If you’re considering an abortion, use this checklist first. It is important to have all the information you need to be empowered to make the best decision for you.
Following this “before an abortion checklist” could save you the pain, inconvenience, and cost of an abortion. We care about you.
Considering abortion? First, follow this “Before an Abortion Checklist.”
1. Make sure you’re pregnant
Try not to panic. Just because you are showing pregnancy symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant. Before you begin thinking about abortion, first take a pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests can sometimes be inaccurate. At Thrive Savannah, we offer an online pregnancy test quiz to help you determine if you need a pregnancy test and in-clinic free medical-grade pregnancy tests that are 99% accurate and performed by licensed medical professionals.
2. Make sure your pregnancy is viable
Even with a positive pregnancy test that shows pregnancy hormones in your system, it is possible that the pregnancy isn’t viable. A viable pregnancy means a developing fetus is present and has a heartbeat with the potential for a live birth. As many as 20% of pregnancies end on their own before 12 weeks.
A pregnancy test alone is not a reliable source to confirm viability. It is really important to make sure your pregnancy is viable before you put your body through an unnecessary abortion.
Our free viability ultrasound can help confirm the viability of your pregnancy.
3. Check to see where your pregnancy is growing
Sometimes, a pregnancy may begin to grow outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening to you. It’s important to rule out an ectopic pregnancy as it can become more dangerous as the pregnancy grows.
Taking the abortion pill without ruling out an ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening. While you might experience abortion symptoms after taking the abortion pills, it may not end the pregnancy. This can mask the signs of a rupturing ectopic pregnancy and put you at risk for internal bleeding.
An ultrasound can check where your pregnancy is growing.
4. Find out how far along you are
An ultrasound helps determine your estimated gestational age (how far along you are in your pregnancy). Your gestational age influences what abortion option you may be eligible for and how much it will cost. Taking the abortion pill after 10 weeks of pregnancy has not been approved by the FDA and increases your risk for an incomplete abortion, hemorrhage, retained placenta, or the need for a blood transfusion from heavy bleeding. It is important to know your gestational age before having an abortion.
5. Get tested for STDs
Having an abortion with an undetected STD can increase your risk for complications during the procedure and may affect your future reproductive health. Having an abortion while infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea (two of the most common STDs) can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID can cause lifelong damage to your reproductive organs and lead to future ectopic pregnancies or infertility. Because most women do not have symptoms with chlamydia or gonorrhea, it is important to get tested to rule out infection to protect your health.
Thrive Savannah offers free STD testing and treatment.
6. Discover all of your pregnancy options
No matter how scared you are, abortion is not your only option. Talk to a licensed medical professional about options and resources for your specific situation. You don’t have to rush to make a decision. Take the time to really understand both the short-term and long-term effects of each choice.
We are here for you to talk through your fears, concerns, and pregnancy options.
7. Understand specifics of abortion procedure, risks, and complications
We believe you deserve to be fully informed. Before making a decision, educate yourself on how each abortion procedure is performed, how it will affect your body, and what complications and risks are possible. Our medical professionals at Thrive Savannah can talk you through these specifics and make sure you feel confident in your pregnancy decision.
Schedule an appointment today.