If you’re currently dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, you’re not alone. In fact, nearly half of all pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, mistimed, or unwanted at the time of conception. That’s more than 3 million unintended pregnancies per year. Thankfully, there are numerous public and private agencies designed to guide and provide resources for these women – women like you.
Confirming the Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests are not 100% reliable, so it’s important to get a medical pregnancy test as soon as possible. This will typically be a urine test administered by health professionals in a medical office or clinic. The test is designed to detect the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone secreted by the placenta during pregnancy.
Sira offers free private medical pregnancy tests for any woman who believes she may be pregnant. The test is absolutely free. You don’t need insurance of any kind.
Determining if the Pregnancy is Viable
A viable pregnancy is one with a chance to produce a living child. For a pregnancy to be deemed viable in the early stages, the developing baby must have cardiac activity, and the pregnancy must be in the uterus.
A limited obstetric ultrasound is a non-invasive test often used to determine viability. This exam is simple and painless. An instrument called a transducer will be rubbed across the outside of your belly, providing a view inside your reproductive organs. This allows the medical professional conducting the test to confirm there is a fetal heartbeat and an intrauterine pregnancy.
Sira offers free limited ultrasounds at no charge following any positive medical pregnancy test results for our clients. Limited ultrasounds are typically scheduled reviewed and confirmed by a medical doctor.
Researching Your Options and Finding Resources
Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Your thoughts and emotions may be all over the place and rarely line up. Talking with an experienced pregnancy counselor can help a lot. A good counselor will carefully listen to your thoughts and concerns, and take time to review all the options available to you.
At Sira, you can get free pregnancy options counseling from one of our caring client advocates.
Hopefully, you are willing and able to carry the pregnancy to term and raise your child as a loving parent. If so, your Sira advocate will recommend resources to help ensure you have a safe and healthy pregnancy, and that after giving birth, you’ll be able to effectively care for your child.
If, however, you decide you are not capable of being a parent, your Sira advocate will discuss other options with you, including the specifics of adoption and the risks and side effects of abortion. She will honestly answer any questions and provide facts to help you make an informed decision.
The most important thing to remember with any unplanned pregnancy is that you are not alone. Even if you’re afraid to tell the father, or you don’t have family support, there are others out there willing and able to listen and help. To schedule a pregnancy test, or just have someone to talk to, contact Sira today.