We understand that facing a possible unplanned pregnancy can be incredibly stressful and worrying. At safe2choose, we provide comprehensive information and support to help you navigate your pregnancy termination journey. Our resources are designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence needed to make the best choice for your circumstances.
INFORMED DECISIONS
Understanding the stages of pregnancy and the options available, including abortion, is crucial for making informed decisions about your reproductive health.
safe2choose does not recommend to take abortion pills if you haven't confirmed the pregnancy with a reliable pregnancy test and know how far along the pregnancy is.
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person and may not occur at the same time or with the same intensity. Here are some common early signs of pregnancy to consider if you suspect you might be pregnant:
Remember, these signs can also occur for other reasons, like illness or impending menstruation. You could be pregnant without experiencing all of them or none of these symptoms.
If your expected period is a week or more late, pregnancy is a possibility. But irregular cycles or health issues can also affect this.
Hormonal changes early in pregnancy can make your breasts tender and sore.
You may experience nausea with or without vomiting, often known as morning sickness, starting a month or two after conception.
You might need to pee more often than usual.
Feeling unusually tired is another common early pregnancy symptom.
If you miss your period and notice these signs, take a pregnancy test two weeks after unprotected sex to ensure an accurate result.
A missed period is usually one of the first signs of a possible pregnancy. However, missed or late menstrual periods can occur due to various reasons besides pregnancy.
Some factors that may delay menstruation include:
Lack of Sleep
Insomnia
Poor Nutrition
Weight Changes (Loss or Gain)
Stress or Traumatic Events
Changed Daily Routines
Medications
Hormonal Imbalances
Underlying Health Conditions
Having taken the emergency contraception (morning after pill).
These causes can range from minor hormonal fluctuations to more serious medical issues. So it is highly recommended to take a pregnancy test to confirm the situation and get out of suspicion.
If you experience amenorrhea, defined as the absence of menstruation for at least three consecutive cycles, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider and get medical attention.
REALIABLE PREGNANCY TEST
Finding out if you're pregnant early helps you take care of your health and make important decisions. Before moving forward, it's important to confirm if you are really pregnant with a reliable test.
You can take a home pregnancy test, which you can easily buy at a pharmacy, store, or get it on a health center, or you can visit a doctor for a more accurate test.
You might have heard about homemade pregnancy tests that use things like vinegar, shampoo, or bleach, but these are not reliable.
A person might try a homemade test if they can't afford to buy one, don't want others to know they're testing, or can't wait to get a real test. People say these homemade tests work because of chemical reactions between those items and a hormone called hCG, which your body makes when you're pregnant.
However, there's no real evidence that these tests work.
The best way to know for sure is to use an actual pregnancy test, like a urine or blood test, which is much more accurate.
There are 3 reliable methods to confirm the pregnancy. Based in your personal situation you might choose one over another
The urine test is a very common and extended way to confirm pregnancy. The urine test detects the presence of pregnancy hormones in the urine. It's easy to use. It is also important to consider that all pregnancy urine tests have a specific duration of time at which they should be read. For most tests, it is 3-5 minutes. If they sit for hours, they can show false results, so it is always good to look at the "read time" on the pregnancy kits and read them at the recommended time.
Benefits
Cheap option and easy to access. This type of urine test is commonly sold in kits that are available in a pharmacy store near you.
The result is immediate. It will only take a few minutes to have the test result.
It provides a simple positive or negative result.
These tests are usually user-friendly, just follow the indications when unboxing it.
It can be done privately at home.
Disadvantages
Most common urine tests do not help calculate the age of the pregnancy.
Some urine tests may give you an estimated gestational week, but this is not the most reliable result. In this case, we recommend calculating the gestational age by counting weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period or using our pregnancy calculator for an easy calculation.
You can have a false negative result if not used correctly. In order to avoid a “false negative” this test should be done 2 weeks or more after unprotected sex.
When a pregnancy occurs, the cells will produce a hormone called HCG, which is the hormone that can be detected both in the urine or blood test.
Considering the pregnancy hormone can take at least 2 weeks to show in the system, for a more accurate result, it is important to take:
- A urine test 2 weeks after the unprotected sex or 1-2 weeks after a delayed period. A test before this period might show a false negative test result.
- A blood test can be done earlier and have accurate results. [6]
When it comes to an ultrasound test, it's usually recommended after, at least, 4 weeks of pregnancy or later. This is because, before 4 weeks, it might be too early to detect the pregnancy or know how it's progressing. If done too soon, the ultrasound may not show anything, which can cause confusion.
Facing an unwanted pregnancy can be a tough and confusing time, but it’s important to know that you have options. You can choose to continue the pregnancy and become a parent, continue it with a plan for adoption, or think about having an abortion. Each choice has its own challenges and can affect your life in different ways, so it’s essential to pick what feels right for you.
If you are considering having an abortion, here are some important next steps after you confirm the pregnancy:
Knowing how many weeks pregnant you are is important because it affects the types of abortion options available to you. Calculating your weeks of pregnancy is easy, and safe2choose has created a reliable and easy-to-use Pregnancy Calculator tool.
There are different ways to have an abortion, like using medication (the abortion pill) or having an in-clinic procedure. Explore these options and how to access abortion care to make the best decision for yourself.
It’s also important to know the regulations about abortion in your area as they can vary depending on where you live.
Taking these steps can help you feel more informed and empowered as you consider your choices.
An ultrasound is not required after a pill abortion. While it can sometimes confirm that the process was successful, when done early, it may also show blood or tissue in the uterus, which is normal in the first few weeks. Some health-care providers might suggest additional procedures, such as vacuum aspiration (MVA) or curettage (D&C), based on this, even if they are not necessary.
An ultrasound is only necessary if there are signs of complications, such as heavy bleeding or infection, or if there is concern that the process failed. If everything goes as expected, the simplest way to confirm the abortion was successful is by taking a home pregnancy test about 4-5 weeks after using the pills.
BLOGS
Stay updated with the latest developments, news, and information with safe2choose. From advancements in reproductive health to important announcements and stories from our community, our Articles Page keeps you informed and engaged with the most current information.
SAFE ABORTION COUNSELING SUPPORT
We offer evidence-based information on safe abortion. Our free counseling service is safe, confidential, convenient, and free of judgement. We are waiting for your message!
By the safe2choose team and supporting experts at carafem, based on the 2022 Abortion Care Guideline by the WHO, the 2023 Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health by Ipas, and the 2024 Clinical Policy Guidelines for Abortion Care by NAF.
safe2choose is supported by a Medical Advisory Board formed by leading experts in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
carafem provides convenient and professional abortion care and family planning so people can control the number and spacing of their children.
Ipas is an international organization focused on expanding access to safe abortion and contraceptive care.
WHO – the World Health Organization – is a specialized United Nations agency responsible for international public health.
NAF – the National Abortion Federation – is a professional association in the USA supporting safe, evidence-based abortion care and reproductive rights.
[1] World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Abortion care guideline. World Health Organization. iris.who.int/handle/10665/349316. Licencia: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO Retrieved from: srhr.org/abortioncare/.
[2] Megan Wainwright, Christopher J Colvin, Alison Swartz & Natalie Leon. Self-management of medical abortion: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Retrieved from: www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1016/j.rhm.2016.06.008?needAccess=true
[3] Healthline. Tests Used to Confirm Pregnancy. Retrieved from: www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/tests
[4] WebMd. Pregnancy Tests. Retrieved from: www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-tests#1
[5] Ipas. (2023). Clinical Updates in Reproductive Health. E. Jackson (Ed.). Chapel Hill, NC: Ipas. Retrieved from: www.ipas.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ipas-Clinical-Updates-in-Reproductive-Health-CURHE23b.pdf
[6] FindMyMethod. Am I Pregnant? Retrieved from: findmymethod.org/am-i-pregnant/how-to-confirm-a-pregnancy
[7] Planned Parenthood. Pregnancy. Retrieved from: www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy
