Why Taking the Abortion Pill is an Emotional Decision
The decision to take the abortion pill is often fraught with complex emotions. For someone facing an unintended pregnancy, terminating it through medication abortion can bring up intense feelings that should be processed carefully before moving forward.
From past experiences to social pressures, many factors can shape how one feels about taking the abortion pill. By reflecting deeply on all aspects of the decision, a person can prepare emotionally for this profound choice.
Previous Experiences With Pregnancy
If someone has been through an abortion before, whether with the pill or a surgical procedure, that experience can significantly impact their feelings this time around. They may still carry grief, regret, or trauma from their past decision that makes them hesitant to terminate again. Or they may feel confident that abortion was the right choice for them previously.
A prior miscarriage can also lead to mixed emotions. Fear, sadness, or relief may be associated with that loss that resurfaces. The desire to avoid another painful miscarriage could sway them to take the pill, while still mourning their past loss.
Even a previous full-term pregnancy that resulted in the joyful birth of a child can shape one’s perspective on terminating. The bond formed with their child may motivate them to continue the
current pregnancy. Yet it may also strengthen their conviction that they can only emotionally and financially support their existing children.
Forming Attachment in Early Pregnancy
Even in the first trimester, only weeks into pregnancy, the beginnings of attachment can start forming between the parent and embryo/fetus. Ultrasounds make that connection more vivid. Knowing that their pregnancy has progressed to the point of detecting a heartbeat or early physical developments can spark maternal or paternal instincts.
This natural attachment can cause hesitation or regret about interrupting this process. However, it’s important to reflect on whether carrying to term is feasible or aligns with one’s broader goals. The attachment and wonder of pregnancy are normal, but ultimately, the decision must be what is right for the potential parents.
Influence From Partners and Family
In an unintended pregnancy, the opinion of one’s partner is highly significant. Their viewpoint, whether in favor of abortion or against it, can powerfully sway emotions. If a partner adamantly opposes terminating, it may stir up feelings of shame, isolation, and anxiety. Their disapproval could also breed resentment and anger if one feels forced to continue a pregnancy without their full support.
Pressure from certain family members or friends to abort – or to keep the pregnancy – can also cloud one’s decision making. This outside influence naturally adds layers of complexity to the choice. One must filter these perspectives through the lens of what ultimately feels right for oneself.
Fear of Making the Wrong Choice
Undoubtedly, the sheer weight of deciding the fate of one’s pregnancy is emotionally daunting. Fears of regretting the decision or causing irreparable harm are valid. Simply put, determining whether to take the abortion pill or progress with a pregnancy carries tremendous consequences.
This uncertainty can paralyze some and prolong their choice or lead to inaction. However, dwelling endlessly on hypotheticals about the future often leads to anxiety rather than clarity. Once all factors are thoughtfully considered, one must make peace with the imperfect nature of any major life decision.
Cultural Context and Social Stigma
The cultural background and societal norms someone grew up with substantially impact their views on abortion. Cultures, where abortion is highly taboo and socially unacceptable, instill values from a young age that abortion is immoral or even sinful. Under this paradigm, terminating a pregnancy generates much inner turmoil and shame.
Conversely, in societies where abortion access is respected as vital healthcare, the decision involves fewer ingrained value judgments. Still, the choice remains deeply personal, factoring in one’s community, faith, and cultural identity. Navigating any dissonance between these influences and one’s beliefs around reproductive rights adds another layer of complexity.
Above all, while outside perspectives must be sensitively considered, the ultimate decision lies with the person carrying the pregnancy. After exploring their emotions and social context, they alone can determine the right choice regarding taking the abortion pill. While complex, there are healthy resources to support individuals through this profound decision in a balanced, empowering way. With compassion and understanding, they can find clarity within their own heart.
Importance Of An Ultrasound For Your Pregnancy
One of the most magical moments of pregnancy is getting your first glimpse of your baby on the ultrasound. Seeing those little arms and legs makes your pregnancy suddenly feel real! The ultrasound technician will point out your baby’s features so you can marvel at this little life you’ve created.
Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of your baby in the womb. It looks like a little grey-and-white photo, but you’ll clearly see their profile and movements. The excitement and joy of this experience really can’t be described, it has to be felt!
Confirming Your Baby is Developing Properly
In addition to bonding with your baby, ultrasounds serve important medical purposes. They allow doctors to check that your baby is growing correctly and that their organs are forming as expected.
The technician will measure the size of the head, limbs, and torso to ensure your baby is on track developmentally. They’ll also check for a steady heartbeat, eye formation, spinal development, and more.
As a mom, you’ll likely feel some anxiety about your baby’s health. But you can relax knowing your doctors are closely monitoring your little one’s progress!
Estimating Your Due Date
One of the first things an early ultrasound will do is estimate how far along you are based on your baby’s size. This gives you and your doctor a better sense of your due date so you can plan accordingly.
Knowing your due date also tells you what milestones your baby should be hitting at certain points. You can track their fetal development week-by-week and know what to expect at each ultrasound. This takes some of the guesswork out of pregnancy so you can feel more confident.
Pregnancy Due Date Calculator
Monitoring Your Amniotic Fluid Levels
In addition to checking on your baby, ultrasounds keep an eye on your amniotic fluid levels. Amniotic fluid is the protective cushion of fluid that surrounds your baby in the womb.
Too little fluid can limit your baby’s movement and growth. Too much fluid can cause complications. The ultrasound technician will measure the depth of your fluid to ensure you’re in the normal range. Proper fluid levels are essential for your baby’s development.
Examining the Placenta
The placenta is the vital organ that provides your baby with nutrients and oxygen. Ultrasounds allow doctors to evaluate the placenta’s size, shape, location, and health.
They specifically check that the placenta is not covering your cervix, which is called placenta previa. Placenta previa can cause bleeding and complications as you near delivery. Identifying it early with an ultrasound gives doctors time to prepare and monitor you.
Providing Reassurance and Empowerment
Being a mom means having a lot of questions about what’s happening inside your changing body. Ultrasounds provide visual information to demystify pregnancy and empower you.
Instead of wondering how your baby is positioned, you can see their head down near your pelvis. Rather than guessing if their heart is beating steady, you can hear it and see it pulsing.
This invaluable insight will provide comfort and confidence for the months ahead. You’ll walk out of each ultrasound feeling more knowledgeable about your baby and assured of their wellbeing.
In summary, ultrasounds are a vital tool for monitoring your baby, planning your care, and bonding with your little one. As an expectant mother, be grateful for this amazing technology that allows you to see into the womb. Let the beauty of life guide you through your pregnancy journey.
The Abortion Pill: Understanding the Potential Risks
It’s not a Magical Pill.
As with any medication you choose to take, they all come with side effects. And with the Abortion Pill, the potential risks may cause irreversible damage to your body and mental health. Before taking the Abortion Pill, take the time to learn about the side effects.
Confirming How Far Along You Are
It is important to first confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, usually through an ultrasound. The abortion pill is only approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation. Taking it beyond 10 weeks significantly increases the chance of complications such as incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, and infection. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course based on the stage of your pregnancy.
Considering Proximity to Medical Care
While the abortion pill is often taken at home, it is still a significant medical procedure that requires supervision. You should consider your proximity to emergency care in case excessive bleeding or other severe complications occur. It is advisable to have someone you trust with you for at least 24 hours after taking the pills to monitor for adverse reactions. Living far from a hospital or clinic can endanger your health if urgent care is needed. Discuss access to support and medical services in your area beforehand.
Watching for Signs of Infection
There is a risk of bacterial infection if any fetal tissue remains in the uterus after taking the abortion pill. Symptoms of a serious infection include high fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe cramping, and abdominal pain. Such infections can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. It is extremely important to follow up with your healthcare provider 1-2 weeks after a medical abortion to ensure the procedure is fully complete. Call your doctor right away if you experience any potential signs of infection.
Expecting Bleeding and Cramping
Bleeding and cramping are common and expected side effects of the abortion pill as the pregnancy passes. However, if you soak more than 2 menstrual pads per hour for 2 hours in a row, this indicates excessive hemorrhaging that requires prompt emergency medical care. You should seek immediate assistance if you experience dizziness, weakness, or heavy bleeding between periods.
Considering Risks if You Have an STD
Using the abortion pill when you have an untreated sexually transmitted disease, especially chlamydia, substantially heightens the chance of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) after the procedure. PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to scarring, chronic pelvic pain, formation of abscesses, impaired fertility, and other lasting consequences. Get tested for STDs before considering the abortion pill so any necessary treatment can be provided first.
Being Aware of Potential Emotional Effects
Some women experience depression, anxiety, regret, or trauma after having an abortion. The mix of hormonal changes and complex emotions can take a toll on mental health. Reflect carefully on how ending your pregnancy could impact you, and surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or professionals in your life. Take time to process your emotions and seek counseling if needed.
Understanding Future Fertility Implications
In rare cases, usually when there is a pre-existing infection, the abortion pill can cause scarring of the uterine lining. This may negatively impact future fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy with future conceptions. If you hope to have children later, discuss this uncommon side effect with your obstetrician or gynecologist beforehand.
Exercising Caution with Certain Conditions
According to the Mayo Clinic, those with intrauterine devices (IUDs), allergies to the medications, or certain disorders involving the heart, liver, kidneys, or blood vessels may face higher risks of complications with the abortion pill. It may be contraindicated. Your doctor can best advise you based on your specific medical history.
Making the Best Choice for You
Pause, don’t make a decision based on fear or overwhelming emotions. Arm yourself with information about the potential risks, benefits, emotional aspects, and alternatives. Consult medical professionals about your specific health circumstances. You have the power to make the choice that provides the greatest care for both your pregnancy and yourself.
If you think you may be pregnant, and are considering abortion? Schedule an appointment at Hope Clinic. You have options.
How to Figure Out Your Conception Date
Are you curious to know what day you became pregnant?
It might seem a bit complex, but figuring out your conception date is easy. Even if you’ve had multiple partners or several instances of intercourse, calculating your estimated date of conception is possible with just a little thinking. Here are three ways to calculate your conception date:
Count Back From Your Last Period
If you have pretty regular monthly cycles, you can use the start date of your last period to make an educated guess about conception. Here’s how:
Take the first day of your most recent period and count ahead 11-21 days. That’s your conception window! The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, with ovulation typically happening around day 14. Sperm can survive for 3-5 days, which means you can get pregnant on a day you didn’t have sex, so days 11-21 cover all the conceiving bases.
For example, if your last period began May 1st, your conception likely happened between May 12-22. Easy peasy!
Subtract 40 Weeks from Your Due Date
Don’t remember the exact date of your last menstrual cycle? No worries! If you have an estimated due date from your doctor, you can work backward.
Take your due date and subtract 40 weeks – this gives you the approximate first day of your last period. Then, use the 11-21-day conception window trick above.
Say your due date is January 15th. Subtract 40 weeks, and your last period likely started around April 25th. Add 11-21 days; your conception window is May 6-16. See, you got this!
Do the Time Warp with Your Gestational Age
One more option if you’re unsure of dates – use your current gestational age, a.k.a. how far along you are.
Simply take the number of weeks you are currently pregnant and subtract that amount from today’s date. This gives you the first day of your last menstrual cycle. Then apply the 11-21 day rule.
For example, you’re 18 weeks pregnant on August 1st. Subtract 18 weeks, and your last cycle started around March 25th. So, your conception window was April 5-15.
There you have it! Three fun ways to get the down low on when your little bun first joined the party. Hopefully, these tips will help you feel even more connected to your pregnancy journey.
Looking for help with your conception date? Get an accurate estimated conception date by scheduling an appointment with Hope Clinic today!
The Abortion Pill: Understanding the Potential Risks
Confirming How Far Along You Are
It is important to first confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, usually through an ultrasound. The abortion pill is only approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation. Taking it beyond 10 weeks significantly increases the chance of complications such as incomplete abortion, excessive bleeding, and infection. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course based on the stage of your pregnancy.
Considering Proximity to Medical Care
While the abortion pill is often taken at home, it is still a significant medical procedure that requires supervision. You should consider your proximity to emergency care in case excessive bleeding or other severe complications occur. It is advisable to have someone you trust with you for at least 24 hours after taking the pills to monitor for adverse reactions. Living far from a hospital or clinic can endanger your health if urgent care is needed. Discuss access to support and medical services in your area beforehand.
Watching for Signs of Infection
There is a risk of bacterial infection if any fetal tissue remains in the uterus after taking the abortion pill. Symptoms of a serious infection include high fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe cramping, and abdominal pain. Such infections can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. It is extremely important to follow up with your healthcare provider 1-2 weeks after a medical abortion to ensure the procedure is fully complete. Call your doctor right away if you experience any potential signs of infection.
Expecting Bleeding and Cramping
Bleeding and cramping are common and expected side effects of the abortion pill as the pregnancy passes. However, if you soak more than 2 menstrual pads per hour for 2 hours in a row, this indicates excessive hemorrhaging that requires prompt emergency medical care. You should seek immediate assistance if you experience dizziness, weakness, or heavy bleeding between periods.
Considering Risks if You Have an STD
Using the abortion pill when you have an untreated sexually transmitted disease, especially chlamydia, substantially heightens the chance of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) after the procedure. PID is an infection of the reproductive organs that can lead to scarring, chronic pelvic pain, formation of abscesses, impaired fertility, and other lasting consequences. Get tested for STDs before considering the abortion pill so any necessary treatment can be provided first.
Being Aware of Potential Emotional Effects
Some women experience depression, anxiety, regret, or trauma after having an abortion. The mix of hormonal changes and complex emotions can take a toll on mental health. Reflect carefully on how ending your pregnancy could impact you, and surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or professionals in your life. Take time to process your emotions and seek counseling if needed.
Understanding Future Fertility Implications
In rare cases, usually when there is a pre-existing infection, the abortion pill can cause scarring of the uterine lining. This may negatively impact future fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy with future conceptions. If you hope to have children later, discuss this uncommon side effect with your obstetrician or gynecologist beforehand.
Exercising Caution with Certain Conditions
According to the Mayo Clinic, those with intrauterine devices (IUDs), allergies to the medications, or certain disorders involving the heart, liver, kidneys, or blood vessels may face higher risks of complications with the abortion pill. It may be contraindicated. Your doctor can best advise you based on your specific medical history.
Making the Best Choice for You
Pause, don’t make a decision based on fear or overwhelming emotions. Arm yourself with information about the potential risks, benefits, emotional aspects, and alternatives. Consult medical professionals about your specific health circumstances. You have the power to make the choice that provides the greatest care for both your pregnancy and yourself.
How To Tell Your Parents You're Pregnant
So you’ve taken a pregnancy test – or three. Perhaps you even came into our center for a free ultrasound to confirm. Now you’re faced with one of the hardest challenges of all: telling your parents you’re pregnant.
No teen or young adult wants to go through this situation, but it still happens to thousands every year. The combination of feelings like guilt, shame, confusion, and anxiety can be paralyzing. However, the longer you put it off, the worse the situation becomes in many ways. That’s why we’ve put together this simple, private guide for telling your parents about your pregnancy.
Sooner is Better
If there’s one thing for sure about telling your parents, it’s that sooner is always better. The longer you wait to tell your parents about your pregnancy, the more complications and difficulties can arise. Often, waiting to tell your family causes stress and anticipation – which is exactly what you don’t want in early pregnancy. Plus, in many cases, the reaction we imagine is much worse than the reaction we actually get. It’s best to tell your parents soon and start working out your next steps.
Telling Others First Can Make it Easier
If you’re worried about how your parents will react, you can choose to confide in others first like a sibling, close friend, or other relative. This can be a good way to “test the waters” and gauge how your parents may react. It can also help relieve some of the stress and anxiety of keeping a huge secret, making the telling itself easier to do.
Make Sure They’re Prepared
Obviously, very few parents are ready to hear that their child is pregnant unexpectedly. But you can soften the impact by making sure they hear the news in a comfortable setting. Don’t blurt it out in passing or while you’re in a public place, and don’t tell them in anger or out of fear. Now is the time for a rational adult conversation, and that means approaching your parents in an adult way.
Anticipate and Accept Their Feelings
It’s likely that your parents will be angry, disappointed, or confused by the news. This isn’t ideal for you, but it is expected. Remember, your parents are people too, and they have their own plans and goals. They might even say something that is mean or hurtful – and so might you. But it’s important not to let this conversation become an argument. You’re all in this together, and you need to support and respect each other to make it through.
Don’t Make Any Decisions Yet
Your parents might start talking about getting an abortion or placing the baby for adoption when you tell them. However, it’s important not to make any rash decisions right away. Make sure everyone is calm and composed before talking about your options and discussing what you actually want. Furthermore, remember that nobody – not even your parents – can make these decisions for you. If you aren’t comfortable with their choices or reasoning, don’t let them pressure you.
In a time like this, you might be surprised by how well your parents take the news. On the other hand, not all parents will react the same way, and there is always a chance that your parents might react badly. If you find yourself in a bad situation after you tell your parents, remember that there are other places to get help and support. However, you still need to get through this initial conversation first.
Need more help or advice? Call Hope Clinic today. We can talk to you, listen to you, and help you decide the best course of action. Call 601-264-2181 to make an appointment or text us at 669-500-TEST (8378). We’re here and ready to listen, so get in touch any time.
Abortion Costs in Hattiesburg Mississippi
If you’re considering an abortion in Hattiesburg, MS and wondering how much it costs. We want you to have all the information you need to make a healthy decision for yourself. Read on to learn about costs associated with different abortion procedures, then call (601) 264-2181 or text (669) 500-8378 to schedule your free abortion consultation and get answers to your questions and more.
We do not perform or refer for abortion. We can provide valuable information and services to help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
How Much Does an Abortion Cost?
- The cost of an abortion is based on many factors, including:
- What kind of procedure you undergo
- How far along you are in pregnancy
- What insurance you have
- Where you get the procedure done
- Whether there are any complications or problems
We provide a free abortion consultation that includes an ultrasound to confirm a viable pregnancy and estimate how far along you are. Finding out how far along your pregnancy is will determine the type of of abortion you can have. Call (601) 264-2181 or text (669) 500-8378 to schedule your free and confidential appointment.
*The numbers and data below are based on typical cases, but your costs could be very different based on the above factors.
Costs for Different Types of Abortion
Medical abortion, which is abortion via medication, generally cost between $300 and $800 dollars. Most women pay around $500 out of pocket for the abortion pill and related services.
Aspiration abortion is the simplest type of surgical abortion procedure. It can only be performed on pregnancies in the first trimester. The average cost for an aspiration abortion is between $300 and $950.
Depending on how far along your pregnancy is, the costs of a surgical abortion can vary widely. During the first trimester, surgical abortions cost about $1,500 on average. In the second trimester, the procedure can cost $3,000 or more. Your exact costs will be based on how far along you are, where in the United States you get the procedure done, and what insurance you have. You may also pay more at certain clinics or in a hospital than at other providers.
Does Insurance Cover Abortion Costs?
Some insurance companies, but not all, will cover some costs related to an elective abortion. The chances of getting insurance coverage are better if you use a physician in your insurance network. However, in 21 states, there are restrictions on private insurance companies covering abortion procedures. In addition, if you have a plan through the Health Insurance Exchange, you cannot get insurance coverage for an elective abortion procedure except in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions in 23 states.
Does Medicaid Cover Abortion Costs?
If you have insurance through Medicaid, you can only get insurance coverage for abortion procedures in cases of incest, rape, or life endangerment. In addition, you may have difficulty finding an abortion provider near you that works with Medicaid. Doctors and clinics are not obligated to accept Medicaid for insurance, meaning you may have to travel or visit a new doctor.
Get Help and Information Today
If you need more help with your pregnancy decisions or have questions about what your next steps should be, contact us today. Call (601) 264-2181 or text (669) 500-8378 to schedule your free abortion consultation.
She Told Me She's Pregnant. Now What?
What do you do when she tells you she could be pregnant? Every man reacts differently to this news – some are shocked, some are scared, some are angry, some are surprisingly happy. Many men simply don’t know what to do next or where to turn for help.
At Hope Clinic, we provide support and help for men as well as women. If you’re facing an unplanned or unexpected pregnancy, and you aren’t sure what to do next, we can help. Keep reading to learn more or to schedule an appointment today to speak with one of our caring, compassionate staff or volunteers. Together, we can help you work through your choices and understand what to do next.
What to Do if She Tells You She’s Pregnant
When you first find out she’s pregnant, you’ll undoubtedly feel a range of emotions. You might feel shocked, scared, confused, or excited – or some mixture of them all. However, the key thing to remember is that emotions are temporary. You don’t want to make any rash decisions in the heat of the moment. Instead, take time to digest the news and what it means.
The next thing you should do is to make sure the pregnancy is real. A good way to do this is to schedule a free pregnancy confirmation test and ultrasound. This combination is the best way to confirm and date a viable pregnancy.
If she is pregnant, you now have several questions to ask and choices to make:
- What is she expecting of you? You need to have a conversation with her to find out what she wants your role to be. Some women appreciate support and guidance, while others need some space to process this news. Talk about what she wants, and make sure to bring up what you feel your role should be as well. Most women would prefer you are honest about how you feel rather than saying “I’ll support whatever you decide.” This statement can cause her to feel like she’s carrying the burden of the decision alone.
- What are her plans for the pregnancy? Does she want to have and parent the baby? Is she considering abortion? Does she want to place the baby in a forever family through adoption? These are questions you’ll need to ask her. You should also figure out your own feelings on the matter. The best way to make an informed decision is by having accurate information on each of your options.
- What kind of father do you want to be? If she chooses to keep the baby, you’ll need to think about your role in your child’s life. Research has shown that children who grow up with absent fathers are more likely to dropout of school, be poor, use drugs, and go to jail.
- Why should you avoid making a rash decision? If you make a decision quickly, without taking time to consider your options and feelings, you will almost certainly regret it later on. If she just now suspects she’s pregnant or is early in her pregnancy, there is plenty of time to make a decision. Take the time to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound before making a decision.
Face the Situation Together
The one thing that’s most important to remember in this situation is that you’re on the same team, and your decisions affect both of you. When one of you gets frustrated, angry, or scared – and the chances are that will happen – just remember that you’re stronger together.
Of course, in some cases you will benefit the most from outside help and advice. Hope Clinic can offer support, counsel, and free services to make your journey and decisions easier. Call us today at 601-264-2181 or schedule an appointment online to come in on your own or together and talk about your options and next steps.
Why You Should Get a Limited OB Ultrasound When You’re Pregnant
One of the most important things you can do when you become pregnant is get an ultrasound. A Limited Obstetrical Ultrasound – or limited ultrasound for short – can provide vital information about your pregnancy. Keep reading to find out why this simple procedure is so important and how you can get one for yourself.
What is a Limited Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are very simple, painless medical procedures that use sound waves to look inside your body. With specialized equipment, a trained ultrasound technician can literally see into your body and gain important information about your pregnancy.
So what is the “limited” part of a limited ultrasound? Ultrasounds are very powerful tools and can be used to find a wide variety of information. In a limited ultrasound, however, we focus on providing answers to some very simple and important questions, such as:
- Is the pregnancy safely located in the uterus?
- What is the approximate age of the pregnancy?
- Does the baby have a heartbeat?
A limited ultrasound is not designed to be a full medical evaluation. Instead, it is meant to provide answers to some of the most basic and important questions in the early stages of pregnancy.
Why Should I Get a Limited Ultrasound?
If you get a positive pregnancy test, you can be reasonably sure that you’re pregnant. However, pregnancy tests can’t give you any more detailed information than that. They can’t tell you if your pregnancy is safe, for example. Getting an ultrasound is a very important step, as it can tell you whether your pregnancy is safe or whether you have a dangerous ectopic pregnancy located outside the uterus.
How Do I Get a Limited Ultrasound at Hope Clinic?
The first step to getting a limited ultrasound at our clinic is to come in for a free pregnancy test. This test will allow us to verify that you are really pregnant.
Once you have a positive pregnancy test result, we will schedule you for a limited ultrasound at a time that is convenient for you. It’s important to note your pregnancy results and the information from your ultrasound are completely free and 100% confidential.
What Happens After My Ultrasound?
Once you have your ultrasound results, you’ll be better informed to answer important questions about your pregnancy, such as:
- What pregnancy options are available?
- How developed is your baby inside you?
- Do you need any additional help, support, or counseling for your next steps?
Schedule Your Free Pregnancy Test Today
If you are interested in getting a free pregnancy test and free limited ultrasound from Hope Clinic, call us today at 601-264-2181 or visit us in person. We’re happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with the information and help you need.
How an Ultrasound Can Estimate Your Conception Date
One question many women have about their pregnancy is, “When did I conceive?” In many cases, it’s very difficult to tell exactly when you became pregnant. However, one simple tool can tell you with a high degree of accuracy when you become pregnant: an obstetric ultrasound.
What Is An Ultrasound?
Ultrasounds are simple medical procedures that use sound waves to look inside your body. Ultrasounds have many uses in a variety of medical fields, but they are usually thought of in relation to pregnancy.
We use ultrasounds in pregnancy for many reasons, such as:
- Safe for you and your baby: there is no known risk to an ultrasound procedure.
- Easy to perform: Ultrasound technicians can perform an ultrasound in just a few minutes.
- Very accurate: Because ultrasounds show what is happening inside your body in real-time, the results are guaranteed to reflect the truth about your body and pregnancy.
How Ultrasounds Can Date Your Pregnancy
One of the biggest benefits of an ultrasound is that it can estimate how far along you are in your pregnancy (gestational age) down to just a few days.
Ultrasounds estimate how far along you are in your pregnancy by comparing the growth of the fetus to established growth rates for babies around the world. Fetuses grow quickly, and they also follow the same pattern of growth in virtually every case. That means that by measuring the size of the fetus and looking for certain distinguishing characteristics, an ultrasound can give an accurate estimate of when you conceived.
Why Knowing the Gestational Age of Your Pregnancy is Important
There are several reasons it’s important to get an accurate gestational age for your pregnancy, such as:
- Gestational age determines what options are available to you: If you are considering abortion or seeking an abortion clinic, you need to know how far along you are before you can get any procedures done. Doctors can only use some methods up to a certain point in pregnancy, so an accurate age is vital.
- Gestational age helps estimate when you possibly conceived: Knowing how far along you are helps you estimate your conception date. You may want this for personal reasons. You might also need it in order to determine who the father of the baby is.
- Gestational age determines your due date: Babies are generally born 40 weeks after conception. By knowing approximately how far along you are in your pregnancy, you can determine when you are most likely to give birth and make adequate preparations.
Where to Get an Ultrasound
You can get an ultrasound at almost every OB-GYN office, but if you don’t already have a doctor it can be difficult to make a timely appointment. That’s why we offer free limited ultrasounds at our clinic. If you schedule a free pregnancy test at our clinic and it comes back positive, you’re automatically qualified to get a free ultrasound as well.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of getting an ultrasound and other ways of keeping yourself safe and healthy during pregnancy, call Hope Clinic today. We can help you through every step of your pregnancy and answer any questions or concerns you have. Call 601-264-2181 or text 669-500-TEST(8378) today to make an appointment and get help.