If your birth control has failed and you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may feel overwhelmed as you decide how you want to proceed with your pregnancy.
While you may feel the need to decide about your pregnancy as soon as possible, it is vital to gather some information first for the sake of your own health.
If you’ve missed your period, are having pregnancy symptoms, or have had unprotected sex and think you could be pregnant, an at-home pregnancy test can be a great next step.
At-Home Pregnancy Test
An at-home pregnancy test can be purchased over the counter and analyzes your urine to determine if you’re pregnant.
When the pregnancy implants in the lining of the uterus, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is released and can be found in your urine and blood. If a urine pregnancy test detects hCG, you will get a positive result.
The test is most accurate when used a few days after your missed period.
When used correctly, at-home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate. However, it is possible to receive a false positive. For this reason, it is important to confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test at a local women’s health clinic.
Follow-up Ultrasound Scan
After your pregnancy is confirmed, it is important to have an ultrasound scan to determine the viability, age, and location of the pregnancy to learn more about your options.
Viability
A pregnancy is viable if there is a detectable heartbeat. If no heartbeat is found and you have miscarried, you may be able to pass the pregnancy at home, or you may need additional medical support.
Age
During an ultrasound, the age of the pregnancy can be determined using measurements.
According to the FDA, if you are more than 10 weeks pregnant, you are ineligible for the abortion pill.
Location
Another critical detail is the location of your pregnancy. Pregnancies most often implant within the uterus. However, if the pregnancy implants in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, or abdominal cavity, it is considered an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies and cannot be treated by an abortion.
Get the Help You Need
Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel incredibly isolating, but know that you don’t have to walk this journey alone.
If you’ve received a positive result from an at-home pregnancy test, Lifeline Pregnancy Center can provide a no-cost, lab-quality pregnancy test. We also refer clients to an on-site medical clinic for limited ultrasounds.
Our team can then answer your questions and discuss your options.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
