3 Things Needed Before Abortion

You likely have questions if you’ve recently learned you’re pregnant, even if you’ve already made a pregnancy decision. You may wonder if you need medical care or can access no-cost resources. 

The good news is that specific steps can be taken to protect your health and give you accurate information. Informed Choices Women’s Center is here to provide the services you need. But what should you do if you’re considering abortion?

1. Confirm Key Information With a Limited Ultrasound

Even if you’re convinced you want an abortion, don’t undergo a procedure without an obstetric ultrasound first. Ultrasound provides critical information about the pregnancy’s viability, gestational age, and location. You need these details to determine how far along you are and whether you’ve miscarried or are experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. 

Certain health conditions, including ectopic pregnancy, will require additional treatment, which does not include abortion. Knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy will help determine whether you’re eligible for abortion. If you move forward with abortion before having an ultrasound, you could be at risk of severe complications. 

We provide limited ultrasounds if you receive a positive result from our pregnancy testing. You can get this abdominal ultrasound up to 13 weeks gestation. 

2. Receive STD/STI Testing

STDs/STIs are sexually transmitted diseases primarily acquired through sexual contact or bodily fluids. You can still have an STD/STI if you’re pregnant. These diseases can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy and childbirth. 

Undergoing regular testing is critical to protecting your health. Not all STDs/STIs are symptomatic, and if left untreated, you could develop serious complications like:

• Infertility
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Pregnancy complications
• Certain cancers 
• Heart disease
• Eye inflammation
• Pelvic pain
• Arthritis

Some of these complications can be lifelong and significantly impact your life. Informed Choices Women’s Center offers no-cost testing for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, and this service is provided to both men and women. Our nurse will refer you for treatment as needed.

3. Talk About Your Pregnancy Options

It is crucial to understand the risks, side effects, and possible complications associated with abortion. This includes mental and physical health effects that some experience. You can also discuss your options when you make an appointment for medical-grade pregnancy testing with our nurse. 

Abortion isn’t the only option for an unexpected pregnancy. Parenting and making an adoption plan can be rewarding choices. Though challenging, you can accomplish them with proper support and resources. 

Make an informed choice by reviewing all options today with us. 

You Are Not Alone

Informed Choices Women’s Center has the confidential, no-cost services you need to move forward. Your first appointment will be with a registered nurse, so rest assured you will receive trustworthy care.

Contact us today to make an appointment. We have two locations: Mountain Home (870-424-4673) and Harrison (870-280-3169).