Nurse consultation

At Paulding Pregnancy Services, we understand that you may be anxious and overwhelmed while facing a pregnancy you didn't plan for. We also know that your story
is unique and deserves personal attention and compassionate help as you navigate through your pregnancy options.

If you are considering abortion, there are several important factors you need to know before moving forward. For your health and safety, you need all the information
about your pregnancy. Here are the steps we recommend:

Step 1. Confirm your pregnancy

Even if you've taken an at-home pregnancy test, the results are not always reliable. We offer no-cost medical lab quality
pregnancy tests administered by medical professionals.

Our tests are 99% accurate, so you can have the confidence you need to ensure you're getting the correct result. A nurse will provide you with the test
results during your appointment.

Step 2. Make sure your pregnancy is viable

According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. This number is potentially higher due to the fact that
many miscarriages occur very early in pregnancy, often before women are aware of the pregnancy.

The only way to diagnose pregnancy viability is with an obstetric ultrasound. We offer no-cost limited obstetric ultrasounds, which confirm the viability
of your pregnancy, the location, and the gestational age or how many weeks pregnant you are.

Some pregnancies begin growing outside the uterus, which is known as an ectopic pregnancy.  An ectopic pregnancy can't proceed normally. The abortion pill
cannot be used to treat an ectopic pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, the only way to diagnose an ectopic pregnancy is through ultrasound and a blood test.

Step 3. Get tested and treated for STIs and STDs

If you're sexually active, regardless of the use of protection, it is possible to contract a STI (sexually transmitted infection) or STD (sexually transmitted disease).

According to the Mayo Clinic, bacteria from infections can enter the reproductive tract when the "normal barrier created by the cervix is disturbed, such as during an abortion."

The bacteria can lead to other complications and infections such as PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease), which can also cause infertility, chronic pelvic pain,
and ectopic pregnancy. It is important to your health that you get tested before having an abortion.

We can provide you with referrals to local clinics that offer no-cost STI/STD testing and treatment.

Step 4. Get the medical information you need beforehand

Once you have confirmed and verified your pregnancy through pregnancy testing and obstetric ultrasound, you will also want information about the different abortion procedures,
side effects, and risks. As with any medical procedure or prior to taking any medication, it is important to have all the details before moving forward.

Part of your medical screening appointment will include a nurse consultation so you can discuss the different types of abortion procedures, risks, side effects, and answer
any questions you might have. This service is provided to you at no charge, because we care about your reproductive health and well-being.

We do not perform or refer for services that render the termination of a pregnancy, but our volunteers and nurses are always available to ask questions and talk through your options.