If you’re not planning or expecting it, a surprise pregnancy can feel overwhelming or complicated. As you consider your options, including parenting, adoption, or abortion, there are a few key steps that can help you understand what comes next.
At Mercy Women’s Center, we offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy confirmation tests and ultrasound referrals.
Confirm the Pregnancy
The first step you’ll want to take is confirming the pregnancy with a positive pregnancy test. We recommend taking more than one test to remove all doubt.
Tests are available at any local drugstore. We also offer free, confidential self-administered pregnancy tests at our center.
Schedule an Ultrasound
Once you’ve confirmed the pregnancy with a positive test(s), you’ll want to have an ultrasound to confirm your eligibility for the abortion pill. This will look at things like:
- Gestational age: This matters because medical abortions are only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestational age.
- Pregnancy location: If the pregnancy is located outside the uterus, you’ll need a procedure other than an elective abortion, since an ectopic pregnancy is non-viable. An ultrasound can screen for this situation.
- Pregnancy viability: Miscarriages occur in up to 26% of pregnancies, so an ultrasound can help you verify if the pregnancy is even still viable. Mercy Women’s Center can provide you with a referral for an ultrasound if one is needed.
What else can Disqualify Me From a Medical Abortion?
Some other conditions that could exclude you are:
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) or an untreated vaginal infection
- Have a clotting disorder or anemia
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medicine used
- Unsure of your blood type
Schedule an Appointment
At Mercy Women’s Center, we offer free pregnancy tests and information on your options. You are not alone. We will help you work through your options and support you as you make your decision.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!