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No matter your pregnancy decision, you must safeguard your health and receive credible options information. An unplanned pregnancy can cause much uncertainty and fear, so you deserve to make an informed decision. 

If you’re considering abortion, know that it’s not a decision to be made lightly. Learning about the procedures and gaining essential pregnancy information are crucial steps.

Continue reading to learn more about what you need before abortion. 

1. Confirm Vital Pregnancy Details

After confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality test, receiving an obstetric ultrasound is a key next step before deciding. Ultrasounds provide essential information about your pregnancy, including:

• Viability: As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, meaning your pregnancy has stopped growing and is no longer viable. An ultrasound determines whether your pregnancy is progressing normally and has a heartbeat. Miscarriages may require medical treatment. 
• Gestational age: Your gestational age, or how far along you are, is crucial. It will help inform you of your pregnancy options. Abortion is illegal in Kentucky in most cases.
• Location: Many pregnancies are viable intrauterine pregnancies. However, some pregnancies are ectopic, meaning the fertilized egg is implanted in a location other than the uterus, such as a fallopian tube. This condition is dangerous and requires immediate medical treatment.

In addition to an ultrasound, you should undergo a complete physical exam by a medical provider. Certain factors can disqualify you from having an abortion, such as taking certain steroid medications or having conditions like bleeding or seizure disorders. 

2. STI Testing & Treatment

Sexually transmitted infections are more common than you may believe. And even if you’re pregnant, you can contract one. 

STIs are typically passed through sexual activity or from bodily fluids like blood and semen. They can have symptoms like abdominal pain, unusual vaginal discharge, or swollen lymph nodes. However, some STIs are asymptomatic, so you may not realize you have one. 

If you’re sexually active, it’s important to get tested regularly. Untreated STIs can lead to health complications like certain cancers, heart disease, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and more. Even if you’re considering abortion, you should know that untreated STIs can cause pregnancy and childbirth complications. 

New Beginnings of Winchester provides free STI information and community referrals for testing. 

3. Options Counseling

Even if you’re convinced you want an abortion, further protect your health by receiving a free options counseling session. 

Abortion comes with inherent side effects and risks you should understand. It can also cause long-term complications, especially if you purchase abortion drugs online, are at a later gestational age, or undergo the procedure in an unsanitary or unsafe setting. 

Parenting and adoption can seem like daunting choices. Weighing the pros and cons of each option is crucial. You can learn about the available support services and make a confident decision. 

New Beginnings of Winchester provides peer-to-peer options counseling services in a safe, compassionate environment. We don’t profit from your pregnancy decision. 

Learn More Today

New Beginnings of Winchester has the free services you need to make a sound pregnancy decision. Whether you need an ultrasound or a friendly face to talk to, we’re here for you. We don’t provide or refer for abortions but offer accurate options information in a pressure-free environment. 

Make a free, confidential appointment today.