If you have discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant and are considering abortion, there are a few steps you need to take first.

We recommend visiting Willowbrook for pregnancy confirmation as your first step. A positive pregnancy test and a missed period may not be enough to determine if you are pregnant. Verifying your pregnancy is one step. Read on to find out what else you should do.

1. Have You Had a Pre-Abortion Screening?

You may think all you have to do is take a pregnancy test once you miss your period. But there is more information you need to know. Come to Willowbrook Women’s Center for no-cost pregnancy services to confirm your pregnancy.

No-Cost Pregnancy Test

We will begin with no-cost pregnancy testing. You should take multiple tests because home tests have different sensitivity levels depending on when you take them. Although unusual, it is possible to get a false positive result.

Complimentary Ultrasound

An ultrasound is your next step. Ultrasound reveals the following information:

• Ultrasound reveals if your pregnancy is viable. A viable pregnancy means it is growing with a detectable heartbeat. Experts estimate that one in four pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. You can get a false positive test result days or weeks after a miscarriage because it takes your body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
• Ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy. Many women are surprised to learn that the date they thought they got pregnant is very different from reality.
• Ultrasound shows you the location of your pregnancy. Some pregnancies grow outside the uterus. These are called ectopic and can be life-threatening.

2. Have You Discussed Abortion Procedures, Side Effects, and Potential Risks?

Abortion is a serious physical and emotional medical procedure, and you should have as much information as possible beforehand. By seeing how far along you are in your pregnancy, you will know the type of procedure.

For instance, the FDA has approved the abortion pill method for up to 10 weeks of pregnancy only (70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). After that, it may be necessary to have a surgical procedure. Since Missouri banned all abortions, you may have to travel.

If you qualify for the abortion pill method, expect side effects like nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache. All abortions involve bleeding and cramping, which is common to expect.

The risks of the abortion pill include an incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, and a lasting fever. You may not qualify for this method for several reasons, so speak with someone beforehand.

3. Have You Reviewed All of Your Options?

At Willowbrook Women’s Center, we want you to make an empowered decision. We know you will have questions once you have more information about your pregnancy and have discussed the procedures and potential risks.

Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual information about each one of your options. We would love to have you share your story with us. Our caring patient advocates can discuss your situation and help you make the best choice for you and your future.

We receive no financial gain from your decision. We’re just here to help you feel confident. Set up an appointment at either of our locations for your pre-abortion screening today. You can conveniently and confidentially sign up online or call us at 816-244-7824. You are truly important to us!