Author: Austin Choose Life

When Am I Most Likely to Get Pregnant?

First Care is here for you if you have questions about pregnancy, fertility, or health. We provide confidential, free services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and comprehensive information that will offer the reassurance you need.

Schedule your appointment today to get the clarity you’re searching for, and keep reading to learn why timing is crucial to getting pregnant.

Understanding Ovulation and Fertility

You are most likely to be pregnant when sperm is present in the fallopian tubes at the same time that ovulation occurs. Ovulation is when an ovary releases an egg, which can survive for about 12–24 hours.

Sperm, however, can live in the reproductive tract for 3–5 days. This means your “fertile window” spans several days: about 3–4 days before ovulation through one day after. Having sexual intercourse during this window increases the chances of pregnancy.

How to Recognize Ovulation

For many women, it isn’t easy to know when ovulation is happening. Learning your body’s natural patterns can help you understand your reproductive health more clearly. Some ways to detect ovulation include:

• Physical changes: Clear, stretchy vaginal discharge (similar to raw egg whites) and a rise in basal body temperature can be indicators of ovulation.
• Period tracker apps: If your cycle is regular, ovulation often occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. If your cycle length varies, a tracker app can help identify patterns.
• Home ovulation kits: These detect the hormonal changes that happen right before ovulation.

Why Understanding Fertility Matters

Whether you’re trying to become pregnant or seeking to avoid pregnancy, understanding your cycle can help you make informed choices about your health and future. For those with irregular cycles, ovulation can be harder to pinpoint, making tools like apps, kits, or consultations especially helpful.

At First Care, we’re here to provide clarity and answer your questions in a supportive and confidential environment.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

We’re ready to walk with you. Our free and confidential services help you confidently take your next step.

Schedule your free appointment at First Care today—your health, questions, and future matter. Same-day appointments are also available for your convenience.

FAQ: Fertility and Pregnancy Questions

Can I get pregnant during my period?

It’s not the most likely time, but it is still possible, especially if you ovulate earlier than expected and sperm survive in your reproductive tract.

What if my cycle is irregular?

Pregnancy is still possible, but it may be harder to predict fertile days. If you’re unsure, tracking your cycle and contacting a trusted healthcare provider for support is a good idea.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

For the most accurate results, wait until at least one to two days after a missed period. First Care offers free, lab-quality pregnancy tests to give you reliable answers.

My Period is Late. What Do I Do?

A late period can bring up a lot of questions. Could you be pregnant? Is stress affecting your cycle? Is something else going on with your health?

No matter what’s running through your mind, a clear next step will help you begin answering questions: Taking a pregnancy test. At First Care, we offer lab-quality pregnancy testing and verification services so you can find out with certainty.

Could It Be Pregnancy?

Missing a period is one of the first signs of pregnancy, but it doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. Hormonal changes, stress, diet, and other factors can also impact your cycle.

That said, if you’ve had sex and your period is late, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test anytime after a missed period.

In addition to a missed period, here are a few other early pregnancy symptoms you could experience:

• Sore or swollen breasts
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased tiredness
• Frequent urination
• Bloating or constipation
• Mild cramping
• Mood swings
• Heightened sensitivity to smells or tastes

Some feel noticeable symptoms immediately, while others may not notice anything. Every woman experiences pregnancy differently.

Only a pregnancy test followed by an ultrasound can give you answers and a clear picture.

How First Care Can Help

Your first step is a pregnancy test. At First Care, we offer free, lab-quality pregnancy testing that’s accurate and confidential. If your test is positive, we may also provide a limited ultrasound at no cost to confirm your pregnancy and give you important information about how far along you are, revealing your options and protecting your health.

We know how stressful this moment can feel, but you don’t have to walk through it alone. First Care is here to support you at no cost.

Schedule your free appointment today. We’re here for you.

How Can I Take Care of Myself During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy comes with many changes and emotions. You might feel happiness, uncertainty, anticipation, and even anxiety. It’s natural to be focused on preparing for your baby’s arrival, but don’t forget that your well-being is just as important.

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is vital to preparing for motherhood. At First Care, we’re here to walk alongside you with free and confidential support as you care for yourself and your baby.

Listen to Your Body

The demands of pregnancy can be overwhelming. It’s easy to keep pushing forward between prenatal visits, preparing your home, and gathering baby supplies. That’s why it’s so important to check in with yourself and be honest about what you need.

Don’t be afraid to speak up, whether you need to nap, have a quiet evening at home, or receive additional support from a loved one. The people in your life may want to support you, but they might not know how unless you share what would help most.

Rest Is Crucial

Sleep and rest are fundamental to a healthy pregnancy. Fatigue is normal, especially in the later months of pregnancy, and resting when you can helps prepare you for the physical demands ahead.

Taking short naps or enjoying a slower routine when possible can make a big difference.

Nourish Yourself

Eating well is an essential part of self-care. It’s not about perfection—it’s about giving your body what it needs to support your baby’s development and your energy levels. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and water into your diet.

Taking prenatal vitamins and eating balanced meals are simple ways to support your health and your baby’s growth.

Keep Moving

Staying active can help improve your mood and keep your joints and muscles moving. Gentle movement, such as swimming, walking around the block, or stretching, can be instrumental in your daily routine.

Always consult your healthcare provider to find the level of activity that’s right for you.

Stay Connected

Spending time with a friend, having a quiet night in with family, or attending a support group for pregnant moms can help you feel grounded.

Pregnancy is full of change, and every day may feel different. You are worthy of having a strong community behind you to face the ups and downs. Give yourself permission to rest and ask for help. You deserve it.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At First Care, we offer free and confidential resources to support you at every stage. Whether you need someone to talk to, help finding local services, or parenting education, we’re here.

Schedule an appointment today. We’re here to help.

4 Tips for Managing Stress During Pregnancy

We know pregnancy can feel overwhelming and filled with stress at times. There are ways to reduce the anxiety you feel drastically. We’re here to share four tips for managing stress during pregnancy.

At First Care, we are here to walk with you as you seek answers during your pregnancy and beyond. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services and options information.

Tips for Managing Stress During Pregnancy

#1: Work through your emotions

While working through every emotion that comes your way can be difficult right now, try it one day at a time. Write about your feelings, talk it out with a friend, or slow down to process your emotions.

Your mind and body will thank you later for taking the time to work through every emotion as best as possible. It’s worth the effort.

#2: Spend time with friends/family

A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that people use their family and friends as a stress buffer, talking through their problems instead of engaging in negative coping mechanisms.

Being with friends and family can reduce stress and ease your mind and your future. We all need a tribe around us, especially during pregnancy.

#3: Self-Care

Self-care is a form of self-love, and it’s a great way to feel refreshed and taken care of during pregnancy. It’s a way of caring for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Create a self-care routine and rhythm, or simply set a day to pamper yourself with everything you need and love. This could look like:

• Going to the spa or sauna
• Pilates with a friend
• Journaling/self-reflection
• Going on a run/walk in nature
• Meal prepping for the week
• Trying a new recipe

#4: Prepare for what’s next

We all know how tempting it is to procrastinate when stressed. Alleviate some stress by doing the things you’ve been putting off for a while.

Give yourself a deadline and stick to it. When you actually do what you’ve been stressed about, it will feel like the world’s weight is off your shoulders.

We’re Here for You

Our team is here to help you navigate pregnancy. We offer free pregnancy services and support so you can confidently make your next move. Talk to us today to find support.

How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

Abortion works to terminate an existing pregnancy, either through drugs or a surgical procedure. Both chemical abortion and surgical abortion types have risks to consider.

Get the facts about how each abortion ends a pregnancy by reading below. At First Care, we can help you answer any further abortion questions you have.

If you’re considering abortion, get more information about your pregnancy details with us to make an informed decision and safeguard your health.

Two Types of Abortion Procedures

There are two main types of abortions: chemical and surgical. Chemical abortion is only recommended for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy by the FDA. If a pregnancy is further along, it typically requires a surgical abortion.

Chemical Abortion

Chemical abortion includes taking two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone and prevents your uterus from sustaining a pregnancy, causing the embryo to detach from the uterine wall. Secondly, misoprostol is taken and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from your body.

Potential risks of chemical abortion (the abortion pill) include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding that may require medical intervention to stop
• Severe abdominal pain
• Digestive system discomfort
• Infection
• Fever

Surgical Abortion

During a surgical abortion, anesthesia is given before the procedure. Surgical instruments such as dilators, scraping tools, forceps, suction, and a vacuum among others, are used to dilate the cervix and remove the pregnancy through the vagina.

Instruments often used in this procedure are suction, vacuum, scraping tools, forceps, and other surgical tools.  These are used to remove all parts of the embryo and gestational sac of the pregnancy.

Some of the risks of surgical abortion include the following:

• Damage to the uterus or cervix
• Uterine perforation
• Excessive and prolonged bleeding that may require  medical intervention to stop
• Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
• Scarring of the inside of the uterus
• Reaction to the drugs or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
• Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
• Several of the above risks can cause damage and scar tissue which lead to infertility

Do You Have More Questions?

First things first, get more information about your pregnancy. By beginning with  a free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing at First Care.

If you receive positive pregnancy test, we can offer you a free limited ultrasound so you can get more answers about your pregnancy like location, viability, and estimate of how far along you are. We can also provide you with more information about abortion and all your options if needed.

Schedule a free appointment today. Same-day appointments are available.

First Care does not provide or refer for abortions. 

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

Is Abortion My Only Option if I Don’t Have Any Money?

If you just found out you’re unexpectedly pregnant, worrying about finances is likely at the top of your mind. The uncertainty of how to afford prenatal care, baby supplies, and ongoing expenses can feel overwhelming.

Abortion is not your only option if you don’t have any money as you face pregnancy. Budgeting for pregnancy and beyond is possible, and First Care is here to help. With the right plan and support, you can navigate this season with confidence.

Read on to learn how to get financial support and set yourself up for financial stability. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.

Budgeting for an Unplanned Pregnancy

1. Assess your current financial situation: Start by reviewing your income, expenses, and savings. Identify non-essential expenses you can cut back on to make room for pregnancy-related costs.
2. Create a pregnancy budget: Factor in essential expenses, including:

• Prenatal care and medical costs (check if you qualify for government assistance or reduced-cost clinics)
• Baby essentials (diapers, clothing, car seat, crib, etc.)
• Maternity clothing and supplies
• Possible childcare expenses

3. Explore community and government assistance programs: There are many programs and resources available to help expectant mothers, including:

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) for food assistance
• Medicaid for pregnancy-related medical care
• Local charities, churches, and other organizations that offer free maternity and baby supplies/support

4. Take advantage of free and discounted resources: First Care offers free educational courses, parenting programs, and material assistance to help ease financial burdens. When you take our parenting classes, you can earn points to buy diapers, gently used baby items, and other essentials.

First Care is Here for You

You don’t have to navigate this all alone. First Care provides practical support, financial resources, and educational opportunities to help you prepare for motherhood without the stress of financial uncertainty.

We are here to help you find the resources you need, whether for prenatal care, parenting support, practical baby items, or basic needs.

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, help is available. Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to support you during pregnancy and beyond.

What Can I Do if My Parents Want Me To Get an Abortion That I Don’t Want?

While you may care about your parent’s input about your unexpected pregnancy, the final pregnancy decision is yours to make. No one, including your parents, should force you into an abortion decision. It’s not okay.

Take a step back from your parents if you feel forced into any pregnancy decision that you don’t want to make. At First Care, we are a safe place for you to talk about all your pregnancy options and receive free and confidential support.

Know It’s Ultimately Up to You

You may already feel overwhelmed by your pregnancy options, and it doesn’t help to get pressure from those you love most during this time. Know that the final decision is yours to make, as it will directly impact your future.

It’s important that you make your pregnancy decision outside of family or peer pressure. Give yourself time to decide what’s best for you.

Learn About All Your Options

You have more than one pregnancy option available to you. If abortion is something you don’t want right now, explore your other two options: adoption and parenting.

Adoption

Adoption is the legal transfer of the birth parent’s rights to the adoptive parents. The process of adoption has greatly improved, allowing birth mothers to select an adoption plan that works best for them. There are three types of adoption plans to choose from: open, closed, and semi-open adoption.

At First Care, we provide fully licensed adoption services through our in-house agency, New Life Adoptions. The adoption process starts by meeting with one of our Expectant Parent Social Workers so we can learn more about your unique situation. This initial meeting is also a time for you to get your questions answered about adoption.

Parenting

If you decide to pursue the parenting option, First Care can walk you through the parenting journey. Often, women’s fears about being parents revolve around the need for additional support and resources. We can help.

Our professional staff helps parents provide the resources and support needed to create a successful parenting plan.

Free Support is Available

Talk to us today about all your pregnancy options. We can answer your questions and address your concerns step by step with you. Schedule a free and confidential appointment today.

Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

Are you wondering why you need an ultrasound if you’re thinking about abortion? An ultrasound is essential to your pregnancy confirmation journey. It’s vital for determining your pregnancy’s viability and available pregnancy options.

Why An Ultrasound Matters

An ultrasound safeguards your health and gives you clarity to help you move forward with whichever option you choose. Here are three details an ultrasound confirms for you.

1. How Far Along You Are

An ultrasound tells you the gestational age or how far along you are in your pregnancy. This will help you understand the options available at your pregnancy stage and your estimated due date.

For instance, the abortion pill (medical abortion) is only FDA-approved for women through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After this point of pregnancy, there are increased risks involved, which could make another option safer for you.

Additionally, if you are planning to carry to term for parenting or adoption, an ultrasound will help you estimate your due date to plan for the future.

2. The Location of Your Pregnancy

An ultrasound confirms your pregnancy’s location to reveal whether it is located inside or outside the uterus.

When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. It is a non-viable pregnancy that can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Keep in mind that medical abortion will not treat an ectopic pregnancy due to its location. This means ectopic pregnancies can go undetected if women decide to take the abortion pill without first having an ultrasound scan.

3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing

Lastly, an ultrasound confirms whether your pregnancy has a heartbeat and is progressing.

You can get a positive pregnancy test and still be experiencing a miscarriage. If an ultrasound cannot detect a heartbeat, it could be too early in the pregnancy to detect it, or you may have experienced a miscarriage, which is a sudden pregnancy loss.

It’s critical to seek medical attention if you may have miscarried to determine if treatment is necessary or if the miscarriage has resolved on its own.

Before an Abortion

You deserve all the information to make an informed pregnancy decision. At First Care, we offer lab-quality urine pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, material assistance, and STI testing and treatment, all completely free of charge.

Talk with our team today and schedule a free appointment to get answers about your pregnancy and options. We’re here for you.

What to Know If You’re Considering an Abortion?

If you’re considering an abortion, it’s important to gather all the facts and understand the steps involved. Taking time to confirm your pregnancy, learn its details, and understand the potential risks is essential to making an informed decision.

Pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and risk assessment are vital tools in this process, giving you the information you need to move forward confidently. Here’s what you need to know:

Confirm Your Results with Lab-Quality Testing

While at-home pregnancy tests can provide a quick indication, confirming your pregnancy with lab-quality testing ensures accuracy. This level of precision can help set the stage for making informed choices about your next steps.

Schedule an Ultrasound

After confirming your results, an ultrasound is the next critical step. This medical imaging provides essential details about your pregnancy, such as:

• Location: Ensures the pregnancy is in the uterus and not ectopic.
• Gestational Age: Helps determine how far along you are.
• Viability: Confirms whether the pregnancy is progressing or has miscarried.

These details are necessary to understand your pregnancy status and explore your options with your health and wellness in mind.

Understand the Risks of Abortion

There are two primary types of abortion procedures, each with associated risks:

• Medical Abortion:
  Risks include heavy bleeding, incomplete abortion (requiring surgical intervention), infection, digestive discomfort, fever, or the possibility of an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs are ineffective.
• Surgical Abortion:
  Risks include infection, cervical damage, uterine perforation, and uterine scarring, which could lead to complications like infertility or painful menstrual cycles.

Free Services to Support You

At First Care, we provide free lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options counseling in a confidential and compassionate environment. We’re here to help you navigate the road ahead with the information and support you need.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. You can also text us at (651) 424-0303 to get started.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

Hiding My Pregnancy: Would Abortion Be an Option?

Are you nervous about sharing your pregnancy news with others? Are you considering abortion and wondering if it’s an option for you?

It’s understandable to want some level of privacy when navigating an unexpected pregnancy, but it’s also a risk to your emotional well-being to keep your pregnancy news to yourself. It’s best to be honest with a family member, your partner (if safe), or a friend you trust about your pregnancy.

At First Care, we offer a safe and non-judgmental space to listen to your unique situation. We can help process as well as provide you with medically-accurate information about abortion, pregnancy, and the process surrounding adoption.

Confirm Your Pregnancy Details

Before moving forward, protect your health by learning what you can about your pregnancy. Start with lab-quality pregnancy testing at First Care today to begin getting answers.

Once you receive a positive pregnancy test, we provide a free limited ultrasound to determine the viability, location, and gestational age of your pregnancy, allowing you to making informed decisions based on the options available to you.

Explore Your Options

Consider learning more about abortion and your other pregnancy options to make an informed pregnancy decision for your future. You deserve all of the facts. You may need more time to think through your options, and that’s normal.

We know it’s nerve-racking to go through the decision-making process, but it’s best to get the most education so that you feel empowered and confident in your choice.

We’re Here for You

If you need help sharing the news with a friend or family member, we can help. Or if you need support or someone to talk to about abortion and your pregnancy, we’re here for that, too.

Take your next step with clarity and confidence, and schedule a free and confidential appointment today. You are not alone.