An unplanned pregnancy can leave you spiraling. Perhaps you’re considering abortion as a quick and private solution. You may have even scheduled a virtual visit to discuss your abortion options.
There are a few things you should know before an abortion virtual visit. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Am I Pregnant?
If you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms, your alarm bells might be going off. Maybe you’ve received a positive result on your home pregnancy test, but it’s important to get confirmation from a medical professional. We can help you with that!
Your first step is to take a hospital-grade pregnancy test. If it comes back positive, your next step is to receive an ultrasound. An ultrasound can determine how far along you are and whether you’re at risk for a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Mid Cities Women’s Clinic provides free hospital-grade pregnancy tests and ultrasounds so you can be certain you are pregnant! Click here to learn more.
2. How Far Along Am I?
It’s important to know how far along you are, as you can’t take the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy.[1] If you’re opting to travel for a surgical abortion, be aware that certain states may have limits on gestational age.
An ultrasound is the most reliable way to determine how far along you are. It’s important to discuss all your options before making any decisions.
3. Am I At Risk for a Miscarriage or Ectopic Pregnancy?
A miscarriage is the natural loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation.[2] While up to 20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage[3], an estimated 2% of pregnancies are ectopic, both of which can be life-threatening to women if left untreated. At Mid Cities Women’s Clinic, we want women to understand their bodies and to know their options if they find out they are pregnant, or if they are experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies are not treated by abortion. If you’re experiencing either, abortion is no longer an option to consider, and you can move forward with the appropriate medical treatment. If you feel you are experiencing a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room!
4. Do I Have an STD?
If you are sexually active, you need to get tested for STIs/STDs, as many don’t cause obvious symptoms. STIs/STDs can increase your risk of developing an infection after an abortion.[4]
Regardless of the decision you make, it’s crucial to protect your sexual health. Be sure to get tested and treated as soon as possible, before you consider an abortion virtual visit. We offer limited STI/STD testing and can provide orders for treatment.
5. What are My Pregnancy Options?
We understand how overwhelming an unplanned pregnancy can feel. Abortion may feel like the only option you have. Don’t make a decision out of fear. Give yourself time to explore each of your pregnancy options!
Mid Cities Women’s Clinic can answer all of your questions about abortion, adoption, and parenting—all without judgment. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your health and future.
Contact Mid Cities Women’s Clinic Before an Abortion Virtual Visit
Before an abortion virtual visit, contact Mid Cities Women’s Clinic for a telehealth appointment!
Your telehealth appointment includes:
- Medical history review
- Medical education on abortion
- Pregnancy options consultation
After your telehealth appointment, we will schedule you for a free pregnancy test and, if you qualify, a free ultrasound and STI/STD testing at our center. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Sources
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Miscarriage – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- See source #2.
- Carlsson, I., Breding, K., & Larsson, P.-G. (2018, September 25). Complications related to induced abortion: a combined retrospective and longitudinal follow-up study. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6156848/