• Steps to Take After an Unplanned Pregnancy

    Life often takes unexpected twists and turns. No matter how careful you are about using birth control pills and condoms, it’s still possible to unintentionally get pregnant. An unplanned pregnancy brings some difficult decisions. Know that even if you have a supportive partner who wants to explore your options together, it’s entirely your decision whether to continue the pregnancy or terminate it. You have the right to make decisions that affect your body. But before doing anything else, call your gynecologist and schedule an appointment. 

    Call your gynecologist. 

    Over-the-counter (OTC) pregnancy tests are usually accurate if they’re taken at least one week after a missed period. However, you’ll need a lab test to confirm the pregnancy. This is why you should call your gynecologist before doing anything else. It’s possible that you have a false positive result from the OTC test. If the lab test does confirm that you’re pregnant, the gynecologist can estimate how far along your pregnancy is. 

    Take prenatal vitamins.  

    Most women need a little time to decide whether to continue the pregnancy or get an abortion. Even if you’re leaning toward pregnancy termination, it’s a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins right away. If you do change your mind and continue with the pregnancy, the folic acid in the prenatal vitamins will be crucial for preventing neural tube birth defects. And if you do choose to terminate it, your overall health will still benefit from taking the multivitamin. 

    Consider your options. 

    Don’t hesitate to discuss your feelings about the pregnancy with your gynecologist. It’s perfectly alright if you aren’t sure yet what you want to do. No ethical healthcare professional will ever pressure you toward one decision or the other. However, your gynecologist will give you the medical guidance you need to make an informed decision that’s right for you. The doctor can also tell you how long you have to make a decision. For instance, if you decide to have a medical abortion, you’ll need to have it within six weeks by menstrual age. If you opt for a surgical abortion, you have until 26 weeks of pregnancy to decide. 

    Washington Surgi-Clinic treats a limited number of patients each day because it’s our top priority to provide unsurpassed, individualized care and education. Our gynecologists in Washington D.C. can help you learn about your options for pregnancy termination, but ultimately, the decision is yours to make. For respectful and compassionate women’s healthcare, call (202) 659-9403. 

  • A Woman’s Guide to Terminating a Pregnancy

    If you are considering terminating a pregnancy , arming yourself with the facts will help you make the right choice for you. Your gynecologist can discuss pregnancy termination services with you and answer questions you may have. This information will also help you understand what to expect on the day of your abortion.

    Medical Abortion

    Medical abortion involves taking two pills. The first pill – often a medication called mifepristone—is usually taken while you are at the doctor’s office. Six to 72 hours after the first pill, a second one—misoprostol—is taken at home. This pill must be either dissolved inside your cheek or placed vaginally, depending on the doctor’s instructions. About one to four hours after the second pill is taken, the abortion will begin. Heavy bleeding and some cramping are common and may persist for several hours. Medical abortion is an option for women up to 10 weeks after the first day of their last period.

    Aspiration Abortion

    Aspiration abortion is performed in a gynecology office. During this procedure, a doctor will terminate the pregnancy using instruments inserted into the uterus via the vagina. The procedure takes about five to 10 minutes. Pain medication can be used to manage cramping that occurs during and after the procedure. Light bleeding is possible for up to one week. Aspiration abortion is available for women up to 12 weeks after the first day of their last period.

    Both medical and aspiration abortions are between 98 and 99 percent effective. The right one for you depends on several factors, including how far along in your pregnancy you are. You can work with your doctor to evaluate your preferences and needs. At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we provide first and second-trimester abortion in Washington, DC, as well as a range of gynecological services , including STD testing and morning-after pills. To make an appointment, please call (202) 659-9403.

  • Reasons to Terminate a Pregnancy

    If you’re considering talking to a gynecologist about pregnancy termination , you should know that you’re certainly not alone. Over a million women in the U.S. choose to terminate a pregnancy each year. Every woman has her own personal reasons for choosing pregnancy termination; however, the following are among the most common reasons.

    Unplanned Pregnancy

    Even when couples use birth control methods as directed, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. The chances of becoming pregnant increase further if birth control methods, such as the pill, aren’t used as directed. Unplanned pregnancies frequently occur because a woman forgot to take a pill a few times or forgot to take it at the same time each day. The failure of birth control is a common reason for terminating an unplanned pregnancy; however, it isn’t the only one. Women may choose to terminate an unplanned pregnancy if they were the victim of rape or incest, or if it simply isn’t the right time to have a baby.

    Relationship Issues

    Another reason to seek pregnancy termination is experiencing problems within a relationship. In many cases, the father of the child remains in the family’s life, for better or worse. Some women may choose to terminate a pregnancy because of domestic violence issues, substance abuse, or other reasons that may make their partner an unsuitable influence.

    Maternal Health

    Sometimes, pregnancy termination is necessary to preserve the health of the mother. Women who have been diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, heart disease, or mental health disorders may choose to have an abortion.

    Fetal Health

    In addition to maternal health, fetal health is often a concern for women who decide to terminate a pregnancy. A healthcare provider may determine through amniocentesis that the fetus has spina bifida, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, anencephaly, or other serious medical conditions.

    At Washington Surgi-Clinic , we firmly believe that every woman has the right to access safe, legal pregnancy termination services. We provide medical and surgical pregnancy termination near Washington, D.C. up to 26 weeks of pregnancy. We also provide morning after pills and STD testing. Contact us at (202) 659-9403 to schedule an appointment.