A pregnancy test will tell you with 99% accuracy whether or not the hormone hCG is present in your urine. HCG means that conception and implantation occurred, and you are pregnant.

However, how far along are you in your pregnancy? Is it located in the uterus and progressing? These are questions that only an ultrasound can answer.

We’ll continue exploring the question of how to know you’re pregnant below, but reach out to HOPE Pregnancy Center today for initial pregnancy confirmation services. We provide all of our services at no cost to you.

Pregnancy Tests: Are They Accurate?

Yes, pregnancy tests are very accurate, typically 99% accurate, so you can generally trust the results unless you did not take the test correctly at the right time, or follow the instructions.

Here are reasons you might receive an incorrect test, though:

• Taking the pregnancy test too early can lead to a false-negative result.
• Your urine was dilute (you took it after drinking water, or later in the day).
• You’re currently taking fertility medications with the hCG hormone in it 
• You didn’t follow the instructions, or you had a faulty test.

Taking multiple pregnancy tests can help ensure the accuracy of your results. If you continue to get negative results, but your period hasn’t arrived, take another test a week later. Reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns or would like to explore the cause of your missed period.

Why an Ultrasound Is Your Next Step

As previously mentioned, an ultrasound tells you more than a pregnancy test. By having a first-trimester ultrasound (typically around 6-8 weeks), you can learn your pregnancy’s gestational age (how far along you are) and verify that the pregnancy is progressing within your uterus.

This information protects your health by ruling out conditions like ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage, which unfortunately happen. Ectopic pregnancies happen in about 2% of pregnancies, while miscarriages happen in about 10-20% of known pregnancies.

What Are You Waiting For?

It’s so easy to endlessly search online for answers and through Reddit threads for women who have had similar situations to you. However, all this does is make your mind spin even more. 

You can find out if you’re officially pregnant today by contacting HOPE Pregnancy Center. We’re here to help you with free pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.

The post How Do I Know If I’m Really Pregnant? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

The convenience of ordering almost anything online has made its way into healthcare, including abortion pills. Known as mail-order abortion, this option might seem simple, but there are serious risks you should consider before moving forward.

If you’re thinking about abortion, the best first step is to schedule a free appointment at HOPE Pregnancy Center in Philadelphia. We provide confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and a safe place to process your options.

1. Online Sellers Are Shady

While it’s possible to order abortion pills from overseas websites or unregulated sellers, this comes with major safety concerns. The FDA warns against buying abortion drugs online because the ingredients, dosage, and quality cannot be guaranteed. 

This means you could take the wrong drugs or drugs manufactured in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. 

2. Shipping Delays Can Put You at Greater Risk

Abortion pills are only FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. If you’re already close to this point, shipping delays or delivery problems could push you past this timeframe. 

Many women also find out they are further along than they thought, which makes using abortion pills via mail even riskier, especially without an ultrasound.

3. Medical Oversight and Ultrasounds Are Critical

Abortion pills aren’t like over-the-counter medicine. They cause heavy vaginal bleeding and cramping to expel a pregnancy, which means medical supervision is essential. Without proper oversight, you might not know if what you’re experiencing is normal or a dangerous complication.

Another step that’s often skipped in mail-order abortion is an ultrasound. An ultrasound confirms how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is developing in the uterus, and if there are complications like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Missing this step can put your health in serious danger.

Protecting Your Health Comes First

Your health and future matter. Before you consider ordering abortion pills online, make sure you have accurate information about your pregnancy and access to medical care.

HOPE Pregnancy Center offers free pregnancy services, including ultrasounds, so you can learn critical pregnancy details and make an informed choice in a safe, supportive environment.

Schedule your free appointment today.

The post 3 Things to Know if You Are Considering Mail-Order Abortion appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

If you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, even without any noticeable symptoms, you’re not alone. Many women ask this same question, especially when their cycles are irregular or they feel uncertain about changes in their bodies.

At HOPE Pregnancy Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy testing and support so you don’t have to navigate these questions by yourself. Schedule your appointment today to get the clarity you deserve.

How Pregnancy Can Go Unnoticed

Most pregnancies are detected early, but sometimes a woman may not realize she is pregnant right away. This can happen if symptoms are subtle, mistaken for other health issues, or if menstrual cycles are irregular.

This situation, sometimes called a cryptic pregnancy, is uncommon but possible. That’s why testing is so important—symptoms alone are not always a reliable indicator.

Symptoms You Might Notice

Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Some women notice changes quickly, while others may not feel any different. 

Even if you don’t have symptoms right now, it’s possible that subtle signs are present, or you notice some later. Common early signs of pregnancy may include:

• Missed period
• Tender or swollen breasts
• Nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Food aversions or changes in appetite
• Bloating or cramping
• Mood changes

These symptoms can also point to other health conditions, which makes pregnancy testing the best way to know for sure.

When There Are No Clear Symptoms

The absence of symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t pregnant. Women with irregular cycles might not recognize a missed period, and some early signs can be easily overlooked.

For the most accurate results, it’s recommended to take a pregnancy test a few days after your missed period or about three weeks after possible conception. Testing too soon can sometimes lead to a false-negative result, while false-positives are less common but can happen in certain situations, such as right after an early pregnancy loss.

HOPE Pregnancy Center Is Here for You

At HOPE Pregnancy Center, we offer free and confidential clinical pregnancy testing. If your result is positive, our staff can provide information on the next steps, including an ultrasound, and resources available to you. You don’t need to face this time alone—we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Schedule your free appointment today to get answers and support in a safe, caring environment.

FAQ: Pregnancy Without Symptoms

Is it common to have no pregnancy symptoms?

It’s less common, but it does happen. Some women don’t notice early signs of pregnancy or confuse them with other health issues.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

For the most accurate results, take a test a few days after your missed period or about three weeks after possible conception.

Can I trust the results of a home pregnancy test?

Home tests are usually accurate when used correctly, but testing too early can lead to false results. Getting a result from clinical pregnancy testing at HOPE Pregnancy Center provides reliable confirmation.

What if my test is positive?

If your test is positive at HOPE Pregnancy Center, we will talk with you about your next steps, answer your questions, and connect you with resources and support.

The post Can I Be Pregnant Even If I Don’t Have Symptoms? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

As with any medical procedure, abortion pill reversal comes with both benefits and risks. Keep reading to learn more. However, if you truly want to reverse the abortion pill, contact the 24/7 Helpline for immediate support.

If you haven’t decided what to do next during an unexpected pregnancy or are looking for support or information, visit HOPE Pregnancy Center. We can provide individualized help and early pregnancy services to confirm your pregnancy details and options.

First, How Abortion Pill Reversal Works

Abortion pill reversal works by counteracting the effects of the abortion drug, mifepristone. 

This drug ends pregnancies by blocking progesterone, an essential hormone that keeps a pregnancy progressing. Without progesterone, the pregnancy will end and detach from the lining of the uterus.

Abortion pill reversal adds progesterone back into a woman’s body through pills or injections. The goal is for the pregnancy to continue due to an influx of progesterone.

The Risks of Abortion Pill Reversal

The abortion pill comes with more severe risks than abortion pill reversal. Because abortion pill reversal aims to continue a pregnancy, women may not have to experience the abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding that the abortion pill (misoprostol) triggers.

Instead, abortion pill reversal comes with the side effects and risks of taking progesterone, which include sleepiness, lack of energy, lightheadedness, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and headaches. Always read all the side effects before taking any drug.

You will want to tell an abortion pill reversal provider if you are allergic to peanuts, as certain progesterone drugs contain peanut oil.

The Benefits of Abortion Pill Reversal

There’s one clear benefit to abortion pill reversal, and that’s continuing your pregnancy after thinking you may have ended it.

These results are not guaranteed; the procedure is 64-68% effective. However, women may decide to pursue abortion pill reversal to prevent the what-ifs and wondering whether they could have reversed the abortion pill if they tried.

You can read the success stories on the abortion pill reversal website.

Only You Can Decide

You’re the only one who can make a choice for your pregnancy. If you wish you hadn’t taken the abortion pill, you have a chance to reverse it. Contact the 24/7 Helpline to connect with a knowledgeable representative.

HOPE Pregnancy Center is here to help you along the way. Browse our services (including pregnancy testing and confirmation) and schedule a confidential appointment today. We can support you during your pregnancy.

The post What Are the Risks and Benefits of Abortion Pill Reversal?  appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

It’s completely natural to be afraid of others’ reactions to your pregnancy. After all, it’s huge news that impacts your family. 

Keep reading for tips on what to do in this situation. You can also visit HOPE Pregnancy Center for no-cost support and pregnancy services. We can discuss your options confidentially and provide resources and information.

Explore Why You’re Afraid

Pinpointing the reasons you’re afraid can help you figure out how to address them. See if you can relate to any of the situations below.

Afraid of What They’ll Think

Maybe you want your family to be proud of you and worry about how this might impact their thoughts about you. Breaking the news is the only way to work through these feelings and talk about it with them. 

If you generally have a healthy relationship with your parents, try to relax and enter the conversation with an open mind. They may surprise you with a better-than-you-expected reaction.

Afraid They’ll Pressure You Into a Decision

Remember that your pregnancy is your decision to make. While your family can pressure you, they can’t force you to abort; that would be coercion and against the law. They also can’t force you to make another decision either. It’s 100% your choice.

Afraid They Won’t Support Your Decision

Just like your family cannot control your decision, you don’t have control over whether they’ll support you or not in your choice. Make peace with your disagreement if you want to go another direction, and instead find support in healthy places.

You are a strong woman, but that doesn’t mean you must go through your pregnancy alone. Whether you have family support or not, we can be your support system.

Afraid They Will Abuse You

If you’re in an abusive situation, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline to make an exit plan. There are many organizations that can help when your home isn’t safe. 

Before You Break the News

Before you tell your family, confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound scan. This scan will provide details like how far along you are (gestational age), your estimated due date (if you plan to carry to term), and whether or not your pregnancy is progressing inside the uterus.

Schedule your no-cost appointment at HOPE Pregnancy Center today in Philadelphia. We’re here to assist you and be a safe space.

The post What Should I Do If I’m Afraid to Tell My Family About My Pregnancy? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine or blood. However, it takes time for hCG to build to detectable levels, meaning women often need to wait until they can receive an accurate pregnancy test result.

Are you ready to take a pregnancy test or wondering about the best time to do so? Contact HOPE Pregnancy Center in Philadelphia, PA. We can answer your questions and help you find out whether you’re pregnant.

Read on for more details about pregnancy tests and answers to common questions.

When Will a Pregnancy Test Give an Accurate Result?

Pregnancy test accuracy is extremely dependent on timing. If you take a pregnancy test too early, you could receive a false-negative result because hCG hasn’t built up enough yet. 

Even though early pregnancy tests claim to deliver accurate results before a missed period, the accuracy is not 99%. For instance, ClearBlue’s Early Detection test is only 77% accurate six days before a missed period. 

For the best chance at an accurate result, wait until after you’ve missed your period to test.

Can Stress Delay My Period When Waiting to Miss?

Yes! Some women can become very stressed about a potential pregnancy, leading to a delayed period that seems like a missed period. Try to relax when you are waiting to see whether or not you’re going to miss your period.

What if I Miss My Period, But I Get a Negative Pregnancy Test Result?

If you miss your period but then continue receiving negative pregnancy tests, you can wait a few more days or a week and test again to see if it becomes positive. If your period still doesn’t arrive, you may want to visit a medical professional for further investigation. 

You could be experiencing an irregular period, or you may need a blood test to confirm pregnancy.

Are False-Positive Results Possible?

Yes, but false-positive results are rare. They could happen due to issues with the ovaries, menopause, or taking fertility medications.

While not technically “false,” you could receive a positive test at first to signal the start of a pregnancy, followed by a negative test that indicates you are experiencing an early pregnancy loss. If you receive a negative test after a positive one, see a healthcare professional for evaluation.

We’re Here to Support You

Visit HOPE Pregnancy Center for care you can trust. We’re here to help you find out if you’re pregnant and give you the early services and resources you need for pregnancy and beyond. You are not alone. We’re with you every step of the way.

Schedule your no-cost and confidential pregnancy testing appointment today.

The post How Does a Pregnancy Test Work? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

The abortion pill, no matter how you receive it, comes with risks. However, ordering it online from either an overseas or unregulated pharmacy or taking it without medical oversight comes with additional risks.

You only have one body, and it’s up to you to make decisions to protect it. Keep reading to learn the risks of specifically ordering the abortion pill online.

#1. You Can’t Verify the Ingredients

When you receive drugs to your mailbox from an online order, you will not be able to verify the quality, effectiveness, or safety of the drugs. You cannot trust an unregulated pharmacy to provide you with the correct ingredients and drug dosage.

#2. You Will Not Have Medical Oversight

Once you begin the drugs, you will not be able to visit the prescribing provider for follow-up care if something goes wrong. You will need to seek out a physician or go to the emergency room for help.

Because the abortion pill causes vaginal bleeding, you may not know the difference between what is normal and when your bleeding is too heavy. You may have a fever as a side effect, but how will you know it’s not an infection? 

There are reasons why the FDA heavily regulates the abortion pill. It’s vital that you do not put yourself in a dangerous situation, especially if you do not have health insurance or the ability to visit an emergency room.

#3. You Could Have an Underlying Condition

Taking the abortion pill without first having an ultrasound scan can also pose more risks.

In the worst-case scenario, you could be either too far along in your pregnancy (beyond ten weeks of gestation) for the abortion pill or have an undetected ectopic pregnancy. This could lead to the abortion drugs not working for your situation or leading to more complications, or cause you to miss the existence of a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.

In this case, what you don’t know can hurt you. Take safety precautions before moving forward with an abortion by receiving an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy details.

Protect Yourself by Making Informed Choices

An unexpected pregnancy can be scary and lead you to consider ordering abortion drugs online, but this choice can lead to additional risks.

Schedule an appointment at Hope Pregnancy Center for a no-cost ultrasound to verify your pregnancy and protect your health and safety. We’re here to support you during this time.

The post What Are the Risks of Ordering the Abortion Pill Online? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere other than inside the uterus—typically in a fallopian tube. However, ectopic pregnancies can also implant inside the cervix, ovary, or abdominal cavity. 

While they only happen in about 1 in 50 pregnancies (2%), it’s vital to be aware of this condition because it can lead to life-threatening bleeding if left untreated. Thankfully, ultrasound technology makes detecting an ectopic pregnancy straightforward. 

Continue reading to learn how an ultrasound detects an ectopic pregnancy. Also, if you just found out you’re pregnant, confirm your pregnancy’s location by visiting HOPE Pregnancy Center today in Philadelphia.

Detecting an Ectopic Pregnancy

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create an image of the inside structures of your body, and it can provide real-time images of a developing pregnancy.

A trained ultrasound technician, sonographer, or other medical professional will be able to detect an ectopic pregnancy by looking for certain warning signs. One of the most obvious signs is an empty uterine cavity. 

If you have enough of the pregnancy hormone hCG to trigger a positive pregnancy test, but you have an empty uterus, the fertilized egg could have attached somewhere else. There are other technical signs a health professional may detect with an ultrasound, and they may also order blood testing to check if hCG levels are rising or falling.

Why Does This Matter if You’re Considering an Abortion?

Even though ectopic pregnancies are considered rare, they can quickly become medical emergencies. No matter what option you’re considering, receiving an ultrasound scan can ensure you don’t have an ectopic pregnancy.

Other important facts to note:

• A medical abortion does not treat an ectopic pregnancy because the pregnancy is located outside the uterus.
  
• Because medical abortion drugs trigger vaginal bleeding, it can make it seem like the procedure went to plan when in reality, an ectopic pregnancy remains.

• An online abortion provider might not require an ultrasound scan before an abortion. This should be a red flag that you could be jeopardizing your safety.

Receive an Ultrasound at HOPE Pregnancy Center

A no-cost ultrasound at a HOPE Pregnancy Center confirms whether your pregnancy is progressing, verifies your pregnancy’s location, and measures your pregnancy’s gestational age (how far along you are). However, we do not diagnose ectopic pregnancies.

Instead, if we notice any warning signs or anything out of the ordinary, we will refer you to your nearest emergency room for an immediate health assessment. Your long-term health depends on it. 

Schedule your no-cost appointment today. We can provide early pregnancy services and information on all your pregnancy options and resources.

The post How Can an Ultrasound Detect an Ectopic Pregnancy? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by April

Pregnancy is a time of major emotional and physical changes, and sometimes the hormonal shifts and stress can lead to mood swings, anxiety, or feelings of overwhelm. 

If you’re pregnant, maintaining regular physical activity—as approved by your healthcare professional—can significantly help you regulate your mood and feel your best.

How Physical Activity Helps Regulate Mood During Pregnancy

Exercise is a natural mood booster, and this is especially important during pregnancy. Here’s how staying active can benefit your mental well-being:

• Releases endorphins: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, which help reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
• Reduces anxiety and depression: Regular movement can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, leading to a calmer, more relaxed state. And a little goes a long way! Even short walks throughout the week have been shown to help fight depression.
• Improves sleep: Many pregnant women struggle with insomnia or restless sleep, and exercise helps promote deeper, more restful sleep—which is especially important during pregnancy. 
• Boosts energy levels: While fatigue is common during pregnancy, light to moderate activity can increase circulation and oxygen flow, improving energy and reducing sluggishness.

Safe and Beneficial Types of Physical Activity During Pregnancy

Not all exercises are suitable for pregnancy, but many forms of movement are gentle, effective, and safe with your doctor’s approval. Some great options include:

• Walking: A low-impact, easy way to stay active and enjoy fresh air.
• Prenatal stretching: Helps with flexibility, relaxation, and stress reduction.
• Swimming: A full-body workout that’s easy on the joints and relieves pressure on the back.
• Stationary cycling: A safe way to get cardiovascular benefits without high-impact movement.

Hope Pregnancy Center is Here for You

At Hope Pregnancy Center, we care about your emotional and physical well-being during pregnancy and beyond. We provide support, resources, and guidance to help you navigate your next steps with confidence. Whether you have questions about pregnancy, need emotional support, or want to explore available resources, we are here for you.

Contact Hope Pregnancy Center today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.

The post How Does Regular Physical Activity Affect Mood Regulation During Pregnancy? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

Taking the abortion pill is a serious decision that will change the course of your future. That’s why it’s so critical to do your research before you choose. 

If you’re wondering about the side effects of the abortion pill, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn about the difference between side effects and risks and the side effects of the abortion pill.

You can also schedule an appointment to talk with a nurse about your options in a confidential setting and receive no-cost early pregnancy services.

Side Effect Versus Risk: What’s the Difference?

Every drug or medical procedure comes with potential side effects and risks. 

However, side effects and risks are different. A side effect is a secondary, typically undesirable effect of a drug or medical procedure. Risks are the likelihood that you will harm or negatively affect your health in some way.

Side effects are known to occur and can be common or uncommon, while risks do not occur in every case but can be very serious when they do occur.

Abortion Pill Side Effects: What Are They?

The abortion pill consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. They are taken hours or days apart and can have intense side effects.

Side Effects of the Abortion Pill

The side effects include abdominal cramping, vaginal bleeding, upset stomach, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache. Women may also experience pain.

The abortion pills expel the pregnancy and related tissue with abdominal cramping (the uterus contracts) and vaginal bleeding, so every woman who takes the abortion pill will experience this if the procedure is working.

However, the severity and amount of bleeding and pain can differ for each woman. An abortion provider may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter painkillers. 

What About Abortion Pill Risks?

The risks of the abortion pill can include infection, fever, incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed with a surgical procedure), heavy and prolonged bleeding, and digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

It’s critical to monitor for signs of complications so you can seek emergency care quickly if needed.

Safeguard Your Health

Visit HOPE Pregnancy Centers in Philadelphia today for no-cost early pregnancy services and to discuss every option in a safe and confidential setting. 

We’re here to help. Contact us today.

The post What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by April