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Unplanned Pregnancy: Navigating the Unexpected with Confidence
Pregnancy, whether planned or unplanned, can be overwhelming and emotional. It’s not uncommon in life that circumstances arise where it feels as though you have no options. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to seek out reputable pregnancy resources. This is the first step in getting the care and support you.
In this article, we will discuss: How to find reputable pregnancy resources. What to look for in a reproductive health clinic. How to confirm pregnancy. How to find and utilize available resources. And provide an overview of your options.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need so you can confidently take your next steps.
Confirming You’re Pregnant
We understand both the stress and pressure that can come with an unplanned pregnancy – or even a planned pregnancy. You are not alone as you navigate this life event. Our mission, here at Mosaic, is to help women like you through all stages of pregnancy. From lab-grade pregnancy testing to the decision-making journey. And post-decision where women need the most social support. No matter your circumstances, our team is here to help.
Am I really pregnant? This is often the first question women ask. Depending on your unique body, you may have one or multiple signs of pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of pregnancy include:
- A missed period
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Moodiness
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Please note, there are other potential causes for symptoms related to pregnancy. For example, a missed period can also be caused by stress. Weight loss, exercising, obesity, certain drugs, menopause onset, and more can also disrupt your cycle. Likewise, tender and swollen breasts can be caused by changes in your lymphatic system. Stress and illness can all cause symptoms similar to pregnancy symptoms.
Okay, so you are experiencing multiple of these symptoms and suspect that you are pregnant. The next step is to take a pregnancy test and confirm your pregnancy. That said, it’s important to know not all pregnancy tests are equal. The package inserts of most store-bought tests claim that the accuracy of the tests are “over 99%” and “highly sensitive.” But the majority of these over-the-counter pregnancy tests have not been appropriately tested. And their true accuracy has not been evaluated (1). This is why many women feel that they need multiple, at-home pregnancy tests to confirm the accuracy of the results.
A study of at-home tests showed 230 of the 478 positive urine samples distributed were thought to be negative. The primary reason for this was the difficulty women had in understanding product instructions. And therefore, not reading the test results correctly (2). We encourage women to save their money, time, and headaches. Instead, have a lab-grade pregnancy test done.
At our women’s reproductive health clinic here in Virginia, we offer free lab-grade pregnancy testing. This ensures women receive accurate and reliable results. Our trained staff provide support and guidance throughout the testing process. They can answer any questions or concerns that you may have. It is important to confirm pregnancy as early as possible. This ensures proper prenatal care. And allows any potential health issues to be addressed.
How Does a Lab-Grade Pregnancy Test Work?
A lab-grade pregnancy test detects the hCG pregnancy hormone. It can be detected as early as 7 days after conception. Or 21 to 24 days (about 3 and a half weeks) after the first day of your last period. The test is proven to be more than 99% accurate. It is important to know that the accuracy of the test can be affected by certain factors. These factors include medications that contain hCG, fertility treatments, your reproductive health cycle, and certain medical conditions like ovarian tumors. For this reason, it is important and always best practice to be transparent when you consult with an experienced, trusted healthcare provider. Together, you can confirm the accuracy of your pregnancy test.
Pregnant? Here’s What to Do Next
Once you have confirmed you are indeed pregnant, take a deep breath, and schedule an ultrasound. This is a crucial step in any woman’s pregnancy journey and decision-making process. While not all states require an ultrasound, it is strongly suggested for the health and medical safety of women to receive an ultrasound appointment regardless of their pregnancy plan.
Why Receiving an Ultrasound is a Vital Step
A positive pregnancy test can confirm you are pregnant. But it doesn’t tell you all you need to know about your pregnancy. After a positive test result, the next step is an ultrasound. This confirms the health and stage of your pregnancy. An ultrasound is an important tool used to check the growth and development of your baby. It can also help determine the due date, identify any potential complications, and detect multiple pregnancies. Whether you want to keep your baby or not, an ultrasound is a vital step in your pregnancy journey.
Checking For STDs or STIs
Another crucial step in your surprise pregnancy journey is to discuss sexual activities. This is to determine your STD or STI risk. Sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs and STDs) are a common concern for many women during pregnancy. It is important for expectant mothers to understand the risks connected with STIs/STDs. They can affect both mom and baby. Here’s what you need to know: Getting tested for STIs/STDs is crucial. Especially if you are sexually active. Have had multiple partners in the past or have had a partner that had multiple sexual partners. Many STIs/STDs do not show any symptoms. When left untreated they can lead to serious issues during pregnancy. Some STIs/STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can be passed from mother to baby during delivery, resulting in infections or other health issues. Contracting an STI during pregnancy can cause serious consequences for the mother and the developing fetus. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about your sexual history and current activity. They may ask you about other possible exposures to STIs/STDs. They can then screen you and provide necessary treatment.
Concerned you may have contracted an STI? Simply want peace of mind? Here at our clinic we are ready to help with free STI testing and treatment. Some STIs can be passed on from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. This leads to various health complications. We help women through early detection and treatment. It is a crucial step to ensure the best possible health outcomes for mother and baby.
Here at Mosaic Virginia, our STI testing and treatment is free, safe, and 100% confidential. Our team of healthcare professionals are well-trained and experienced in handling STIs. They will provide you with the necessary support and guidance through the process.
Considering Your Options for Unintended Pregnancy
Finding out you’re pregnant can be a life-changing moment. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions. Excited, anxious, or unsure about what the future holds, it’s important to remember that you have options. If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, take some time to explore your choices. This allows you to make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Pregnancy Options Include:
- Abortion
- Adoption
- Motherhood
Each pregnancy option comes with its own facet of challenges and not one choice is harder or easier than the other. We are dedicated to ensuring that women like you have full access to education and resources. Ultrasounds, STI testing, adoption connection, parenting support, post-abortion counseling and so much more. Education on each option is vital. Women should know about all resources available to them. This can play a major role in personal health decisions. Talking through each option with a healthcare clinician is a necessity. This is why we offer free options counseling.
We work with women to support them in making the best decision for their well-being no matter their intention. We provide resources needed every step of the way.
Where Can I Find Reputable Resources?
Excited, scared, or not sure how to describe your feelings? It’s important to have a community around you to support you throughout this journey. Finding the right community can be a challenge for many women depending on their situation. You should never feel abused or feel like you are forced into a decision. The right community should be there to help you learn, explore, and support you no matter what decision you decide on.
We are so blessed to live in a country where there is an abundance of resources. However, the amount of resources out there can also be overwhelming. At times, this makes it difficult to choose which option is best. Pregnancy resource centers, medical clinics, abortion centers, public health groups, churches, community centers, the internet… the list goes on! We’re going to focus on the two most common resources centers. Here is some general advice on how to choose resources that are best for you.
Let's Talk About Reproductive Health Clinics
The two most common resources for women are abortion clinics and pregnancy resource clinics – both of which are reproductive health clinics.
So, what’s the difference?
An abortion clinic or abortion provider is a medical facility that provides abortions. These clinics may be public medical centers, private medical practices or nonprofit organizations such as Planned Parenthood.
A pregnancy resource center is usually a non-profit. They offer free pregnancy services to the community. Education, supplies, guidance and information about what services are available. A PRC’s primary goal is to come alongside women to offer support no matter the situation.
Some PRCs, like Mosaic Virginia, are also medical clinics. While we do not perform abortions, we do offer free medical services for women who are pregnant. Regardless of how the woman feels about her pregnancy. Services include free medical pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds, free STI testing and some treatment, free counseling, and more.
A Pregnancy Resource Center’s primary goal is to support women in difficult situations. The staff are trained professionals with a passion for helping and serving. They listen without judgement and love people without an agenda.
Each option comes with its own facet of challenges and not one choice is harder or easier than another. We are dedicated to ensuring that women like you have full access to education and resources. Ultrasounds, STI testing, adoption connection, parenting support, post-abortion counseling and so much more. Education on each option is vital. Women should know about all resources available to them. This can play a major role in personal health decisions. Talking through each option with a healthcare clinician is a necessity. This is why we offer free options counseling.
We work with women to support them in making the best decision for their wellbeing no matter their intention. We provide you with the resources you need every step of the way.
How Do I Know Which Clinic is Right for Me?
Not only is education important, but it is also important to find a team of healthcare professionals whom you trust. You should feel fully supported and cared for. You do not have to stick with the first clinic you find. You have every right to keep searching for a clinic until you find one that you feel both confident and comfortable with.
Our patients tell us that it is the love and support of our staff that made all the difference in their pregnancy journey!
With clinics in both Lansdowne and Herndon, Virginia, our team at Mosaic is passionate about getting to know you, as well as your infant! We want to know your needs and support you in the next steps of your journey. Whether that is providing with vital information, or scheduling you for a free medical service, you will be loved and cared for by our team!
Pregnancy Tests
If you are experiencing early signs of pregnancy and think that you may be pregnant, schedule a free pregnancy test at Mosaic Virginia! We believe that you owe it to yourself to be fully informed, to make the best decisions for yourself. We can help you find the clarity you need to move forward.
STI Testing
At Mosaic Virginia®, we believe that you owe it to yourself to be fully informed, and to make the best decisions for yourself. If you are concerned you may have contracted an STI, we are ready to help with free testing and treatment. Schedule an appointment for free STI testing and treatment.
Ultrasounds
Because few women know the exact day they ovulated or conceived, an ultrasound done in the first trimester of pregnancy has been shown to be the most accurate way to date a pregnancy. Get all the information you need to make a pregnancy decision with a free and confidential ultrasound at our center. Schedule a pregnancy confirmation appointment with us to get started.
