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

When faced with questions about pregnancy, understanding your options is essential. Many women wonder about the differences between Plan B and the abortion pill. While both relate to pregnancy, they serve very distinct purposes. 

Plan B is used as a preventive measure to avoid pregnancy, while the abortion pill is used to terminate an existing pregnancy. Understanding how they both work can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

What Is Plan B?

Plan B, often called the “morning-after pill,” is an emergency contraceptive designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or when other birth control methods fail, such as a condom breaking.

The morning-after pill works by delaying or preventing ovulation, reducing the likelihood of pregnancy. It is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and does not require a prescription.

Plan B can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but it is most effective when taken as soon as possible. However, its effectiveness decreases over time and may be less effective for women who are overweight.

It’s important to note that Plan B cannot terminate an established pregnancy and does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, or medical abortion, is a method used to terminate an existing pregnancy and involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

• Mifepristone: Blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for maintaining pregnancy.
• Misoprostol: Taken 24-48 hours later, it causes the uterus to contract, leading to bleeding and the expulsion of pregnancy tissue.

To get the abortion pill, you would need to visit a clinic. It is not available over-the-counter like Plan B. Typically, mifepristone is administered in a healthcare setting, while misoprostol is taken at home. This method is FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation.

It’s important to get crucial details about your pregnancy before seeking out this method. An ultrasound can reveal how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and whether it’s progressing.

What Are My Next Steps?

If you suspect you might be pregnant, your first step is to take a pregnancy test. If the test is positive, the next step is an ultrasound to determine the details of your pregnancy, such as gestational age, location, and viability.

HOPE Pregnancy Center offers no-charge clinical pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. These services provide essential information to help you understand your situation and make informed decisions.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team provides accurate information and compassionate support as you navigate your next steps.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

The post What’s the Difference Between the Abortion Pill and Plan B? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

In short, no, an online abortion (also known as an “at-home abortion”) isn’t safe. In addition to the general risks associated with the abortion pill, taking drugs from unknown sources creates extra risks. 

You owe it to yourself to make a safe and informed decision. The HOPE Pregnancy Center walks alongside you as you consider your options. 

If you are considering an online abortion, keep reading to learn important safety considerations.

Lack of FDA Approval

First, know that the FDA does not recommend buying abortion drugs online. The quality, safety, and effectiveness of these drugs cannot be guaranteed, mainly because they come from unknown or foreign sources.

Additionally, purchasing these drugs online bypasses safety standards meant to protect your health—making this option a significant risk.

No Medical Oversight

When you take abortion drugs at home, you are doing so without adequate medical supervision. Moreover, you’ve likely received these drugs after a single telehealth appointment.

This lack of medical oversight can mean that you don’t know the warning signs of medical abortion-related complications. These signs can include:

• Chills or body aches
• Fast heart rate
• Bad pain in the stomach area or pelvis
• Fever that lasts more than four hours or starts after you take misoprostol
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row)

Not knowing the difference between a side effect and a concerning symptom can have significant consequences, particularly if you’re unsure when to seek medical attention. 

Your health is the priority. Making an informed decision with full knowledge of your options is essential. 

More Pregnancy Information is Needed

Online abortion does not require an ultrasound, which means you won’t have the full picture of your pregnancy details. 

Before making any decision, receiving this scan will confirm whether your pregnancy is progressing, its location, and how far along you are. If you have already miscarried, you may need medical treatment. And abortion drugs are not an option if you are past 10 weeks gestation. 

The HOPE Pregnancy Center provides free services, including ultrasound, so that you can get this information. We’re here for you as you navigate an unexpected pregnancy and will answer any questions you have.

Need More Information?

Wondering what pregnancy options are available? We’ll help you learn about all options, confirm your pregnancy, and more.

It’s your choice. We’re here to supply the facts.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment today.

The HOPE Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

The post Is an Online Abortion or At-Home Abortion Safe? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

It’s not every day that you have to make a huge decision about an unexpected pregnancy. It’s a challenging choice that will impact your and your partner’s future.

If your partner has been pressuring you into an abortion, but you are not sure, take a step back. It’s essential to give yourself breathing room to think about your options, relationship with your partner, and goals for your life. 

Only when you have space to consider every option can you make a decision with clarity.

HOPE Pregnancy Center is here to help. Schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment today to verify your pregnancy with pregnancy testing and an ultrasound and to talk with our caring staff about your situation.

Give Yourself Space

No one likes to be pressured into any decision. Even small decisions like where you will eat or what movie you will watch can bother you if you don’t have a say. 

However, what to do about an unexpected pregnancy is a significant choice. Giving into someone else’s pressure can lead to lasting consequences. Choosing for yourself is so critical for your future and mental health.

Start by giving yourself time away from your partner. You may love and want to be with him long-term, but if he’s pressuring you, you must find peace to consider your options.

Consider Every Option

Every woman, despite their circumstances, has three options: abortion, parenting, and adoption.
Granted, a choice like parenting may be easier for certain life situations, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Many organizations are available to provide support and help.
Situations can also change. Instead, focus on what you want for your future. Do you envision a child in the picture? Do you want to have a relationship with your child or not? Would you be comfortable with another family raising your child? What do you think about abortion?

Try journaling about your thoughts and feelings. Writing them down on paper can help you release them from your mind and see where you stand.

Is Your Relationship Healthy?

Remember that love shouldn’t hurt you mentally, emotionally, or physically. If you feel like your partner is showing controlling behaviors or you feel intimidated, this is unhealthy. You can seek help by reaching out to the National Domestic Abuse Hotline.

If your relationship has been healthy up to this point, it could be that your partner has fears about the future. Talking with him about his thoughts and feelings and developing an understanding can help lessen the pressure and invite him to make the decision with you.

However, at the end of the day, you are the one who is pregnant, so you have the final word.

The Choice Is Yours

The choice is yours, and we are here to help you with no-cost pregnancy services and support. Make an appointment today at HOPE Pregnancy Center. 

We will provide the services and information you need to consider every option. You are not alone.

HOPE Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

The post My Partner Is Pressuring Me to Have an Abortion, But I’m Not Sure appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by clm

If you are in the midst of an unexpected pregnancy, you could be considering an abortion. However, it comes with many questions, including what could happen to your body after a procedure.

Visit HOPE Pregnancy Center today to receive no-cost pregnancy confirmation and information on all options in a confidential setting.

Considering that every woman’s experience can differ, read on to learn what could potentially happen to your body after an abortion.

Potential Side Effects After Abortion

Depending on the type of abortion, a woman may experience different side effects after an abortion procedure.

After a surgical abortion procedure, women may experience light spotting or vaginal bleeding and mild cramping for a few days.

With a medical abortion, even though most of the intense side effects like vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping occur during the procedure, women can still experience some lingering effects. 

Women may experience period-like bleeding for a few days following the procedure or light to moderate bleeding for several weeks.

During this time, it’s vital for women to monitor their bodies for signs of infection or complications, including foul-smelling discharge, heavy bleeding, pain in the stomach or pelvis, chills, body aches, or fast heart rate.

Any unusual signs and symptoms should be reported to a healthcare professional to ensure you can receive timely treatment.

Breast Changes

When you become pregnant, one of the noticeable signs could be breast changes. They could increase in size, and your areolas could darken and enlarge. Lactation (producing breast milk) can begin as early as the second trimester.

According to abortion providers, women may experience some breast tenderness, pain, or leaking after an abortion.

Post-Pregnancy Emotions

What comes up must go down, and the same is true about your hormones. During pregnancy, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone rise to support a developing pregnancy. 

However, after pregnancy, these hormones will return to their normal levels. For women who carry to term, this can lead to emotional symptoms, including anxiety, restlessness, and crying. Called the “postpartum blues,” in most cases, it’s temporary as hormones adjust.

It’s unclear whether those who experience an abortion or miscarriage will also experience some form of postpartum blues, but there could be emotional symptoms as hormone levels change.

Hormones aside, it’s well-known that women can feel a range of emotions from relief to sadness, loss, and guilt after an abortion, and each woman’s experience is unique.

Find Support in a Safe Space

Are you evaluating your pregnancy options and looking for support?

Schedule a no-cost appointment to talk in a safe space at HOPE Pregnancy Center. We provide early pregnancy services, information, and encouragement as you process your pregnancy. You’re not alone!

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

The post What Happens to Your Body After an Abortion? appeared first on Hope Pregnancy Center written by April