Making a decision about an unexpected pregnancy is rarely simple. Amid the stress and uncertainty, it can be tempting to move quickly just to feel like something is resolved. But before taking any next step, there are three things worth knowing, not to slow you down, but to make sure you’re protected.
The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free, confidential services where you’ll be met with zero judgment and genuine care. Pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing are all available at no cost, and through our mobile medical unit, we bring these services directly into the community.
Schedule an appointment today for a private, one-on-one conversation and the clarity you deserve.
1. How Far Along the Pregnancy Is (Gestational Age)
Knowing how far along a pregnancy is matters more than most women realize. Abortion methods, availability, and associated risks can all vary depending on how many weeks have passed, as some options are only accessible in early pregnancy.
A home pregnancy test can tell you that you’re pregnant, but it can’t tell you how far along you are. An ultrasound is the most reliable way to determine gestational age, giving you a clear picture of your timeline before making any decisions.
2. Where the Pregnancy Is Located and Whether It’s Viable
Beyond dating a pregnancy, an ultrasound can also confirm where the pregnancy is located. In some cases, a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it is a medical emergency.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with the abortion pill and requires immediate medical attention. Left untreated, it can cause the fallopian tube to rupture and lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. Confirming pregnancy location is a critical safety step before moving forward with any decision.
Additionally, an ultrasound can check for signs of viability, including fetal cardiac activity. This is worth knowing because miscarriage occurs in an estimated 10 to 20% of known pregnancies, sometimes without obvious symptoms. Understanding whether a pregnancy is developing helps ensure the care you receive is appropriate for your actual situation.
3. Your STI Status (Because It Directly Affects Your Safety)
STI testing is a step that often gets skipped, but it’s an important one. Infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea frequently cause no symptoms, which means it’s entirely possible to have one without knowing.
An untreated STI at the time of an abortion can increase the risk of post-procedure infection and may contribute to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). PID can cause lasting inflammation and scarring that leads to chronic pelvic pain, future fertility challenges, and a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. Testing beforehand and treating anything found are straightforward ways to protect your long-term health.
Mental and Emotional Health: Worth Considering Too
Physical health isn’t the only thing worth thinking through before an abortion. Research shows that some women experience a range of emotional responses afterward, including grief, guilt, anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss. These experiences are real and valid, and they don’t always follow a predictable timeline.
Going into any decision with honest information, including an awareness of possible emotional responses, is part of taking care of your whole self, not just the immediate situation. Having a space to process your feelings before and after matters, and that’s something the Pregnancy Resource Center can offer.
Start With What You Know for Sure
Clarity is one of the most grounding things you can have when everything feels uncertain. Getting accurate information about your pregnancy, gestational age, pregnancy location, viability, and STI status means whatever you decide next, you’re making that choice with the full picture.
The Pregnancy Resource Center offers free, confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing in a space that is welcoming, private, and pressure-free. For women on the go, our Mobile Medical Unit brings these same trusted services out in the community.
Schedule an appointment today.
The Pregnancy Resource Center does not perform or refer for abortion services.