Have you recently discovered you’re pregnant? You may have many questions about what to do next, especially if the pregnancy was unplanned. Even if you are considering abortion, there are three essential steps to take before you proceed.

But first, do you need to confirm your pregnancy? Acadiana Pregnancy Center & Clinic provides free pregnancy testing and other services available to you. Contact us today to get the support you need, and keep reading to learn more.

1. An Ultrasound Scan

After verifying your pregnancy, it’s crucial to get an ultrasound scan by a medical professional to provide critical details and safeguard your health and well-being. 

An ultrasound scan reveals the location of your pregnancy, which can be essential to rule out an ectopic pregnancy—when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus.  

An abortion procedure won’t treat an ectopic pregnancy. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

An ultrasound will also give you details such as the age of your pregnancy and its viability.  Knowing the gestational age will allow you to know which options are available. About 26% of pregnancies result in miscarriage, and the signs aren’t always immediate or obvious, which is why it’s best to get an ultrasound before you do anything.

2. Assess The Potential Risks

Understanding the risks before getting an abortion is paramount. Informed decision-making ensures that you are aware of potential complications, both physical and emotional. 

Abortion isn’t simply medication you take; it’s a serious medical procedure to consider. Here are just some of the possible risks involved:

• An ongoing pregnancy if it doesn’t work
• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

You also should be aware of the potential mental health risks. According to a report from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion (TFMHA), you may feel sadness, grief, and a sense of loss after ending a pregnancy. Additionally, you could also suffer from notable disorders like depression and anxiety.

Overall, being informed allows for open communication with clinics and healthcare providers, facilitating better care and support.

3. Take a Breath and Learn About Your Options

Discovering you’re pregnant can be a shock, which is natural when considering the impact on your future. With all these questions looming, take a step back and breathe. Plenty of women have gone through what you’re experiencing, and you don’t have to face it alone. 

There are options available to you other than abortion that you may want to consider, such as adoption and parenting. Both can be deeply fulfilling and rewarding experiences.

We’re here to help you at the start of your journey. Acadiana Pregnancy Center & Clinic can set you up with a free ultrasound and provide options counseling afterward. Make an appointment today.