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What if I Choose to Parent

Posted on by Jocelyn Barr

A real-talk guide to parenting when the pregnancy test says “yes.”

So… You’re Staring at a Positive Pregnancy Test

Your heart is racing. Your mind won’t stop spinning.
  • Maybe this wasn’t in the plan.
  • Maybe it came too soon.
  • Maybe you are ashamed or want to keep it a secret.
  • Maybe you’re scared, feeling alone, or already overwhelmed by symptoms.
Or maybe… you’re picturing a tiny face and quietly wondering:
How would I even do this?

Could I actually do this?

Pause for a second…Take a deep breath. You’re not alone. You’re not the first to feel this way. And you don’t need to have it all figured out today. What do you need? Someone in your corner. That’s where we come in.    
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Parenting Might Feel Big — Because It Is

Let’s be real. Raising a child is a big deal. It’s life-changing — in the best and hardest ways. 
It’s okay if you’re feeling:
  • Hopeful or Hopeless
  • Anxious or Excited
  • Numb, scared or alone
  • Overwhelmed
  • Confused
  • Or maybe… all of the above.
These emotions don’t disqualify you from being a great parent. They just mean you’re human.

And guess what? If you’re willing to learn, ask questions, and reach out — you already have what it takes to begin.

Get Support

You dont have to do this alone!

At Choice Care, we walk with women who choose to parent every day. Some are single. Some are in school. Some work full-time. Some have no support system at all.
But you know what they all have in common?
 
 They chose to love their baby — even when things felt uncertain, and even if they initially considered other pregnancy options like ending the pregnancy.
 
They didn’t do it alone. You don’t have to either.
 
Here’s how we help: 

🍼 Baby Supplies

We help with the basics — like diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothes, and more. We believe no mom should have to choose between feeding her baby and feeding herself.
 

📘 Parenting & Life Classes

Real-life learning on topics like pregnancy, childbirth, baby care, budgeting, and emotional health —all taught in a down-to-earth, approachable way. No lectures. Just real info and support.
 

🤝 Spiritual Counseling

You’ll be paired with someone who listens, encourages, and checks in on you. Someone to talk to when things get hard or confusing — because they will. And that’s okay.

🛠️ Practical Assistance

Whether it’s referrals to housing help, job programs, or emotional support services, we’ll help you get connected. You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
 

 

Most parents don’t feel ready at first.

You’re not alone

Lets connect and see how we can help!
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What If I Don’t Feel Ready?

Let’s say it: No one feels totally “ready” to be a parent.
Even people who’ve planned every detail of their pregnancy still face doubts.
But parenting isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about showing up, growing, and learning along the way.
And you don’t have to give up your own life to do it. You matter, too.
At Choice Care, we believe in supporting your whole journey — not just pregnancy, not just birth, but you. Your goals, your well-being, your future.
So if you’re wondering, 
Can I do this?
The answer is: 
Yes — with the right support, you absolutely can.

🩺 First Step? A Free Ultrasound

Before anything else, it helps to know what’s going on in your body. We offer free ultrasounds in a safe, welcoming environment.
Ultrasounds can confirm:
  • How far along you are.
  • Whether the pregnancy is viable (still developing normally).
  • If it’s a single or multiple pregnancy.
 
No pressure. No judgment. Just clear answers.

You’re Seen. You’re Loved. No Judgment Here.

We know that every woman’s story is different. Some pregnancies feel like miracles. Some feel like crises. Some feel like both.
Whatever your story looks like — you are welcome here.
At Choice Care, we treat every person with kindness and respect. You won’t get shame or pressure. 
We promise:
 

👉Space to process

 

👉Support to move forward

 

👉Encouragement to grow into who you’re meant to be — as a woman, and possibly as a mom

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So… What Now?

Take a breath.
Let yourself feel what you’re feeling.
Then take one step — just one — toward support.
Whether that’s talking to someone, scheduling an ultrasound, or just gathering info…
We’re here.
You’ve got this.
And we’ve got you.
 
 
❤️ Get Support Now »
📅 Schedule an Ultrasound »
💬 Talk to Someone Today »

FAQ

Most people don’t feel fully ready at first — and that’s okay. Parenting starts with a willingness to learn and ask for help. You don’t have to have everything figured out today.

Free support may include baby supplies, parenting classes, one-on-one mentoring, emotional support, and referrals for housing, job training, or other needs. You don’t have to do this alone.

Yes. Many parents start in less-than-perfect circumstances. With the right support system, parenting is possible — and you are not alone in it.

No. You deserve time and accurate information. A free ultrasound can help confirm how far along you are and give you clarity without pressure or judgment.

Adoption is a loving option. You can explore it at your own pace, ask questions, and get support as you consider what’s best for you and your baby.

Yes! We love to help new parents. Below is a list of resources. You can also make an appointment and speak to one of our options counselors for more information.
 
Let's Chat!
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👉 Learn more about adoption
📅 Make an appointment to talk with someone today

Adoption Is Parenting, Too

Choosing to carry your baby and place them for adoption is parenting. It is parenting in the truest sense — because you are choosing to love the baby forming inside of you. You are choosing protection, care, and sacrifice. You are choosing to give your child the gift of life and the opportunity to be raised by a family who is ready to step into that role.
 
Adoption isn’t “giving up.”
It is giving love, giving life, and giving a future.
You are still making decisions for your baby.
You are still putting their needs first.
 
You are still acting out of courage and compassion.That matters.
If you’d like to learn more about adoption, understand your options, or talk through what that journey could look like, we’re here to help.

Pregnancy Quiz

Posted on by Rudy

Pregnancy Quiz Am I Pregnant?

If you are wondering, “Am I pregnant?” you can read the signs that your own body is already giving you.

Please take this early pregnancy quiz for help.

If you are currently having your period, then it is most likely that you are not pregnant. If the time that you normally have your period has passed, then you might be pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic, a missed period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. “If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.” 1

When the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, this may cause spotting and even cramping. WebMD says this is called “implantation bleeding.” This “occurs anywhere from 6 to 12 days after the egg is fertilized. The cramps resemble menstrual cramps, so some women mistake them and the bleeding for the start of their period. The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight.” 2

The American Pregnancy Association reports that this is one of the most reported symptoms of pregnancy . “Changes to the breasts can start as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception.” 3

Morning sickness or nausea is a common sign of pregnancy. “Not all women experience nausea, while others experience it throughout their pregnancy,” reported Medical News Today. “Nausea can begin as early as 5 weeks, with most women experiencing some level of nausea by week 8 of pregnancy.” 4

Frequent urination is common early in your pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, the increasing size of the uterus itself and increased blood circulation to the pelvis, you may find yourself visiting the restroom more frequently. Additionally, increased hormone levels may result in constipation.

If you are pregnant, you may start to experience cravings for certain foods. This is common both early and late in pregnancy. It is also common to have an aversion to both the taste and smell of certain foods.

Feeling dizzy or light-headed, especially immediately after standing or changing your position quickly, can be a sign of pregnancy.  Dizziness may be the result of a change in your blood volume and blood pressure or a deficiency in iron.

Due to hormonal changes in your body you may experience headaches.

Early in pregnancy, an increase in hormones may result in mood swings. When added to the potential stress caused by the uncertainty of pregnancy, you may feel sad, sulky or irritated.

“You may feel fatigue early and late in pregnancy,” according to the March of Dimes. “Your body may be tired  because:

It’s working hard to take care of your growing baby. Your body’s making pregnancy hormones and you’re using a lot of energy, even when you sleep.

You may have trouble sleeping at night because you’re uncomfortable or you need to get up to go to the bathroom. Later in pregnancy, leg cramps may wake you up at night.“ 5

Another way to determine if you are pregnant is to take an over-the-counter pregnancy test.  Home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate but there is a slight chance that they can be wrong, which is called a “false-positive.”  A false-positive may result if the fertilized egg is no longer attached to the uterine lining or from side affects from fertility drugs or problems with your ovaries. There is also a chance for a false-negative result. This can happen if you take the test too early, if you use the test kit incorrectly or you have diluted urine. Reading and following the directions precisely will reduce the possibility of this happening. Choice Care will give you a free and confidential clinical grade pregnancy test with more accuracy.

Thank you for taking this quiz. We hope that it has helped you and given you some of the information for which you are looking.  If you would like more information, contact: Choice Care

Can Women Eat Ranch

Posted on by Rudy

CAN PREGNANT WOMEN EAT RANCH DRESSING?

You’re pregnant. The world has changed; your life has shifted. You’re two people now instead of one, carrying a growing child within you. You’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the new rules. Not to mention, your neighbor down the street just told you that you can’t eat ranch dressing.

“When you’re pregnant, everything that goes into your mouth gets shared with your growing baby. Even though some types of foods and even some types of food poisoning may not hurt you, they may harm your little one.” (1)

As soon as someone tells you that you are no longer allowed to have a certain food, it becomes all you can think about. Soft cheese? Deli meats? Soft-boiled eggs? Wine? Regardless of whether or not you ate these foods before pregnancy, they are now all that you can think about.

It’s no secret that there are differing opinions about what pregnant women are supposed to avoid. Some guidelines seem more relaxed, while other articles make you feel guilty for eating anything at all. How are you supposed to know what exactly you should and should not avoid? How can you feel safe consuming foods that no one ever explicitly mentions? What are the main ingredients in ranch dressing? How do you decide whether or not to eat it when you’re pregnant?

WHY WOULD I NOT BE ABLE TO EAT RANCH DRESSING?

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As your baby develops, you are their sole source of nourishment, which means what you eat is important. Women who are pregnant pass nutrients to their babies, but they can also pass on harmful bacteria or viruses (2). Certain foods can affect the baby in a dangerous way, and it’s up to you to ensure that you don’t eat something toxic. Some of these foods include:

  • fish high in mercury
    • (king mackerel, big eye tuna, swordfish, etc.)
  • raw meat
  • raw eggs
  • soft cheese
  • unpasteurized foods
  • excess caffeine
  • alcohol
  • unwashed fruits and vegetables (2).

 

Many of the reasons to avoid these foods come down to harmful bacteria. This bacteria could cause illnesses like food poisoning or listeria. Though these diseases wouldn’t necessarily be fatal to an average adult, they very well could harm your growing baby. The Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch writes that “While adults are able to fend off listeria, unborn children can suffer a life-threatening infection or blood poisoning” (3).

 

Now, this doesn’t mean that if you have the smallest taste of queso fresco at a party, you will harm your baby. However, these foods could be dangerous if an expectant mother eats them regularly (4). 

 

Food guidelines aren’t put in place to keep you feeling on-edge about the life you’re forming. They are there to help you provide the best environment possible for your sweet babe to grow.

Overwhelmed by these guidelines?

Choice Care

Let us help you navigate this phase of life.

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WHAT IS RANCH DRESSING MADE OF?

Ranch dressing, along with most other salad dressings, is delicious. Ranch goes with everything and is a staple in the American diet. Some are afraid the dressing contains raw or undercooked eggs and stay away from it (2). However, if you check the label for egg content, you’ll find that it does not contain eggs. Therefore, you’re free to continue your love affair with one of America’s best dressings.

 

There are plenty of other specific foods you may not be sure about eating. Consider the ingredients while deciding what is safe for a pregnant woman to eat. Watch out for raw eggs, as they may put you and your infant in danger of salmonella poisoning (5). Because hollandaise sauce, bearnaise sauce and aioli sauce are made with partially cooked eggs, they should be avoided. Avoid meringue desserts and homemade ice cream because the egg could be undercooked (5). Pregnant women should not eat sauces made at home like homemade mayonnaise or Caesar dressing, because the eggs may not be cooked up to temperature.

 

This may sound like a lot of restriction, but the good news is that store-bought salad dressings, are safe for pregnant women to eat. This includes mayonnaise, Kraft ranch, Caesar salad dressing, bleu cheese ranch dressing, and most other dressings. This is because the FDA requires all commercially produced dressings to be pasteurized. This means that the milk has been heated to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria (6). Purchasing most dairy products from your local grocery store, like sour cream, and cottage cheese would also be a safe bet. Another important thing is to check the list of the product’s ingredients for pasteurized eggs, which means it is safe to consume.

Need nutrition advice? 

Schedule an appointment with

Choice Care

Contact Us for a Consultation!

GREAT! I CAN EAT RANCH DRESSING, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER FOODS?

If you’re beginning to feel a little overwhelmed by all these guidelines, rest assured, you’re not alone. You’re going through massive amounts of change in this time of life, and it makes perfect sense that the last thing you want to do is to change your diet.

 

When you think about it, though, there are plenty of options open and available. Try swapping out soft cheeses with a variety of hard cheeses. Stay away from homemade sauces and stick to store-bought dressings and ice cream for a while. Simply microwave your deli meat before adding it to your sandwich. Avoid a runny egg yolk by boiling your eggs a few minutes longer. Get in the habit of checking the main ingredients of the products you buy at the store. If you’re concerned about an ingredient you haven’t heard of before, like xanthan gum or soybean oil, simply do a quick check on your phone before adding it to your cart.

 

Though this time of your life is incredibly different than any other you’ve ever experienced, rest assured that your body knows what to do. In fact, you will more than likely know what you should be eating based on your pregnancy cravings. Oftentimes if you’re desperate for a certain food, it could mean that you’re lacking in important nutrients. If you’re craving salty foods, you may be dehydrated. If a huge steak sounds delicious, you may need more iron (7).

 

You are an intuitive being and the most important thing you can do is to tune into your instincts. This will ensure you’re caring for yourself and your baby in the very best way. Listen to your body, listen to your doctor, and feel free to continue to enjoy that ranch dressing!

What about hot Cheetos?

 

Learn why you have cravings

–like Cheetos–and what to do about them.

Read More

Disclaimer: This website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Choice Care does not provide abortions or give referrals for abortions.

Sources

 
  1.  Greenlaw, E. (2021, March 19). Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy. WebMD. 
    https://www.webmd.com/baby/foods-avoid-pregnancy

  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. 
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20043844

  3. Foods to Avoid While Pregnant. OBGYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, LLC. 
    https://obgynwc.com/what-foods-to-avoid-while-pregnant/
     
  4. Food Safety First. Department of Health and Human Services. 
    https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/pdf/hispanic-pregnant-women-soft-cheese-factsheet-508c.pdf

  5. Can You Eat Aioli Sauce When Pregnant? Know Your Pantry. 
    https://www.knowyourpantry.com/sauces/can-you-eat-aioli-sauce-when-pregnant/

  6. Waggot, G. (2022). Can Pregnant Women Eat Ranch Salad Dressing? Is it Safe? Pregnancy Food Checker. 
    https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/pregnant-ranch-salad-dressing-safe/

  7. Bouchez, C. (2008). Pregnancy Cravings: When You Gotta Have It! Grow by WebMD. 
    https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-food-cravings
 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cheetos?

Posted on by Rudy

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cheetos?

Everyone knows about the unusual things that many women crave while pregnant. (If you read our last article, you know ranch dressing is one craving.) Whether it be pickles and peanut butter or eating two gallons of ice cream a day, it’s fun to laugh about when it’s not happening to you. But now you’re pregnant, and you’re starting to miss eating certain foods that you could once consume without any worry. It may even be foods you never cared to eat before you were pregnant! One of these bizarre food cravings may be Cheetos. We’re here to answer the question you are asking: can pregnant women eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? To start off with, let’s look at why you may be having this desire for spicy food. 

 

Why Do I Crave Cheetos?

Pregnancy cravings can be caused by a number of things, although there is no definite science behind it all. Food cravings typically begin during the first trimester and peak in the second trimester. However, they can happen anytime during pregnancy, and there is no scientific evidence to confirm exactly why. (2) 

 

Despite this, many researchers have tried. So why Cheetos? A 2014 study found that women may crave spicy food because they often feel hot, and spicy foods stimulate them to sweat and cool down. (5) However, this is just one of many theories, so look through the other options before you jump to conclusions about why you have a Hot Cheeto obsession. 

 

These are the main reasons that many researchers speculate a pregnant woman experiences odd food desires:

  • There are many hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy. These changes affect your senses of taste and smell, and in turn, your preferences or food aversions as well. (5)
  • Another likely explanation is that food cravings may be linked to the same changes in hormones that make a pregnant woman feel nauseous early in pregnancy. (5)
  • If you crave a certain food, it may indicate that you have a deficiency of certain nutrients in your body. (1)
  • For instance, if you don’t have enough sodium in your body, you may crave Cheetos, to help with the deficiency. (1)
  • However, this theory is not completely proven. So do not assume every craving is satisfying a biological need. In fact, studies show that many women who report strange cravings tend to gain more weight than is considered healthy during pregnancy. This means that these cravings may be driven by something other than biochemical needs. (3)
  • One of the biggest reasons women experience pregnancy cravings is mental or cultural causes. (3)
  • Think of when you were a kid, and your mother wouldn’t let you eat a cookie before bed. You may not have even wanted the cookie that bad, but now because you know you can’t have it, it becomes all you think about. 
  • Similarly, a strong desire for pickles, potato chips or Hot Cheetos may start out as a simple thought. Overtime, however, it can grow into an obsession that is hard to resist simply because you know you can’t have it. (3) 

Have More Questions?

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Are Cheetos Safe to Eat While I'm Pregnant?

Now that we know why you may be craving Cheetos right now, let’s look into if they are safe for you to eat or not. And, spoiler, you can stop holding your breath; the science shows that Cheetos, even Hot Cheetos, are OK to eat – in moderation.

What Are Cheetos Made Of?

Cheetos, like many processed foods, do contain some natural ingredients. Most Cheetos are made of around 30% natural ingredients, such as citric acid. (1) The rest, however, are synthetic food additives which enhance flavor and make the food last longer. (1) These additives may be unhealthy for your baby, and for you as well. Let’s look deeper into exactly what Cheetos contain.

Artificial Flavors

In 2018, the FDA banned six synthetic food flavorings because the chemicals have been shown to cause cancer in lab animals. Oftentimes, these chemicals are listed as “artificial flavors” on food labels. (4)

 

Artificial Coloring

Many artificial coloring additives have been banned in other countries. And there are studies that show they may impact behavior in children. For those reasons, they may be harmful to you and your unborn child during pregnancy. (4)

 

MSG

MSG is a flavor enhancer found in many foods, including Cheetos. What it does is replicate the umami flavor, which is basically a taste sensation similar to savory. Although it is valuable as a flavor enhancer, studies have shown that there are possible toxic effects related to it. (4)

What Are the Effects of Pregnant Women Eating Cheetos?

Despite the questionable contents of Cheetos listed above, you shouldn’t worry too much. The health of your unborn baby will not be hurt after a few handfuls of chips. Many healthcare providers agree that Cheetos/spicy foods are not the best meal options while pregnant. (1) But, good news, they are alright in moderation. (1)

 

However, there are some side effects that can come from eating your normal diet that are enhanced by pregnancy. Here are a few of the health issues you may need to consider before grabbing that next bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos: 

Cause Heartburn

During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, spicy foods are more likely to cause heartburn. The baby growing in you creates an increasing pressure on your abdomen, causing lower pressure on the esophageal sphincter. (That’s the area where your esophagus joins your stomach.) This makes acid reflux more common during this time. (5)

Worsen Morning Sickness

During the first trimester, hot foods can worsen morning sickness. Eating spicy snacks can trigger the release of stomach acid, making nausea and vomiting worse. (5) Since you and other pregnant women probably already experience all-day nausea, you might want to skip the spice.

 

Diarrhea

Spicy foods often cause stomach irritations and digestive issues. When you’re pregnant, the main concern with diarrhea is the possibility of dehydration. For this reason, if you are going to eat spicy foods you should increase your intake of fluids. Also, if you’ve never craved hot food before, it is best to start with milder types and consume less to build a tolerance before working up. (5)

Thirsty after all the Spice?

Read our article on healthy drink options!

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Get Hydrated.

Alternative Options to Cheetos and How to Deal with Cravings

Now you know pregnant women can eat Hot Cheetos while carrying an unborn baby, by doing so in moderation. But perhaps you want to stop the cravings or avoid any negative side effects from eating Cheetos or any other odd junk food combinations. Read on for better healthy food alternatives to eat.

 

First off, the main way to prevent pregnancy cravings is to make sure you eat well-balanced meals throughout the day. (2) Also, if regulating a healthy diet is difficult to manage on your own, make sure you have a lot of emotional support. Whether that be from a partner, a friend, or a parent, having someone to encourage you can keep you mentally on track with your food goals. 

 

Another good option which has been mentioned before is eating whatever you’re craving but in moderation. If you have it set up in your mind that you’re never allowed to eat a certain type of food, it makes it very difficult to control yourself once you do have it. (3) This prevents one thing leading to another when you allow yourself some indulgence. 

 

Lastly, here is a list of some alternative food options that are scientifically proven to be healthiest for you and your unborn child! (6) 

  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Peppers
  • Salad greens
  • Squash
  • Sweet potato
  • Beans
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Lamb
  • Lean meat
  • Meat substitutes like tofu
  • Nuts
  • Peanut butter
  • Pork
  • Turkey
  • Veal
  • Brown rice
  • Cereals
  • Oatmeals
  • Whole-wheat pasta
  • Apples
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Citrus fruits
  • Dried fruits
  • Grapes
  • Mangos
  • Pears
  • Pomegranates
  • Strawberries

Low-fat pasteurized…

  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Yogurt

Limited to 6 teaspoons a day…

  • Canola
  • Olive
  • Safflower

Source: Family Health Centers of San Diego (6)

 

To recap, pregnant women can eat Cheetos, but they may experience heartburn, morning sickness and/or diarrhea. Eat in moderation and listen to your body. Now that you know what may be causing your strange craving for Cheetos and how to help it, hopefully, your mind is a bit more at ease. Being a new mom and trying to take care of the growing baby inside you can be confusing and stressful at times, but you’ve got this!

Sources:

  1.  Yarnell, K. (2022, March 9). Can you eat hot cheetos while pregnant? Wholesomealive.com -a blog about Healthy Living. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://wholesomealive.com/can-you-eat-hot-cheetos-while-pregnant/ 
  2. Dragon, N. (2017, October 27). Why pregnancy can make you have weird cravings. intermountainhealthcare.org. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/intermountain-moms/2016/10/why-pregnancy-can-make-you-have-weird-cravings/ 
  3. Greenwood, V. (2020, July 15). The surprising reason why pregnant women get cravings. BBC Future. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200715-the-surprising-reason-why-pregnant-women-get-cravings 
  4. Brady, J. (2022, May 18). Can you eat Cheetos while pregnant? [with 4 yummy alternatives]. Green Baby Deals. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://greenbabydeals.com/can-you-eat-cheetos-while-pregnant/ 
  5. Macapagal, J. (2021, June 10). Can you eat hot cheetos while pregnant? Spicy Foods explained. Birthing For Life. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://birthingforlife.com/can-you-eat-hot-cheetos-while-pregnant/
  6. Family Health Centers of San Diego. (2022, March 9). An essential guide on what to eat during pregnancy. Family Health Centers of San Diego. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.fhcsd.org/prenatal-care/what-to-eat-during-pregnancy/  

Your Cozy-Season Reset Guide

Posted on by Rudy

Your Cozy-Season Reset Guide

Cozy-Season Reset

Little Life Edits I’m Making This Fall

From my perspective: just a grad figuring out “real life,” one latte at a time.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but your life does not have to be perfectly sorted by October. Fall shows up anyway—gold leaves, chunky sweaters, and that first sip of something warm that makes the day feel softer. Honestly? I love that. It’s permission to exhale, take stock, and make small edits that add up.
This summer was a blur for me—internships, late nights with friends who felt like family, a couple “maybe this is something?” moments, and too many sunscreen-in-the-eyes selfies. Fun, yes. Also…a lot. Now the air is cooler, my calendar is simpler, and I’m noticing what I actually want to carry into this next season.
Here are the tiny shifts I’m trying—nothing extreme, just realistic. Think of them as simple lifestyle changes for fall that help me reset without pressure.

Fall Permission Slip

It’s okay if your life isn’t Instagram-perfect. Gold leaves don’t wait for you to be ready—they just fall.

Morning Margins.

Instead of diving into the day with chaos, I’ve been trying something different. One morning last week, I resisted the urge to grab my phone. I made coffee, opened my journal, and scribbled down three things I was grateful for. By noon, I noticed I was less reactive when a work email landed wrong. It’s amazing how 10 quiet minutes can change the pace of an entire day.
 
Fall Selfcare Tip: Try the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise—five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste.

The Friend Audit (Kindly).

I’m giving more time to people who make me braver and kinder—We all know the difference between friends who fill our cups and those who leave us drained. After that summer party, I asked myself: Who are the people I walk away from feeling heavier—and who leaves me lighter? That reflection helped me gently step back from one social group and lean into deeper one-on-one friendships.
“Connection is why we’re here; it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” —Brené Brown

Move Like I Mean it.

I move not to “fix” anything, but to feel better in my own skin. Walks with a podcast, gym on rainy days, dancing in the kitchen when it’s all I’ve got.
I used to think movement had to mean a long workout or hitting a certain number of steps, but I’ve learned that even ten minutes can change my mood. One humid August morning I tried to force a run and quit halfway through—it felt like punishment. That moment reminded me movement should feel good, not like a chore.
 
Now I ask myself what kind of energy I need. Sometimes it’s slow and steady, like a neighborhood walk while catching up on a podcast. Other days it’s playful, like turning up the music and dancing while I cook dinner. Rainy days might take me to the gym, but even then, I keep it simple. The point isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Every time I move, I feel a little more like myself. These small routines have become part of my healthy fall habits.

Gentle Boundaries.

This one has been the hardest for me, because saying “no” can feel like letting people down. For a long time, I stretched myself thin out of fear of missing out or disappointing someone. But the truth? Every time I said yes when I didn’t have the energy, I ended up showing up halfway—for them and for me.
This fall, I’ve been practicing saying no without guilt. A simple “I can’t this week, but I’d love to rain-check” is saving me from the spiral of over-committing. Last weekend, when someone invited me to yet another packed outing, I replied: “That sounds fun, but I’m prioritizing rest this weekend—let’s catch up soon?” The surprising thing? They understood. The world didn’t end.
 
Remember: Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re doors you control.
I’m learning that gentle boundaries are less about shutting people out and more about protecting the space I need to show up well when I do say yes. And that feels like growth.

Future Me Notes.

Looking back, that night on the porch swing at the summer party feels like a turning point. It was a messy chapter—a moment of realizing I wasn’t in sync. But it also became the nudge I needed to choose quieter, more intentional days. Fall reminds me that letting go, just like the trees dropping their leaves, makes room for something better. What decisions today will thank me six months from now? That’s the heart of any fall reset—making space for the future you’re growing into.”
 
Self-Care Reminder: If overwhelm hits, pause and ask: What one small thing can I do right now to feel 1% better?
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If your summer came with a few messy chapters (same), you’re still welcome here. Fall is basically the season of do-overs. It’s okay to pivot, to ask for help, to say “I don’t know yet,” and to choose what’s healthiest for you next. You’re not behind. You’re building.
I’m also reminding myself: caring for my whole self matters—mind, body, heart. Sometimes that means booking a check-in with someone who listens well; sometimes it’s a practical health step so I can move forward with peace of mind. If that’s you, I wrote a quick, judgment-free guide that might help.

NEXT READ → Your Quick Health Check: STI & Pregnancy Testing + Ultrasounds

You’ve got a lot of exciting, adventurous days ahead. Life doesn’t have to be perfectly sorted by October. Make the small edits. Choose the kind thing. Trust that your life can be both a work-in-progress and really, really beautiful.
 
“Fall is proof that change is beautiful.” —Unknown

Rh Factor: What you need to know during an unplanned pregnancy

Posted on by Paige

Rh Factor: What you need to know during an unplanned pregnancy

What is Rh Factor?

Rh factor is a protein that most people will have on the surface of their red blood cells. [1] If your red blood cells have this protein, you are Rh positive, like most people. On the other hand, if your red blood cells do not have this protein, you would be Rh negative. According to research, about 15 to 17 percent of Caucasians (North American and European descent) are Rh negative, while 4 to 8 percent of people of African descent and 0.1 to 0.3 percent of people of Asian descent are Rh negative. [2] Your Rh factor will not effect your overall health.

Why is it a problem if I'm Rh negative during pregnancy?

It’s important to get your blood tested early in your pregnancy. Women who are Rh negative and don’t receive the proper care may face complications in future pregnancies. If you are Rh negative, there is a possibility of your blood reacting with your baby’s blood. [3]

Your immune system reacts differently and will create antibodies. These antibodies start an attack on your baby’s red blood cells because your body thinks it’s a foreign object. [4] Although you will not know your baby’s blood type until they are born, it’s safest to assume it’s positive. These antibodies will remain in your body, and if you were to become pregnant again in the future, the antibodies can again attack your baby’s red blood cells. [5] This can result in Rh disease or hemolytic disease of the fetus, which can lead to:

  • Miscarriage or stillbirth
  • Brain damage
  • Heart failure

How is Rh incompatibility treated?

The treatment for Rh incompatibility is treated by medication called Rh immune globulin. [6] This medication is received as a shot and is administered around 28 weeks of pregnancy. [7] The medication prevents Rh positive antibodies from being made. It is given again 72 hours after delivery.This medication is only helpful if your body does not already have the antibodies. If your body already has the antibodies the best treatment is to be monitored the rest of your pregnancy because the baby is at risk of Rh disease. 

5+healthy drinks for pregnancy

Posted on by Rudy

5+Healthy Drinks For Pregnancy

One of the first things you learn when you get pregnant is what not to do. And everyone seems to want to give their own well-meaning but contradicting opinions. Maybe you’ve been missing your morning coffee ever since your mom told you it’s bad for the baby. What exactly can you drink? Luckily, you don’t have to give up all the good stuff (not even Starbucks). We’re here to give you some good drink options, as well as advice on the bad ones. Here are 5+ healthy drinks for pregnancy that you can enjoy!

Did your sister tell you to avoid spicy foods because she heard it isn’t good for pregnant women? (See our next article coming soon  on that!)

Do You Have Strange Food Cravings?

 

Check out why, plus a healthy foods list! 

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Healthy Drinks for Pregnancy Water

To start off the list, we have the most obvious healthy drink for pregnancy: water. 

Pregnancy aside, one of the most important things you can be drinking daily is water. But if you are pregnant, having enough fluids becomes even more important. Water keeps the amniotic fluid replenished, your cells hydrated, and keeps your health good in general (1).

How much water should you be drinking? According to Healthline, pregnant women should drink about 80 ounces of water every day (1). This is only eight ounces more than is recommended for women who aren’t pregnant (1). 

If you are breastfeeding, Healthline says that your water consumption should go up to about 104 ounces (1). Moral of the story: it’s a great idea to drink lots of water! Your body–and the baby–will thank you for it. 

But what if water makes you nauseous?

Lemonade

If you’re pregnant in the summertime, chances are you’ve already sat down with a big glass of lemonade. In fact, lemons are beneficial for you in a surprising way.

As stated earlier, water is the best source of hydration. But some women have trouble drinking water without becoming nauseated. Infusing water with lemon juice or making some lemonade can help your daily water intake and fix your nausea (1). The American Pregnancy Association (APA) says that sniffing lemons can help nausea from morning sickness (1). So go ahead: grab that sweet glass of lemonade! (Just make sure there isn’t a ton of added sugar). 

Sweet Healthy Drinks

Fresh fruit juices are great, as long as they’re pasteurized. Everyone loves a refreshing glass of orange juice in the morning with their breakfast. And you can still enjoy it too as a sweet pregnancy drink! 

Pasteurization is the process that removes harmful bacteria from juices (2). This is why it is important that you only drink pasteurized juices, even if you prefer the “natural stuff.”

Two healthy juices that boost immune system health for pregnant women are orange juice and cranberry juice. OJ contains potassium, which can help lower high blood pressure (1). High blood pressure can be a dangerous condition in pregnant women. And the Vitamin C in the juice will enhance iron absorption (1). Cranberry juice is made up of 90% water (3). This means it will keep you well hydrated! And the high dietary fiber in the drink works against constipation (3). 

Pasteurized Milk

Just like our bodies need water, pregnant women also have calcium needs. It’s recommended that pregnant women drink about eight ounces of milk per day (5). While there isn’t an issue with drinking whole milk, it is suggested that you drink skim or low-fat milk (5). This is typically healthier whether pregnant or not and can prevent extra weight gain (5).

“But what if I’m lactose intolerant?” Surprisingly, studies have shown that even if you had symptoms of lactose intolerance before getting pregnant, they can disappear! (1). You may find that you can now tolerate cow’s milk. If you still have symptoms after a glass of milk, try non-dairy milk. “Soy milk is a viable alternative. Just be sure to choose brands that have added calcium.” (1).

Similar to juices, it’s important for the milk you drink to be pasteurized to prevent any bacterial infections.

Smoothies

Smoothies are one of the best things you can drink while pregnant. In your first trimester, it can be difficult to keep food down. Smoothies are an easy way to get a lot of essential nutrients without having to eat a full meal (4). Nutritionist Tamara Melton explains, “There’s something about the combo of liquid and cold. Women tolerate smoothies better than, say, spinach omelets.” (1). 

70% of women surveyed by Parents admitted to making healthier diet choices when they became pregnant (1). But only 37% were meeting the recommended amount of fruit and vegetable servings per day (1). 

Smoothies are a great way to get all of those vital nutrients. Just make sure you put some greens in your cart, not just fruit, when shopping at grocery stores

Herbal Tea

If you want a reviving hot or cool ice tea, herbal tea may be a good option for you. Herbal tea is a good alternative for leaf teas as these are often fruit or herb-based and caffeine-free (5). Since pregnant women should cut down on caffeine, it’s a good choice for a healthy pregnancy drink. 

According to the APA however, you shouldn’t drink just any herbal tea.(1). Herbal teas can be unsafe if they are not commercially made (1). This is because the “amounts of each ingredients are controlled in commercial tea bags,” whereas they might not be in homemade teas (5). 

These are three popular teas for pregnant women that can be enjoyed as a hot drink or as iced tea: (5)

  • Ginger Tea – Ginger helps with indigestion and can relieve stress. 
  • Lemon or Lemon Balm Tea – Like we said earlier, lemon is good for nausea, as well as stress relief. 
  • Peppermint Tea – This can reduce “digestive discomfort, bloating and also prevents nausea.”

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Drinks to Avoid While Pregnant

While it is exciting to hear that many of the drinks we love are safe to consume while pregnant, there are bad pregnancy drinks you should still avoid. But don’t worry! They’re easy to steer clear of. And we’ve even offered some alternatives! Read on to see what kinds of drinks to avoid while pregnant. 

Alcohol

Most people know that alcohol is the one drink you should avoid completely if you are growing a baby. But maybe you don’t know exactly why. Let us explain.

The liver is one of the last organs to develop. Because of this, fetuses are not able to process alcohol in the same way adults can (2). In the first trimester, drinking can increase the risk of miscarriage, early birth, and low birth weight (2). In the second and third trimesters, drinking could affect your child’s behavior and learning ability (2). 

Consuming alcoholic beverages while pregnant can cause a wide range of complications. Not only is the mother affected, but the child as well. It is best to stay away completely from the substance.

What about after the child is born? 

If you are breastfeeding, it is best to continue avoiding alcohol. Excessive drinking can lead to problems in infant growth and development (2). However, according to the CDC, you can drink one drink per day and it not be detrimental to your baby’s health. But you must wait two to three hours before breastfeeding (2). In conclusion, if you want to drink while breastfeeding, it is recommended to do it in moderation.

Unpasteurized Milk and Juice

Up at the top of the healthy drink list is pasteurized milk and juice. It’s no surprise that the unpasteurized versions of said drinks are on the bad list. 

Raw milk is “milk from cows, sheep, and goats–or any other animal–that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria.” (1). Without pasteurization, dangerous bacteria can be present in the milk. Bacteria can cause food poisoning (1). One of these harmful bacteria, Listeria, can cause an infection called listeriosis (1).

According to genetic counselor Sara Roirdan, pregnant women are “particularly susceptible” to this disease (1). It can be devastating and “even deadly for unborn babies.” (1). Although raw milk has seen a bit of movement in the United States, the FDA advises everyone to avoid it (1).

Drinking unpasteurized juice is just as harmful. Mothers can contract E. coli, which puts you at risk for “premature rupture of the amniotic sac, low birth weight, or stillbirth.” (2). Overall, skip the “natural stuff” and stick to pasteurized drinks.

Caffeinated Drinks

This may be one of the hardest types of drink to avoid on this list. Coffee, soda, sports drinks, energy drinks and tea (except most herbal teas) all have caffeine in them. 

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), pregnant women should to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day (6). While this may seem easy, lots of things have caffeine. One cup of coffee, a couple bites of a chocolate bar, and you may already be over your caffeine limit for the day. For that reason, it’s best to steer clear of too much caffeine for the most part. 

The issue with caffeine is similar to alcohol. Caffeine is absorbed very quickly and passes into the placenta (6). Babies can’t metabolize caffeine, so high levels can build up quickly (6). These high levels can lead to restricted fetal growth and an increase in the risk of low birth weight (6). 

We know how much coffee means to a stressed and frazzled mom, however! There is some silver lining. According to this website, there are a number of Starbucks drinks that–in limited amounts–are still safe to drink! Feel free to check it out. 

Are There Other Healthy Drinks for Pregnancy?

There are plenty of homemade drinks you can create that are safe to drink while pregnant. Check out this website for 17 healthy drink recipes for pregnancy that you can make in your kitchen. One of those is apple cider vinegar drinks–yum! Or if you want something simple but energy-boosting, coconut water has been found to be a beneficial and tasty drink for a healthy pregnancy. 

And as always, talk to your doctor about what is best for you. If you don’t have a personal physician, you can sign up for a consultation at Choice Care and we can get you set in the right direction.

Sources:

  1. Schumacker, L. (2022, January 12). 11 beverages you should drink while pregnant and 11 beverages you should avoid. TheList.com. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.thelist.com/77249/7-beverages-drink-pregnant-7-beverages-avoid/
  2. Brighten, J. (2021, March 5). 12 foods to avoid during pregnancy. Dr. Jolene Brighten. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://drbrighten.com/12-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/
  3. Benjamin, J. (2022, April 5). 9 healthy juices you should drink during pregnancy. MomJunction. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.momjunction.com/articles/healthy-juices-you-should-drink-during-pregnancy_00121738/
  4. G, L. (2022, July 5). Best healthy pregnancy drinks (besides water!). Birth Eat Love. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.birtheatlove.com/pregnancy-drinks/
  5. Waggott, G. (2021, September 27). 10 drinks pregnant women can enjoy besides water. Pregnancy Food Checker. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/10-drinks-pregnant-women-can-enjoy-besides-water/
  6. Bjarnadottir, A. (2020, August 13). 11 foods and beverages to avoid during pregnancy. Healthline. Retrieved July 13, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-foods-to-avoid-during-pregnancy

How To Talk To The Father of The Baby

Posted on by Rudy

How To Talk To The Father Of The Baby

You have taken the pregnancy test and found yourself to be pregnant. You share the news with your parents. Maybe with a close friend. You need to talk to the father of the baby. This may be a nerve-wracking proposition, but in this article, we’ll give some tips on how to talk with him about the future. We will discuss how to prepare yourself to deal with toxic and supportive responses.

Process and Prepare

Right now you may have a storm of emotions washing over you. The feelings of shock, denial, anger, and grief can be overwhelming. These are natural. You will want to process your feelings before talking with the father of the baby. This journey of grief over the loss of innocence and the weight of the new reality you find yourself in can be perilous.

When you tell the father, remember that he is at a different point in this journey. His reaction may be similar to yours: shock, denial, anger, etc. His timeframe to process these feelings will be unique to him, not the same as you. Be understanding as he proceeds on this path, and be prepared to give answers and directions as to what is next. Having a strong relationship with your parents or other trusted adults will help you to be prepared. The best approach is to have a plan of action and affirmative statements before talking with him.

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His Response To The News

Every pregnancy story is as unique as the individuals who comprise them. When you talk with the father of the baby, remember that he is not you. He has an upbringing and internal compass specific to him. He is male. Depending on his age, he will develop emotionally at a separate pace than you. He is not pregnant. The physical and emotional reality of the pregnancy is much more personal to you. This does not mean he does not care or is incapable of empathy and concern. It means that his response to the news and the journey of the pregnancy will be his own.

 

One way to share the news of the pregnancy is to share an ultrasound picture (or video). Often, seeing an ultrasound can help a guy process the reality of pregnancy. An ultrasound moves the baby from an idea to a reality. An ultrasound can help a father-to-be bond with the unborn baby.

Toxic Response To Pregnancy

It is possible that when you talk with the baby’s father you will receive a very negative response. In fact, that response may be downright toxic. In order to prepare for this there are a few things to remember and be prepared to stick to as non-negotiable.

Define roles – state early that you are making decisions in this pregnancy. While he is welcome to be a positive participant in the pregnancy, the final say will lay with you and your parents.

Set boundaries – you will set the level of involvement in your pregnancy. In a healthy relationship, an involved father is a wonderful thing. A toxic relationship or toxic response will require that you are steadfast in your beliefs and decisions about your pregnancy.

Establish responsibilities – the birth and care of a child will involve many responsibilities. Set the expectations for yourself and the father of the baby. Unspoken expectations will lead to disappointments, frustrations, and anger.

Seek legal protections – some actions and attitudes may require legal interventions to protect you and your baby. Read more about what to do if your boyfriend wants you to end your pregnancy.

You are not alone.

Hear from other women facing a boyfriend who wants an abortion.

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Supportive Response To Pregnancy

Hopefully, when you talk with the father of your baby, he and his family will be supportive of your decision to carry your baby. Even if he is supportive, there will still need to be established roles, responsibilities, and boundaries between you two. Clear expectations will help prevent interruptions in your relationship. Work to foster a positive relationship with the father’s family. They will be grandparents soon, and you can expect them to be part of your child’s life in the future.

 

Parents can have their own expectations. In some situations, parents may anticipate that marriage will follow childbirth. Marriage can be a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between mother and father and establish a supportive and loving home for the child. But, it must be what you want, and what the baby’s father wants. If you believe that you are being coerced into marriage, there are services available to help you protect your freedom.

 

Marriage is not the only option available for a positive parenting experience. Some couples may choose to co-parent instead. It is possible to have a healthy parenting relationship with the father of the baby without having to have a romantic one. When you co-parent, the mutual focus of raising a thriving child can unite the mother and father in a common goal. This goal requires open communication, clarity of purpose, and mutually agreed-upon objectives. Parenting is challenging, even for married couples. A good attitude and communication will go a long way to a successful parenting relationship.

Help Him Prepare For Fatherhood

Just as you may be discovering how to be a mother, the young man who is the father of your baby will be discovering how to be a dad. A great place to start is at a local Pregnancy Resource Center.

Both of you can benefit from a listening ear. Plus, you can learn about relationships, childbirth, and parenting through courses. And that’s not all the resources that are available to you at your local center. You both may need help with finding employment or continuing education so that you can help provide for your baby. Choice Care can guide you. Being prepared and proactive will help ensure a good relationship with the father and a healthy pregnancy for you and the baby.

Sources

Considering an Abortion? Here’s the Info You Need

Posted on by Elliott Cepin

Considering an Abortion? Here's the Info You Need

Are you pregnant? Do you think you may be pregnant? If so, you may find yourself wondering what your options are. At this point, you may begin looking for abortion information and wondering who to trust. The decisions you’re facing are stressful enough as it is. You need to know the risks, benefits, and alternatives of your choices. Otherwise, you can’t give informed consent for your reproductive health decisions. Our goal is to equip you with the facts about the abortion pill, and surgical abortion so you can make an informed decision about your pregnancy. So how do we start? Well, first things first. You’ll want to confirm whether you’re pregnant or not.

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Am I Pregnant? The Urine Test

A urine test will identify the pregnancy hormone, also known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). They are highly accurate in their detection of hCG levels. But, if you took the test BEFORE the day you were supposed to get your period, you might not get an accurate result. The hCG concentration increases each day during early pregnancy. Now that time has gone by, you’ll get a more accurate reading.

Two Options for Urine Testing

Your first option is the home pregnancy test. These have been on the market for several decades and tend to be quite accurate. If you go this route, make sure your test is not expired and that you carefully follow the instructions.

Taking a pregnancy test can be nerve-wracking. Do you need moral support when you look for one or two pink lines? Rather than testing alone, get a free pregnancy test at Choice Care. 

Going into a clinic for your urine test helps take away some of the stress of human error. Those at the clinic have supported others through this process many times before. You’ll have the assurance that knowledgeable people are helping you. Getting clinical testing is also an opportunity to gather more information in a safe, confidential setting.

Confirming Pregnancy

So let’s say you go to a clinic and take a test that is positive. You’ll probably be told that the test is positive, rather than being told that you’re pregnant. There are many factors involved in a positive reading, and you may wonder about the status of your pregnancy.

As effective as these tests are, there’s always the chance for error. That’s why you’ll want to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound. If you contact our office for a confidential appointment, we can refer you to a qualified ultrasound technician. This is one of the most important steps in your pregnancy.

Another thing to consider at this point is making an appointment with your physician. Don’t have a physician? No problem. Choice Care can help you find one right for you. If you don’t already have someone in mind, your physician can refer you to an OB/GYN. Since you’re sexually active, you’ll want to get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Not Ready? Educate Yourself with Abortion Information

Many young women go through the steps already mentioned and, for one reason or another, do not feel ready to continue the pregnancy. The most important thing at this point is to gather all the abortion facts you can. This way, you can make an educated decision moving forward. You’re probably asking questions like “What is abortion?” “Is it different at each stage of pregnancy?” and “Are there any risks associated with abortion?” We’ll now take a look at some information on abortion to get a clearer picture.

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Abortion Information and Facts

What is Abortion?

No article on abortion information would be complete without a definition. According to the CDC, “legal induced abortion” is “an intervention performed by a licensed clinician…that is intended to terminate an ongoing pregnancy.” That said, there are several types of possible abortions. While there are different ways to break these types down, we’ll simplify it here.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage can be defined as “a pregnancy that ends on its own, within the first 20 weeks of gestation.” This is the most common form of pregnancy loss, with 10-25% of all clinically recognized pregnancies ending in miscarriage. This usually occurs during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. Miscarriage, while known as “spontaneous abortion,” is not what we mean when we say “abortion.” It is not a procedure by a healthcare provider. It is different from the other information about medical abortions covered here.

What is the Abortion Pill?

Is it the same as Plan B? How much does it cost? Is it safe?

Great questions! The abortion pill is not the same as Plan B, also known as the Morning After Pill. The Morning After Pill, or levonorgestrel, is a form of emergency contraception. Plan B prevents pregnancy by preventing ovulation (the release of an egg), thus preventing conception (the joining of sperm and egg.) If conception and implantation have already taken place, Plan B won’t end an existing pregnancy.

Back to the abortion pill.

Over 50% of abortions are medical abortions with the abortion pill. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 54% of US abortions in 2020 were medication abortions.

Medical abortion is actually two prescription pills, mifepristone and misoprostol. Cost can vary from state to state with different insurance, but is in the ballpark of $500. As with any medication, you should be fully informed of possible side effects. You can’t give informed consent for your reproductive health decisions unless you know the risks, benefits, and alternatives of your choices.

Let's start with general abortion pill benefits

You won’t be pregnant anymore unless the pills don’t work. That leads us to some of the abortion pill risks:

A common risk is heavy bleeding, which can be confusing because the pills abort the pregnancy by causing bleeding. Call your doctor if you have concerns such as fever, vomiting, passing out, or other symptoms listed here.

If the medical abortion only partially clears out the pregnancy, any remaining tissues can become infected. You’ll need to have a surgical abortion to remove the infection. (Fever is one possible sign of infection.)

It’s possible that the drugs won’t end the pregnancy. The abortion pill is less effective as time goes on, and cannot be used after 10 weeks gestation, per the FDA. Failure of the pill starts at 2% before 8 weeks, and increases to 13% at 10 weeks. (Some clinics ignore the FDA and give out pills at 11 weeks without acknowledging the increased risks.)

Risk reduction

Ultrasound can estimate the age of your pregnancy. Choice Care in Maryland offers free ultrasounds to check the age and health of your pregnancy. All the services at Choice Care are no-cost, which means no credit card, no insurance required, and no bias. (The center does not benefit financially from your decisions and won’t give you the hard sell for pills or procedures.) You can schedule a free, confidential visit to talk about all your options. Or if you don’t want to leave the house you can call and chat confidentially over the phone. (We haven’t figured out how to give ultrasounds by phone yet.) Either way, you can talk while non-judgmental staff listen.

Ectopic pregnancies are pregnancies that are located outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes. They can be life-threatening. Medical abortion does not cause ectopic pregnancies, but it does not abort them either. In fact, taking the abortion pill can make an ectopic pregnancy even more of a threat to your life. Before taking abortion pills, you should get an ultrasound to screen for an ectopic pregnancy.

No one who seeks an abortion thinks they’ll regret it, just like no one who gets a tattoo thinks they will regret it. And yet, after the fact, some people have regrets. (3,000 women reversed their pill abortion and saved their babies.)

That was a ton of information, and we have not covered surgical abortions yet!

Surgical Abortion

One method of surgical abortion is called an aspiration abortion. This is another type of abortion that occurs in the first trimester. The patient must be dilated before the procedure takes place. The abortion practitioner then uses either a plastic cannula or a hand-held syringe to pull the baby out of the uterus. Early-stage aspiration abortions are done between 5-9 weeks. They can, however, be done between 10-14 weeks if using a machine-operated pump.

Another method of surgical abortion is known as dilation and evacuation. This is the method used during the second trimester. It involves vacuum aspiration as well as forceps to remove the baby from the uterus. If it’s been more than 13 weeks since your last menstrual period, a dilation and evacuation is most likely the type of abortion you’ll be having. While this is typically an outpatient procedure, risks increase as your pregnancy progresses.

Risks Associated with Abortion

We just mentioned the fact that risks increase as your pregnancy progresses. That brings up an important topic many women are looking for when seeking abortion information. So what are the risks?

  • Cervical trauma. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Women who have multiple surgical abortion procedures may also have more risk of trauma to the cervix.” Cervical insufficiency can pose problems like preterm birth for future pregnancies.
  • Increased risk of breast cancer. Studies have listed “induced abortion” as a risk factor.
  • Emotional side effects related to abortion, whether the abortion was planned or not. 
  • An increased risk of mental health problems. (For example, substance use and suicidality.)
  • Increased risk of dying within one year after the abortion. This study compared abortion outcomes with birth and miscarriage. The CDC found that from 2008 to 2013, for every 100,000 reported legal abortions, 0.62 led to later abortion-related deaths. And this statistic is not complete. Only 32 US states provide abortion data through 2020, and 3 don’t provide any data. One of those is California, which hosts a population of over 39 million. That means there are a lot of deaths that are most likely not reported and not included in the data set. 

Pulmonary thromboembolism (a blood clot in the lung) is an infrequent yet serious complication of induced abortion. Risk factors include obesity, use of oral contraceptives, previous thrombophlebitis, or type A blood.

So What's Right For You?

It’s important for you to gather accurate pregnancy and abortion information so you can make an informed decision. You hold key insights as to what’s going on in your life and what your future will look like. But people are here waiting to help. Do you need someone to talk to?

Call, email, or visit Choice Care to learn more about abortion, parenting, and adoption. You’ll get a thoughtful, non-judgmental response on the other end. Please note, our center doesn’t provide or perform abortions but can provide the abortion information you need. We’re here to help you choose the best next steps for your life.

You may be allergic to mifepristone, misoprostol, or one of their ingredients. You must avoid eating grapefruit. These drugs may interact with over-the-counter and prescription drugs you take. Tell your doctor if you have an IUD or are breastfeeding. Before any medical procedure, you should talk to your doctor about your health history.

Disclaimer: This website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Content from this website is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for educational use only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Free Pregnancy Test

Posted on by Sandy MacNaughton

If you think you may be pregnant your next step should be scheduling a FREE Pregnancy Test from Pregnancy Help Lebanon.  You do NOT have to go through this process alone. At Pregnancy Help Lebanon we can help you deal with the results, no matter what they are, in a manner that is best for you and your situation. We have compassion for you and want to help you in any way we can.

FIRST THINGS FIRST — Am I Pregnant?

If you think you may be pregnant it is important to know about the changes taking place in your body that may indicate pregnancy.  Remember every woman is different and common signs of pregnancy may or may not pertain to your situation.

Some common symptoms of early pregnancy include:

  • Missed period
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue

For a complete list of pregnancy symptoms click HERE.

According to WebMD the only way to know for sure if you are pregnant is “by taking a pregnancy test”

At Pregnancy Help Lebanon. we can give you a FREE and confidential pregnancy test.  When you call for an appointment we will answer your questions and provide you with help you need every step of the way.

calculating due date app

Use the calculator below to help approximate a likely due date if pregnancy is considered a possibility.
Note: This is not a sufficient/accurate tool for calculating fetal gestation. We highly recommend utilizing a medical grade pregnancy test, followed by an ultrasound to be fully informed. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

How Soon Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

According to Healthline, “You should wait to take a pregnancy test until the week after your missed period for the most accurate result.

If you don’t want to wait until you’ve missed your period, you should wait at least one or two weeks after you had sex. If you are pregnant, your body needs time to develop detectable levels of HCG. This typically takes seven to 12 days after successful implantation of an egg.

You may receive an inaccurate result if the test is taken too early in your cycle.”

Should I take a home pregnancy test?

According to a healthy lifestyle article on the Mayo Clinic website, “Taking a home pregnancy test can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not sure you can trust the results. Know when and how to take a home pregnancy test — as well as some of the possible pitfalls of home testing.”

If you are not sure when the best time is to take the home pregnancy test and take the test too early, check the test results too soon, use diluted urine or have been taking fertility drugs or medications containing HCG, there is a chance the results will be inaccurate.

Home pregnancy tests including such brand names as First Response, ClincialGaurd, Clearblue, Pregmate, New Choice and Wondfo, advertise to be 99% accurate.

National pharmacies and retail stores offer generic and store brand pregnancy tests including, Walgreen’s One Step, Target’s Early Results Pregnancy Test-Up&Up, CVS Early Result Pregnancy Test and Wal-Mart’s Equate Early Result Pregnancy Test.

All over the counter tests recommend if you think you are pregnant you should contact your health care provider.  That is where Pregnancy Help Lebanon comes in.  We can help you confirm your pregnancy and discuss your options for the future.

How do pregnancy tests work?

There are two basic kinds of pregnancy tests, the first uses urine and can be purchased over the counter, and the second test uses a blood sample and is administered in a doctor’s office or clinic.  Both tests measure the level of the hormone hGC, human chorionic gonadotropin that indicates a pregnancy.

According to Medicinet.com, “hCG is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This usually happens about six days after the egg and sperm merge. But studies show that in up to 10 percent of women, implantation does not occur until much later, after the first day of the missed period. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in your body with each passing day you are pregnant.”

Clinical pregnancy tests are more accurate than over the counter home tests.

The primary reason a clinical pregnancy test is more accurate than an over the counter home test is the experience and frequency in which the clinic administers tests.  At Pregnancy Help Lebanon we have given thousands of tests and are constantly updating our kits for optimum freshness and accuracy.

There are many variables that lead to inaccurate readings from a home test. At Pregnancy Help Lebanon we do our best to eliminate those variables so you know for sure whether or not you are pregnant

1- https://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/pregnancy-am-i-pregnant#1-2

2- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940

3- https://www.medicinenet.com/pregnancy_test/article.htm#are_there_different_types_of_pregnancy_tests

4- https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/five-signs-to-take-pregnancy-test#when-to-test