How Can I Recover Emotionally After An Abortion?
Every woman responds to her abortion differently. For some women, their abortion represents heartache and deep regret. If you’re struggling emotionally after your abortion, we have a program called Conquerors that offers healing and restoration. Find out more today.
Post-Abortion Symptoms
Studies suggest that 1 in 4 women will have an abortion by age 45. Although abortion is a common news topic, few discuss their personal experience at social events with friends. Most women choose not to say anything.
Are these some of the emotions you’re experiencing silently?
- Depression
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Anger and bitterness
- Low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts
- Guilt, shame, or regret
- Emotional numbness
- Self-harm with drugs, alcohol, or other addictions
- Unforgiveness of self and others
It doesn’t matter if your abortion was 10 days or 10 years ago. The pain is very real.
You Can Find Healing
Abortion is rarely a quick and easy decision. When a woman suddenly discovers she’s unexpectedly pregnant, she may feel anxious, fearful, or shameful. If she decides abortion is the best way to handle the situation, her anxiety grows.
Are you someone who has kept your abortion a secret, chosen to stuff the memory away, but now feels a wave of emotions? There is hope and healing.
Conquerors
Our Conquerors program is a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential place to begin healing. Compassionate women, who have had abortions, lead the program and can relate to what you’re going through.
The Conquerors program supports men and women who have experienced at least one abortion and are struggling with the pain of that experience. This 9-week program offers healing through small, confidential support groups or individual mentoring.
Let First Care Join The Journey
We are here for you and honestly care about your journey through an unexpected pregnancy or past abortion. Talk with us about your situation so we can help you find the best solution for your future.
We have several locations throughout the Twin Cities and Rochester. Find the center nearest you and call or text to schedule your appointment.
3 Things Needed Before an Abortion
In some ways, an unplanned pregnancy is like an unexpected medical diagnosis. You’re shocked, this may affect plans you’ve made for your future, and you’re not sure what steps to take.
If you are considering an elective abortion, taking the following health screenings is important to ensure you’re doing everything possible to protect your reproductive health.
Lab-Quality Pregnancy Testing
Taking a lab-quality pregnancy test is the first step before anything else. Instead of relying on common pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or even a missed period, it’s important to verify your pregnancy with a pregnancy test.
At First Care, we provide free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing that is 99% accurate. You can be confident in your results.
We can also help you determine the best pregnancy test time.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is one of the most important health screenings you can take if you suspect you are currently pregnant. This scan can provide you with the following information:
- Age of the pregnancy
- Viability of the pregnancy
- Location of the pregnancy
This information is vital because the age of the pregnancy can affect your eligibility for a medication abortion (which is FDA-approved up to 70 days of gestational age of the pregnancy).
The viability of the pregnancy will determine whether or not you’ve miscarried. Up to 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage, so it’s important to assess your pregnancy’s status to know whether or not you’re still eligible for an abortion procedure.
Additionally, an ultrasound gives you the location of the pregnancy, so you know whether or not it is ectopic. An ectopic pregnancy is outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube, and can rupture if not treated immediately. An ectopic pregnancy is not eligible for an abortion.
STD Testing
It is still possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of an STD, which means you may not have symptoms. If you have an untreated STD and undergo an elective abortion, this could increase your risk for complications.
At First Care, we offer no-cost STD testing and can recommend treatment options for you.
Next Steps
No one should feel like they have to face an unplanned pregnancy alone, so let us walk alongside you. We offer no-cost pregnancy services such as complimentary ultrasounds and options consultations.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment! We are here for you.
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Is Adoption or Abortion Right for Me?
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be scrambling to look at what your options are, and weighing which is the right one for you.
First, take a deep breath and try to take some of the immediate pressure off of yourself. You have time to research, do your due diligence, and come up with a plan that makes the most sense for your situation.
If you have already determined that parenting is not an option for you right now, then this leaves adoption and abortion. Read this blog to gain more information about each option.
What Do I Need to Know About Abortion?
Surgical Abortion Risks
Anyone who is considering a medical procedure deserves to know if there is any type of risk, no matter how small.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Medical Abortion Risks
Medical abortion is FDA-approved for pregnancies under 10 weeks along. There are some potential risks to be aware of as well. The Mayo Clinic lists the following:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
Psychological Impacts of Abortion
Abortion’s impact on mental health depends on the individual woman. Everyone has different reactions, some immediate and some delayed.
While some women might experience feelings of relief, others might experience negative mental health impacts—especially if there is an existing history of mental health issues.
Some potential side effects after an abortion include:
According to one study conducted over a 25-year period, women who have an abortion have higher rates of substance abuse and anxiety.
If you have already undergone an abortion and are experiencing some of these symptoms, please contact our center for no-cost resources to help with post-abortion healing.
Abortion Expenses
Abortion can be expensive procedure without insurance, so it’s important to be aware of the costs upfront. Medication abortion can cost up to $500 and surgical abortion can easily be $1500 or more.
What Do I Need to Know About Adoption?
If you are considering the choice of adoption, then it’s important to be aware of the subset of options that are available within this choice. As the biological parent, there is a lot of autonomy to create an adoption plan that best fits your situation.
Some terms that are helpful to be aware of include:
- Open Adoption– You have an in-person relationship with the child and adoptive family. This makes up the majority of adoptions.
- Closed Adoption– You do not have a relationship with the child or adoptive family, and details about you cannot be disclosed.
- Semi-Open Adoption– You communicate through the adoption agency of your choice to exchange non-identifying information with the adoptive parents.
With multiple types of adoption, you can choose the one that works best for your needs.
Psychological Impacts of Adoption
Even if you decide adoption is the choice for you, it’s important to be aware that it can be hard. It is not always without an impact on your mental health.
With adoption, there is the possibility of developing feelings of loss or grief, although birth mothers may also demonstrate signs of postpartum depression as well.
Adoption Expenses
It does not cost the birth mother any money to make an adoption plan. In many cases, if you choose this option, your pregnancy-related costs can be covered.
Schedule an Appointment
This blog is a helpful starting point, but the options and information can still feel overwhelming.
We offer free appointments at our center and provide space for you to safely ask questions and discuss your options in a pressure-free environment. Contact us today to schedule yours!
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What Are the Signs of an Incomplete Abortion?
If you are curious what an incomplete abortion is, a common misconception is that it is an unsuccessful abortion and the pregnancy is still developing.
However, an incomplete abortion means the pregnancy has been successfully terminated, but the fetus and pregnancy tissue have not been completely expelled. If left untreated, it can develop into a serious infection.
Read the article below, and if you believe you are demonstrating the symptoms of an incomplete abortion, seek medical care immediately.
What Are the Symptoms of an Incomplete Abortion?
According to National Library of Medicine, some of the symptoms include:
- Heavy cramps
- Vaginal bleeding
- Passing of blood clots through the vagina
According to MedLine, heavy bleeding can be some of the most obvious signs. You should seek immediate help if you bleed enough to soak through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours. This can be caused by mifepristone, one of the drugs used in a medication abortion.
How Likely Is an Incomplete Abortion?
The chance of an incomplete abortion does seem to increase according to how far along you are in your pregnancy. According to a study conducted on almost 5,000 induced abortions, an incomplete abortion was the most common complication related to medical abortions greater than twelve weeks.
In Finland, of 24,006 adult participants who underwent a medical abortion, 10.2% experienced an incomplete abortion.
Next Steps
Your health should be your top concern if you are worried that your symptoms match those of an incomplete abortion. Don’t wait to seek medical care, because incomplete abortions can lead to heavy bleeding or severe sepsis, according to the National Library of Medicine.
If you have not yet had an abortion, we recommend first scheduling a limited ultrasound at First Care for no cost. We can verify the age and viability of your pregnancy, and screen for complications like ectopic pregnancy.
We offer complimentary pregnancy services, as well as the opportunity to learn and discuss all of your options. We are here to support you, so contact us today!
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Does the Overturning of Roe v. Wade Affect MN?
With the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, people are asking a lot of questions about whether abortion is now legal in all 50 states of the U.S. A lot of opinions have been shared as well, leading to misinformation about what is legal and what is not.
If you’re overwhelmed by the opinions or stories that you see in the news or on social media, read the rest of this article to learn how this affects you locally in the state of Minnesota.
What It Means that Roe v. Wade Was Overturned
The importance of Roe v. Wade in 1973 was that it ruled that a woman’s right to an abortion was protected by the U.S. Constitution.
This was challenged and overturned in the recent Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health case. This means that abortion is no longer a federally protected right. This means that each of the 50 states will decide if abortion is legal or not in their own state.
Does Minnesota Currently Grant Abortion Access?
Minnesota has its own state laws regarding abortion. Currently, abortion is legal in our state up to the point of viability (meaning the fetus can live outside of the womb). This is usually later than 20 weeks into the pregnancy.
Will This Limit Women’s Access to Healthcare?
Outside of abortion, the Supreme Court decision does not affect pregnant women. Treatments for high-risk pregnancies, stillbirths, and ectopic pregnancies will still be available to those in need.
What Happens Next?
Abortion access in Minnesota is not being restricted because of the recent ruling. However, it’s important to receive an ultrasound before deciding to get an abortion.
This is because it is possible you could take a medication abortion too late (they are only FDA approved for up to 10 weeks). Without an ultrasound, it’s also impossible to identify if you are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy (which happens to 1 in 50 pregnancies)
First Care offers no-cost ultrasounds as well as other services (such as pregnancy tests and pregnancy support) and even post-abortion care.
We are here to offer resources and support to any pregnant woman in need, so please contact us today to schedule your appointment!
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What Are the Mental Health Effects from Abortion?
Mental health effects after an abortion are not uncommon. With the serious procedure of abortion comes risks and side effects, some that are momentary and some long-lasting.
Some mental effects of abortion could include depression, anxiety, or emotions like loss or grief. In this blog, we will discuss the potential effects of abortion and the symptoms to look out for.
What is Abortion?
There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Abortion works to end an existing pregnancy, whether through a more in-depth surgical procedure or with medication.
Each type has its risks to your mental health as well as physical risks. According to the Mayo Clinic and MedlinePlus, potential physical risks to abortion include incomplete abortion, infection, heavy/prolonged bleeding, damage to the cervix, and more.
The Mental Health Effects Of Abortion
According to the National Institute of Health, women with a history of abortion do experience “elevated rates of mental illness” compared to women who haven’t had an abortion.
Another study done by TFMHA concluded their study with “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
Some women experience a range of emotions after an abortion. Here are symptoms of Post Abortion Stress that you could experience…
- Generalized guilt
- Generalized anxiety
- Denial and repression
- Depression
- Regret and Remorse
- Flashbacks
- Specific or generalized sense of grief and loss
Learn More Today
To navigate an unplanned pregnancy, you will first need to confirm how far along you are, learn your viability, and the location of your pregnancy. Confirm your pregnancy today with our free lab-quality urine pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today to learn more about your pregnancy choices. Same-day appointments are available!
You are not alone.
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What Is the Difference Between a Blood and Urine Pregnancy Test?
Are you experiencing a missed period, nausea, frequent urination, or moodiness? These are common symptoms that may point to pregnancy. Maybe you’re wondering what kind of pregnancy test to take. The main difference between a blood and urine pregnancy test is how they are done and where. Keep reading to learn more.
Different Types of Pregnancy Tests
There are two main types of pregnancy tests: urine pregnancy tests and blood pregnancy tests.
A urine test is taken at home and followed up with a medical professional while a medical center performs blood pregnancy tests.
Urine Pregnancy Tests
You may have already taken an at-home urine pregnancy test. This is the most common type, which measures hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should take an at-home test at least one week after your missed period for the most accurate results.
At-home urine pregnancy tests are 99% effective and are very easy to use. When taking a urine test, you will place a couple of drops on a strip or place the strip in the urine stream. Then you will wait a couple of minutes, up to 10 minutes, for the results depending on the type of test.
Blood Pregnancy Tests
Though blood pregnancy tests are rare, they are done on special occasions for women facing infertility or when a medical professional suspects any possible health or pregnancy issues. A medical professional may also use a blood test to compare hCG levels during pregnancy.
Blood tests are more sensitive than urine tests due to their ability to detect smaller amounts of hCG. They can show you a more accurate answer earlier on in pregnancy.
A blood test will require a blood sample to be sent to a lab for analysis. As a result, you may not have the results for more than a day.
If Your Pregnancy Test is Positive
If your at-home pregnancy test was positive and you’re wondering what’s next, see us today at First Care.
Once you receive a positive pregnancy test at our center, an ultrasound is necessary to understand your options moving forward. An ultrasound will give you more pregnancy details and alert you to any possible complications.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us. Same-day appointments are available. We are here for you!
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How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Still wondering if you really are pregnant? Maybe you’re second-guessing how you took a pregnancy test or wondering if you need to take another one.
In this blog, we want to share all about how pregnancy tests work and why receiving a lab-quality pregnancy test at your local pregnancy center is a good idea for pregnancy confirmation.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
Pregnancy tests are very simple to take. They indicate if you’re pregnant by determining the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your body. HCG is only present when you’re pregnant, so it’s called the pregnancy hormone.
Some pregnancy tests might go about testing through urine, while others look for the pregnancy hormone in your blood. More commonly, a simple urine pregnancy test is done.
The best way to get accurate pregnancy test results is by waiting at least one day after your missed period. Waiting a bit after your missed period allows your body to produce a detectable amount of hCG.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Test Result
If you received a positive home pregnancy test result – that is a great first step. Your next best step is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy.
Though home pregnancy tests are very accurate, there is always a chance for inaccurate results. You could have possibly taken the test at the wrong time or accidentally followed the directions incorrectly. Get clarity today with a follow-up lab-quality pregnancy test to be sure.
Free Pregnancy Tests & Ultrasound
First Care provides free and confidential, lab-quality urine-based pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy.
If you receive a positive pregnancy test result at our center, we can provide you with an ultrasound. An ultrasound will verify if you have a viable pregnancy, how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy.
Our medical team is here for you and can walk you through all your pregnancy options. Schedule a free appointment today. Same-day appointments are available.
You are not alone!
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When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
If you have recently had unprotected sex and are experiencing a missed period, then probably the first concern is that you’re pregnant. However, there is a bit of calculation involved to help you determine when the pregnancy test is likely to be more accurate (you can test too early). It’s best to wait a week after your missed period.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
After the egg is fertilized, it then travels into the uterus where it implants itself. At this stage of the pregnancy, small amounts of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone found only in pregnant women, begin to appear in your blood and urine.
It is this hormone that pregnancy tests are designed to detect, although some women experience this during their period.
Blood vs. Urine Pregnancy Tests
Urine Tests
Urine pregnancy tests are the most commonly used type of pregnancy test. Some urine tests can detect hCG as early as a week after a missed period. When the pregnancy is very early, many women like to use an at-home urine pregnancy test before scheduling one with their doctor. When used correctly, some tests boast up to 99% accuracy.
Blood Tests
While blood pregnancy tests are used at a doctor’s office, they do offer insights that urine pregnancy tests cannot offer, such as whether or not it is an ectopic pregnancy (located outside the womb). They can also detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test (6-8 days after ovulation).
Confirming Your Pregnancy
At First Care , we offer no-cost pregnancy tests as well as a no-cost ultrasound if you’re already taken a verified positive pregnancy test. Ultrasound confirms the stage of your pregnancy as well as alerts you to any possible risks or complications (like ectopic pregnancy). Schedule one today and we will be glad to help offer support and answer any questions you have about this process!
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What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Abortion could seem like a simple fix to your unplanned pregnancy – but it comes with many risks including infection, incomplete abortion, damage to the cervix, and many mental effects. Keep reading to learn about all the potential risks of abortion – and become better informed about how abortion works.
Confirm you’re actually pregnant with lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasound at our center today.
Medical vs. Surgical Abortion Risks: What’s the Difference?
The Risks of Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, involves taking two abortion drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. These drugs work together (within 24-48 hours) to terminate an existing pregnancy and cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina. The physical risks of medical abortion are…
- Incomplete abortion – may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
The Risks of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a procedure that terminates an existing pregnancy by removing the fetus from the uterus. This type of abortion involves dilating the opening to the uterus and inserting a small suction tube. The suction works to remove all parts of the pregnancy from the uterus. The physical risks of surgical abortion are…
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia (such as problems breathing)
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Incomplete abortion (requiring another procedure)
- Excessive bleeding
Mental Health Effects of Abortion
Psychotherapist Vincent Rue’s study, “Induced Abortion and Traumatic Stress” shares that
65% of U.S. women experienced multiple symptoms of PTSD, which they attributed to their abortions.
According to a study done by Professor David Fergusson, many women experienced mental health effects after abortion. Two major findings include:
- Abortion was linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal behaviors.
- At age 25, 42% of the women experienced major depression during the previous four years, twice that of other women.
Free Pregnancy Confirmation Services
Whether you’re still going back and forth between pregnancy options or not, pregnancy confirmation is necessary to know how far along you are in your pregnancy (as medical abortion is only available to women up to 10 weeks pregnant). An ultrasound will reveal if you have a healthy and growing pregnancy.
Contact us today to set up your free and confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment. Our compassionate team is here to inform you about all your pregnancy options. Same-day appointments are available!
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