the different pregnancy options that are available to you. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an approved timeline of ten weeks gestation for a chemical abortion (ACOG). This means that taking the abortion pill after ten weeks can cause potential medical complications. If you don’t verify your pregnancy, you won’t know exactly how far along you may be.

For your safety, it’s important to be aware of these factors and be well-educated on all of your pregnancy options.

What are some risks if I don’t verify my pregnancy before making my decision?

Getting an ultrasound can confirm that your pregnancy is progressing healthily in the uterus. It’s possible for the fertilized egg to plant outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention. If you move forward with a pregnancy decision without verifying the placement of the baby, there can be serious risks towards your health and safety.

Additionally, an ultrasound confirms whether or not the baby has a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat, then the pregnancy is not viable and will miscarry naturally. In this case, any action taken to end your pregnancy can cause potential complications.

How can we help?

If you need to verify your pregnancy, we are ready to help you! We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations at no cost to you. To schedule an appointment, click here or call us at (530) 272-6800.

Sources

ACOG Clinic Staff, Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation, ACOG, October 2020

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation

Mayo Clinic Staff, Home Pregnancy Tests: Can you trust the results? Mayo Clinic, December 2022

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940

Tanya Wonderly, RN

Nurse Manager

This blog has been reviewed and approved by our Nurse Manager.

Abortion, LivingWell

After Abortion Care

In today’s society, abortion is a highly discussed topic. However, one crucial aspect of abortion that is frequently overlooked is the emotional effects it can have on women. The aftermath of abortion can negatively affect mental well-being, relationships, and even personal identity. It is important to recognize that, for some, the journey doesn’t end with the abortion procedure – it can be the beginning of a new emotional path. This is why it’s essential to be aware of after abortion care.

What is after abortion care?

Emotional aftercare following an abortion is very important but is often less discussed. Many women experience a range of emotions after the procedure, including sadness, guilt, regret, or relief. It’s essential to acknowledge that emotional healing is a process. It’s important to reach out and find support. This might include talking to a counselor, connecting with support groups, or relying on close friends and family. Really take time to process what you are feeling. Understanding that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions can help women process their experience in a healthy way, providing the space and resources to heal both mentally and emotionally.

After abortion care can look different for everyone. Finding what helps you process your experience the best is a crucial part of healing.

What are some emotions women may struggle with after an abortion?

Some emotions or experiences that women may struggle with include:

  • Anxiety
  • Anger
  • Regret
  • Depression
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Lack of sleep
  • Nightmares
  • Intense grief on the anniversary of the abortion or the due date of the aborted pregnancy
  • Denial
  • Withdrawal from others
  • Irritation

These emotions can have a strong negative affect on a woman and her life. That is why it’s so important to seek healing.

How we can help.

Any woman who has made an abortion decision is vulnerable to these feelings. Whether the abortion was last month or ten years ago, the impact is the same. If you have struggled after making your abortion decision, know that you are not alone. Many women face emotional challenges after an abortion. We offer a weekend of hope and healing at our HOPE Retreat.

During our weekend HOPE Retreat, we gather as a small group of 5-8 who have experienced the struggle with an abortion decision. Together we will process painful thoughts and emotions like guilt, anger, unforgiveness, regret or depression. Healing and restored hope are possible!

You can register for our next retreat by calling us at (530)-272-6800 or by visiting our website at this link: https://livingwellmedicalclinic.com/abortion-recovery/

LivingWell, Pregnancy, Relationships

Ways to Support Your Pregnant Friend

Have you ever felt like you wanted to help your pregnant friend but didn’t know how? As a supportive friend, you want to be there for her every step of the way, even if you don’t know where to start. Pregnancy can be a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be difficult and physically challenging. By supporting her in thoughtful and practical ways, you can make a real difference in your friend’s pregnancy journey and help her feel seen and loved.

So, what are some ways you can help your friend during her pregnancy? Let’s find out.

Help With Chores and Tasks

Pregnancy can make simple tasks harder than they were before, especially as you get closer to your due date. Offering a helping hand with chores around the house can relieve stress for your friend and help her relax in a clean and tidy space.

Another task you can assist with is running errands. When you’re pregnant, it can be difficult to run errands, especially if you already have kids. Having someone think of you and pick up the things you need can make all the difference for your friend.

Be a Listening Ear

Being a good listener can mean the world to someone going through pregnancy. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen without judgement. Be a source of comfort for your friend as she navigates this new phase of her life. Even if you don’t fully understand everything that she talks about, listening and affirming can still make your friend feel validated in her emotions.

Cook Meals

Cooking or preparing meals for your friend can save her a lot of time. Pregnancy can bring fatigue and morning sickness, making it more difficult to prepare food. If you do make meals for her, add ingredients that have good nutrition. Eating balanced meals can help maintain and support a healthy pregnancy.

Offer Company

Whether it’s going shopping or going to a doctor’s appointment together, offering company for your friend’s errand can help her not feel lonely in her pregnancy journey. If she’s comfortable with it, it can be soothing to have a friend nearby. It also gives an opportunity to help her with simple things like carrying groceries or transportation.

Help With Preparations

There are so many different things you can help your friend prepare for the arrival of her little one. You can help organize her nursery by unpacking clothes and constructing furniture. You can also assist with packing her hospital bag as she gets closer to her due date. Ask your friend how you can help her organize and prepare!

Every pregnancy journey is different, but support is needed in every single one. Being supportive not only strengthens your bond with your friend but can make her pregnancy experience easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s practical help or emotional encouragement, your kindness will mean the world to her!

How We Can Help

If you or a friend are pregnant and in need of support, LivingWell is here for you. We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and option consultations at no cost to you! Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here, calling us at (530) 272-6800 or texting us at (530) 802-0858.

Cathy Seapy

CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.