If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be thinking abortion is your only option.  Before you move forward on that decision, there are some important and very helpful first steps.  The Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic offers a consultation on all options at no cost in Northridge, Los Angeles, California.

Ultrasound Before Abortion

If you’re considering a medical or surgical abortion, there’s some important information to know as you make this decision.

Confirming you have a viable pregnancy, knowing how far along you are, and discovering whether or not you may have already miscarried are all important things to learn beforehand. At Open Arms, we’re not an abortion provider, but we will provide you with the information you need to make a fully informed choice. Text 818-626-9400 for more information.

1.) Verify your pregnancy

The first step in screening is to verify you’re actually pregnant. Even if you’ve taken an at-home pregnancy test and the result was positive, you’ll want to confirm the results. We offer clinical pregnancy testing that is 99% accurate.

Often, women take an at-home test too soon or don’t fully follow the directions. Our pregnancy tests are administered by medical professionals in a clinical setting to make sure you get the most accurate result.

2.) Get an ultrasound

If your pregnancy test is positive, your next step will be a limited OB ultrasound. We offer no-cost ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy. An ultrasound reveals some important information you need before an abortion.

  • Is your pregnancy viable or have you had a natural miscarriage? (miscarriages occur in at least 20% of known pregnancies)
  • How long have you been pregnant? (the gestational age determines what type of abortion you would be eligible for)
  • Where is your pregnancy located? (it is extremely dangerous if you have an ectopic pregnancy, meaning it is not located in your uterus)

Call 818-626-9400 to request a free and confidential appointment.

3.) Talk with your Nurse

Once a viable pregnancy is confirmed, your nurse will discuss each of your pregnancy options with you.

Two types of abortion

Although Open Arms is not an abortion provider, our caring medical professionals are here to answer your questions so you can make an informed decision regarding your pregnancy. If you are considering terminating your pregnancy, the procedure you would undergo depends on how long you’ve actually been pregnant.  If your pregnancy is ten weeks or less, that is usually a medical abortion. Beyond ten weeks, it would likely be a surgical abortion.

Medical abortion

Medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill or RU-486, is used through 10 weeks. This method uses two drugs, the first to terminate the pregnancy and the second to expel the pregnancy. Some side effects and potential risks of the abortion pill method include:

  • An incomplete abortion requiring surgery
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Abdominal and/or pelvic pain
  • Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
  • Infection

Surgical abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic. There are different types of surgical procedures depending on how far along you are. Each procedure requires your cervix to be dilated. Vacuum aspiration, a curette (scraping tool), and possibly forceps are used to remove the pregnancy. Though rare, there are some possible side effects and risks of surgical abortion which include:

  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Infection
  • Heavy bleeding

We genuinely care

You and your pregnancy decision are important to us. We care about you and want you to be able to make a fully informed choice.  We don’t provide or refer for abortion and do not profit from your choice. Our medical professionals will give you more information about each of the options available to you and will address your questions and concerns in a safe and caring environment.  This is your choice, but we’re here to help.

Contact us for more information and your no-cost pregnancy confirmation and options consultation.