So your period was late, your pregnancy test is verified, and now with all those big emotions you are processing, you also need to tell your partner. That’s a lot to handle, and it’s an important conversation regardless of whether or not you planned the pregnancy. And it leaves you wondering, how do I tell my partner that I am pregnant? So before you start to plan your discussion, here …
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Do you think you might be pregnant, but you’re not sure if it’s too early to tell? Maybe you have some of the traditional signs like a missed period or sore breasts- but that might not fully indicate whether or not you’re pregnant. At the same time, the only way to honestly know whether or not you are pregnant is to take a test or visit our clinic for a …
If you are considering adoption, you might have hopped on a google search to learn more, only to be bombarded with thousands of results and overwhelming information. The truth is adoption is a big decision, and there are several options and types of adoption to choose from. We understand that this can be complicated to navigate, so we are always available to walk you through the beginning of the process …
Are you experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and not sure what your options are? You might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or afraid as you try to determine the best choice for your pregnancy. If you know abortion is not an option for you, here are some alternatives to abortion. Adoption An adoption is a popular option because it helps others who might not be able to conceive become parents. However, …
An unplanned pregnancy can easily send you into a frenzy. How do you tell your partner and your family? What will they think? Will you have their support, or will they be against your decision? While these questions can weigh heavily on your mind, there are some ways to approach this conversation so that you feel supported and prepared. Verify Your Pregnancy One step is very important. Before talking to …
When you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is completely normal to panic. Maybe you are not ready to be a mother, or you are just not sure what options are available to you. If you are considering the abortion pill, there are a few things you should know first and some other options you can consider. What Is The Abortion Pill? The abortion pill uses two medications to end …
If you have taken the abortion pill and changed your mind, there is still a chance that you can reverse the abortion. However, if you are considering reversal, it is essential to contact us immediately as this process is time-sensitive. While we know this can be a confusing and scary time, our team is here to offer quick and compassionate care and resources, to help you make an informed and …
Unplanned Pregnancy Care in Springfield
An unplanned pregnancy can be scary but understanding what options you have can help alleviate your worries and provide you with the support and pregnancy care you need. Clearway Clinic in Springfield has several resources available to help you navigate an unplanned pregnancy, and we offer no-pressure consultations to support you, your pregnancy, and your choices. However, before considering your options, it is essential to confirm your pregnancy. For pregnancy …
Amidst the millions of women who welcome a healthy baby every year in the United States, there is a grim reality: miscarriages and stillbirths are still tragically common. Even after childbirth, babies still pass away from SIDS – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – most often without any warning. If you have experienced a loss from any of these circumstances, you are not alone. Your grief and loss are real. That’s …
Despite the increase in information about sexually transmitted infections – otherwise known as STIs – there is still some confusion and misunderstanding about them. An STI is an infection that is passed through contact with semen or vaginal fluid. You may not be aware you carry an active infection. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are some of the most frequently diagnosed types of STIs among young people with multiple sexual partners. HIV …
If a friend or family is unexpectedly pregnant, they need your support. It can be difficult to know exactly how to be there for them, especially when they are scared, anxious, or angry. In many ways, the “how” is not as important as simply being there for someone who needs it. However, there are some steps you can take to support a friend or family member facing an unplanned pregnancy. …
Mental health is an important topic that has been often ignored in the past. Luckily things have changed in recent times and more attention is given to understanding conditions like depression, anxiety, and others. Prenatal and postpartum depression is relatively common among pregnant women and new mothers, so it’s important to know the signs so that you can seek proper treatment. About 1 in 7 women experience postpartum depression. Prenatal …
How to Respond to Unwanted Abortion Pressures
When you feel the pressure to make a decision you’re unsure about, it can be difficult to know how to respond. This is especially true with abortion. However, no matter how close someone is to you, it is your decision in the end. Abortion affects you physically and emotionally, and it’s a decision you can’t take back. For this reason, it’s important to be informed. How do you handle unwanted …
Abortion is without a doubt one of the most controversial topics. There are passionate opinions on both sides of the argument, but abortion rights advocates use platforms and organizations like Planned Parenthood to promote their materials to a large audience. These groups hold significant political influence and fund most of the efforts to “normalize” abortion. However, many of the facts about abortion are either not discussed or minimized. Three of …
If you or a loved one face an unplanned pregnancy, adoption is not the first option most people point to. Due to perceived notions about abortion and its spiritual and physical impacts, the assumption is that it is the best choice. However, adoption is not the same process as it used to be. There are several reasons that adoption is a better choice than abortion for everyone involved, especially you …
For most women, ultrasounds are a normal – and sometimes common – part of pregnancy. If you are pregnant for the first time, you might feel anxious about ultrasounds. You may also wonder what to expect. The good thing is that ultrasounds are not painful. At a basic level, ultrasounds are a form of technology that uses high-frequency waves to project an image onto the screen. This allows the sonographer …
Childbirth is the moment at the end of pregnancy that’s both exciting and scary. This is especially true if you are a first-time parent, and perhaps even more so if you didn’t plan on parenting in the first place. However, as scary as it may seem, being prepared for the moment can help you feel more in control and relaxed, no matter if you have a scheduled c-section or are …
When it comes to STDS, gonorrhea and chlamydia are by far the most common. Both gonorrhea and chlamydia are transmitted through sexual activity. The large majority of these kinds of STD infections occur in people ages 15-24, so it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms and how they differ from each other. In both cases, early detection is key, so make sure to get tested if you think you …
The cost of getting an abortion has more than just financial ramifications. Abortions come with a hefty expense, but they also take a physical and emotional toll. If you’re considering abortion, you need to consider all three of these consequences before you move forward. Most of the time, the emotional and physical impact rarely gets addressed at abortion clinics, and even the financial cost is downplayed to promote their services. …
Miscarriages are a sad and common reality for millions of women. Ectopic pregnancies are much rarer but are life-threatening to the baby and mother. For this reason, an ectopic pregnancy almost always involves ending the baby’s life because of its inability to survive and the threat the condition has on the mother. Are there other similarities between ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages? How are they different? Read on to find out. …
With the information about abortions out there, what about if you get cold feet along the way? Did you know that there is also a way to reverse an abortion before it’s completed? It’s called the abortion pill reversal, and the goal is to stop the effects of medical abortions from oral medications. Abortion pill reversal only works in the first trimester of pregnancy but is known to successfully counteract …
When it comes to sexual activity, unplanned pregnancies are usually the topic discussed the most. But sexually transmitted infections – otherwise known as STDS or STIs – are common among sexually active people, particularly for those 25 and under. Sexually transmitted infections pose a risk for developing several conditions that can result in other medical concerns, including infertility. WHAT ARE STDs? Sexually transmitted infections and/or diseases, as the name suggests, …
The conversation about birth control options typically revolves around hormonal birth control. The Pill, Depo-Provera, and IUDs are considered the only form of reliable birth control for many women. However, there are natural methods to use as a form of birth control, with some being more effective than others. Here are a few non-hormonal birth control alternatives to consider instead of standard hormonal products. WITHDRAWAL Withdrawal, otherwise known as the …
The topic of miscarriage is still considered taboo in many circles today, despite easy access to research and anecdotal material. Miscarriage is the term for a baby’s death while still in the womb. There is not a definitive reason or cause for most miscarriages, although there are some strong correlations to chromosomal abnormalities as a major factor. Here are four facts about miscarriage you should know. MISCARRIAGE IS VERY COMMON …
If you’re under 18 and/or still living under your parent’s roof, getting a positive pregnancy test can be very scary. However, if you’re like many young women, having to tell your parents about your pregnancy may feel worse. This is especially the case if your parents are strict or have certain expectations. If you have a close relationship with your parents, you may be afraid of disappointing them. While this …
Parenting is difficult for everyone, but for those choosing to parent when facing an unplanned pregnancy for whatever reason, it can seem overwhelming. There are a lot of expectations that exist around parenting. These can include both positive and negative points, depending on your unique concerns and circumstances. This post will discuss some of these expectations and how reality is often different from what you might expect or assume. “I …
Abortions at Home vs. Morning After Pill
Convenience and time-saving options are attractive, but often this can have dangerous side effects and repercussions. This is especially true when it comes to so-called “at-home abortions”. This kind of abortion is marketed towards women facing unplanned pregnancies in their first trimester. Similarly, the “morning-after pill” acts as an abortifacient in the hours immediately after unprotected sex. These two “options” have much more in common than pro-abortion advocates would like …
Deciding to parent your baby is a beautiful and overwhelming choice. If your pregnancy is unexpected, these emotions are often magnified. Despite what you may have heard from the media, popular culture, and elsewhere, it is possible to parent your baby with the support and resources you need. It’s a big and exciting decision and we are so excited for you. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and would …
Are you a student facing an unplanned pregnancy, or think you might be pregnant? Maybe you have a friend that needs your support? When you’re a student, making decisions about pregnancy can seem overwhelming. The good news is that there is help! Clearway Clinic is a non-judgmental clinic here to answer your questions and provide information about pregnancy, abortion alternatives, adoption, and more. If you’re a high school or college …
Whether you’re pregnant unexpectedly or know someone who is, taking the first step to look into your options is scary. Many women are not familiar with pregnancy resource centers, and if they are, they may have heard some concerning misinformation about them. So, what can you expect at your first appointment at Clearway Clinic? We exist to help educate clients with all of the options when faced with an unplanned …
While abortion is presented as a helpful option to those facing unplanned pregnancies, what happens as a result often goes unmentioned by abortion-rights advocates. In fact, many advocates speak out against any repercussions or even recovery issues at all. Despite this, abortion is major surgery. Recovery is a necessary consequence of surgery in general. Abortion recovery has several components, affecting physical, mental, and emotional health. PHYSICAL As abortion is a …
If you or someone you know faces an unplanned pregnancy and parenting is not something you feel ready for, abortion is not the only option available to you. Adoption is a great choice if you don’t want to or cannot parent but you decide that abortion is also not something you can consider. It’s important to consider that adoption is not the same as it used to be. There are …
Are you worried you might be pregnant? Wondering what to do next? The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. After that, you can look into your other options, including scheduling a free consultation with one of our advocates here at Clearway Clinic. But what kind of pregnancy tests should you use? Which ones are the most accurate? This post discusses your options. HCG BLOOD TESTS Although not as popular …
Have you ever heard a story about someone who left their baby at a fire station? It may seem unthinkable, but some new parents may feel overwhelmed after having a baby and believe that they cannot parent their newborn. Massachusetts legislation offers protections in these instances under the Safe Haven Act, which became law in 2004. There are a few important things to consider about the Safe Haven Act, which …
Abortion has always been a hot-button issue, and for good reason. Passionate proponents exist on both sides of the argument, but for many anti-abortion advocates, the ethical dilemma that abortion promotes is often silenced or explained away. Women’s rights, access to healthcare, and opinions on the discussions on bodily autonomy are front and center in ethics and abortion talks. Although these arguments are cited regularly by abortion rights advocates, they …
In recent weeks, several state legislatures, including Arizona and South Dakota, have gained increasing support for laws that would ban abortions for babies with a genetic abnormality diagnosis. This includes conditions like Down syndrome. In Denmark, for example, almost 98% of all babies with a Down syndrome diagnosis are aborted each year. In Iceland, only one or two babies are born with Down Syndrome. The rest are aborted. Why is …
The main reason you should get an ultrasound is simply to see how far along you are in your pregnancy. With this safe and accurate procedure, you’ll also be able to detect the fetal heartbeat, determine the baby’s age and approximate due date. One of the most exciting services we offer at Clearway Clinic is a FREE ultrasound. Why Should I Get An Ultrasound? Confirm pregnancy Detect the fetal heartbeat Determine …
If you have changed your mind after taking the abortion pill, there is a chance you can save your pregnancy. An antidote is available to work to stop the effects of the abortion pill. It’s not uncommon for a woman to have feelings of regret after taking the abortion pill. We can help you learn everything you need to know about the Abortion Pill Reversal procedure and where you can get the …
Are you pregnant or think you may be? If so, you may find yourself wondering what your options are. At this point, many people begin looking for abortion information and find an enormous amount of resources, creating a more stressful situation. Our goal is to equip you with facts about abortion to help you decide about your pregnancy. First, it’s essential to confirm that you’re indeed pregnant. An over-the-counter option …
If you think you may be pregnant, your next step should be scheduling a FREE pregnancy test with us. At Clearway Clinic, 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 know what it’s like to feel alone, scared, and confused, and we want to help you in any way we can. Remember, every …
Feeling like you may be pregnant is a life-altering feeling. Whether joyous, confused, or frightened, it’s important to understand possible pregnancy signs and symptoms upfront. If you have any indication you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test as quickly as possible. Early signs of pregnancy tend to differ from one woman to the next, but knowing what those symptoms look like can save you a lot of hand-wringing …
As Valentine’s Day draws near, you probably hear lots of talk about how to celebrate your relationship, grow your intimacy, or even how to meet someone during the pandemic. However, as important as those things are, many people struggle with trauma because of an unhealthy relationship. Emotional, physical, and sexual abuse sadly is very common, and there are signs that a relationship either is unhealthy or will likely become so. …
Although we mainly discuss topics related to unplanned pregnancies and the options for those seeking alternatives to abortion, technology has allowed for some exciting developments for families struggling to conceive. One of those is embryo adoption. You’re probably familiar with more traditional adoption options, but increased technological advances now make it possible for an infertile couple to adopt a child from an embryo. Read on for a basic introduction to …
Before you decide to have an abortion, it’s important to understand what to expect and the repercussions. Abortion ends the life of your unborn baby, but it also changes yours forever. There’s no way to get around that. But if you choose to get an abortion without first confirming your pregnancy via ultrasound, you may experience unnecessary physical complications in addition to emotional stress. Let’s look at some reasons why …
Have you recently had a positive pregnancy test? It’s scary and overwhelming, especially when a pregnancy is unexpected or unplanned. Especially in the immediate moments after seeing a positive test, you probably feel scared and unsure. So, what can you do after you see that positive result — even if you’re not sure you’re ready to parent? DON’T PANIC Even if you feel like it, try not to panic. When …
One of the more controversial bills surrounding anti-abortion laws has to do with the Born Alive Protection legislature. This legislation seeks to protect the lives of babies born following a failed abortion. The discussion is similar to the arguments both for and against late-term abortions, although the instances for babies born alive are rarer than the latter. HOW MANY? Out of the total number of abortions in the United States, …
As 2020 comes to a close, both state and local governments are making financial and budget preparations for 2021. However, in the midst of these decisions, abortion rights advocates lobbyed and were able to pass a major policy within the annual state budget. So far, the bill has passed through both the House and Senate, with the decision to approve the amendment ultimately up to Governor Charlie Baker. So what …
When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, women across the United States struggle with the life-changing decision to either bring their baby into the world or choose an abortion. Although there are solid alternatives to both of these options, many of them are not effectively presented or promoted. In 1987 and 2007, the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute published studies that revealed the primary reasons why American women choose to get an abortion. …
Did you know that the youngest surviving premature baby was born at 21 weeks gestation? Gestation is the term for the amount of time in pregnancy since the first day of the last period. While it is rare for a baby to survive outside the womb before around 24 weeks gestation, it does happen. The age of viability is relevant to discussions around abortion because of the fact that many …
Abortions are risky procedures regardless of where they take place. You may have an abortion in a hospital, but it is still an invasive procedure. There are risks and side effects with every form of abortion, including medically induced abortions. However, at-home abortion pills, despite being illegal in the United States, are still sold online. While ordering abortion pills online may sound appealing to you, particularly during a global pandemic, …
Ectopic pregnancy is an unknown but still common experience. In fact, ectopic pregnancy occurs in about 2% of pregnancies each year in the United States alone. This adds up to around 12,000 American women, and the rates are higher in less developed countries. So what is ectopic pregnancy? How can you recognize the symptoms? And why do ectopic pregnancies happen? We’ll answer these questions in this post. WHAT IS ECTOPIC …
As someone of immense value, your safety matters. If you or someone you know are in an abusive relationship, don’t wait to reach out for help. It does not need to be physical to be considered abuse. Domestic violence often starts with subtle signs. So what constitutes domestic violence, and what are some warning signs to watch out for? Where can you go if you do find yourself in a …
Are you pregnant? An unplanned pregnancy is difficult for anyone to come to terms with. However, there’s added pressure when you’re under the age of 18. You probably have several important questions. What are your rights? Will your information be kept confidential? What if you don’t have a safe place to live? Isn’t abortion your only practical option? These questions are common, and you may have asked many of them …
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s understandable to feel scared, overwhelmed and unsure of the future. Although abortion may seem like the answer, there are other ways to find support that you may not even be aware of now. And the good news is that they’re not as complicated as you might think. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Raising a child is a wonderful but difficult task. If you’ve decided to parent, you …
Have you had an abortion? Whether it was yesterday or decades ago, the physical and emotional side effects from an abortion are real. It’s perfectly understandable to struggle with feelings of grief, isolation and regret after an abortion, and you are not alone. If you are experiencing these intense feelings, talking through your circumstances could be beneficial for you. In fact, even if you think you’re doing ok, it’s …
While most of our content addresses concerns from women, our team at Clearway Clinic supports men as well. Whether you’re a partner, family member or friend, you play an important role, especially during a shocking event like an unplanned pregnancy. In this post, we address several ways you can support the woman in your life who may feel like she’s run out of options aside from abortion. LISTEN It’s understandable …
The “two week wait” is the time period between intercourse and when you can take a pregnancy test and expect accurate results. This is a stressful time whether you’re waiting for a positive test or hoping for a negative one. However, before you even take a test, look out for some potential early pregnancy symptoms that can show up even before you miss your period. Many early pregnancy symptoms are …
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering adoption, you probably have some questions. What kind of adoptions are there? Are you able to maintain a relationship with your child? How do open and closed adoptions work? In order to understand all of your options regarding how to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to have all the details. This article discusses some of the answers to …
Pregnancy is a season of intense emotional and physical change. If the pregnancy is unplanned, it’s likely you will have lots of feelings about the situation and how to move forward. These concerns can carry into the postpartum time. Unplanned pregnancies are one of the more common risk factors for developing perinatal anxiety and depression. So what is perinatal anxiety and how do you know if you have it? PERINATAL …
If you’ve recently discovered Clearway Clinic, you’re probably wondering what makes us different from Planned Parenthood and similar clinics. Why should you choose us? What sets us apart and how does that benefit you? There are several ways in which our team at Clearway Clinic works diligently to provide a unique, caring, and safe experience for all of your clients – including you! This article is only a brief summary, …
In today’s political and cultural climate in the United States, abortion remains at the forefront of many discussions. The dangerous side effects of the abortion procedure, not to mention the ethical concerns, are effectively given the silent treatment in many areas of the country. The implications and outworkings of Roe v. Wade largely affects national and statewide policies. But how did we get here? What happened to create such a …
If you’re a woman, you’ve probably had at least one moment in your life where your period was very much unwelcome. Let’s be honest: the painful cramps, mood swings, and the inconvenience are nothing to snuff out. In fact, the charge against periods is so great that some birth control companies have cited menstruation reduction as a benefit. So, if periods aren’t necessary, why do women have them at all? …
Although they are different, birth control and the morning after pill do have some similarities. You might wonder if they are essentially the same thing; after all, the goal of both pills is to prevent pregnancy. There are side effects to each one and ultimately, they have specific effects that are not expressly mentioned in marketing materials. But what are some of the differences between the morning after pill and …
How Does the Morning After Pill Work?
The “Morning After Pill”. Plan B. No matter how it’s called, the purpose of these medications is for emergency contraception. How does it work? Is it similar to the abortion pill? What are the side effects? We will answer all of these questions and more in this blog post. HOW DOES THE MORNING AFTER PILL WORK? The Morning After Pill is not the abortion pill but is used as a …
If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s normal to feel scared, alone, and unsure of what options are available to you. That’s a big reason why Clearway Clinic exists. We want to help you discover alternatives to abortion if you feel parenting is not the best choice for you and your baby. WHAT IS ADOPTION? Put simply, adoption involves legally giving your child to another caretaker or family to …
When it comes to birth control, there are a variety of different options to choose from. However, the majority of sexually active women still choose hormonal pills as their birth control method of choice. Despite its popularity, the birth control pill comes with several risks, and the side effects can greatly affect your fertility, hormones, and cause other health issues. Some hormonal birth control options may even have an abortifacient …
The COVID-19 pandemic has put all of us in a unique situation where access to certain services is restricted. If you find yourself worried that you might be pregnant during this time, you might be worried that you won’t be able to have an ultrasound done. You may also want to know if you can take a pregnancy test in a safe environment apart from a doctor’s office. At Clearway …
WHAT IS THE ABORTION PILL REVERSAL? Are you considering an abortion but worry about what happens if you have second thoughts? What happens if you take the abortion pill and have regrets? Although surgical abortion is permanent, if you have taken the first dose of mifepristone, you might still have time to reverse the effects. WHAT IS THE ABORTION PILL? The “abortion pill” actually refers to a two-step method of …
WHAT IS GONORRHEA? What do you know about gonorrhea? Although it is a common sexually transmitted disease, you might still have questions. How can how you can get infected? How do you spread it? What are the common symptoms? Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that you can get infected with through vaginal, oral, or anal sex if your sexual partner carries it. This is also how you can spread the …
DO I HAVE CHLAMYDIA? Think you may have contracted chlamydia or just want peace of mind? At Clearway Clinic, we can test for STD’s in our office at no cost to you with just a urine test – no needles or blood draw required. Although we are not scheduling STD testing during this time due to the COVID-19 crisis, give us a call and we can refer you to a …
Finances and Having a New Baby// Introducing a dependent into your life can be overwhelming for many reasons. Sometimes you will feel like you are not knowledgeable enough to be a mom or dad, sometimes you feel like it will sidetrack your education or career plans, sometimes there are relationship or family pressures and difficulties. Most often the biggest mental obstacle is the thought that there isn’t enough money. …
Life is Complicated Right Now: Can I Really Parent? Unexpected life circumstances can make even the most stable of people become anxious and overwhelmed. Unplanned events are like a punch in the gut from left field. Job loss, layoffs, homelessness, loss of relationship, death of a loved one, major surgeries or an unplanned pregnancy creates a path in which we have to navigate hard circumstances that are difficult for anyone, …
Not #MeToo? // The MeToo movement was founded in 2006 to bring awareness of and protest to the growing problem of sexual violence in our nation. The initial vision of the MeToo movement was to help survivors of sexual violence heal by connecting them with programs, practical help and community resources in addition to efforts to interrupt the cycle of recurring sexual violence. Since then it has grown to …
Good Decision Making Strategies // Decisions are part of our everyday life from day to day, hour to hour we are required to make decisions from what flavor coffee to have to decisions on the job. But then there are times when decisions need to be made that are difficult and require more thought, time and information. These are the kind of decisions that will cause life change and in …
QUICK FACTS: Birth Control Risks and Long Term Health Birth control methods have become commonplace and there are many more methods available today than the traditional “pill” and condom that have been around for decades. It’s easy to get confused with so many, so what are they and what are the risks to women’s long term health? Depending on the type of birth control you use and your own health …
Loss and the Grief Cycle // Grief comes when we have lost someone or something that was important to us. If could be something like loss of a loved one, job loss, losing a home or moving to a new place, the breakup of a relationship, chronic illness or other things that bring trauma or change to our life. Symptoms of grief also can appear when it comes to miscarriage …
The best decisions are well-informed decisions, and before you consider terminating your pregnancy, you should have all the facts to determine the best choice for your pregnancy. Here are the steps to take before you have an abortion. Breathe. It’s going to be okay to give yourself some time to think and read up on all your options Find out if you are really pregnant. You can do this by taking a …
Am I In An Unhealthy Relationship? // Sometimes relationships can be tricky. Relationships should always be give and take; both people giving to each other and both people receiving back what enables everyone to do better and be better. At times it is important to have healthy compromise in a relationship in order to communicate well and keep peace. It is a sign that the relationship as a whole is …
#MeToo, Pregnancy & Abortion // The #MeToo movement was begun to bring awareness to the growing problem of sexual violence in our culture. Sexual assault is any unwanted, unlawful physical contact. RAINN, the national sexual assault hotline, defines it as “illegal sexual contact that usually involved force upon a person without consent.” Statistics from RAINN reveal that sexual assault in America occurs every 73 seconds. And every 9 minutes that …
Post Abortion: Psychological Effects // At first after an abortion, most women report feelings of relief after the pressure “to get it over with” and move on with life. However, lasting psychological effects of abortion experiences are regularly being documented and growing according to studies. Studies have shown there is an average of 5-10 year period of denial resulting from the trauma of the experience and causing a woman to …
QUICK FACTS: Birth Control // How can I be pregnant if I was on birth control? The first and most important thing you should know about birth control methods is that none of them are 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. The CDC, established medical community and the companies that produce birth control all acknowledge this. STD’s – Most birth control methods do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms can reduce the risk but not …
Warning Signs of Suicide // Suicide rates are highest among teens, young adults and the elderly but can affect anyone. It is not a diagnosable illness, it’s a result of other events in a person’s life or treatable disorders like depression, PTSD, substance abuse and others. Sometimes if an unplanned pregnancy or past abortion causes distress, trauma, remorse or regret these signs can appear. Know the warning signs so that …
Mandatory Reporting & Pregnancy Centers // Mandatory reporting is required by law and means that certain people are responsible to notify government authorities of any individual or situation in which there is suspected child abuse or child neglect. All states in the United States have statutes in the place for mandated reporting. Persons required to report may vary slightly from state to state, but it is any occupation that has …
Baby Development – First Trimester // When you go to a pregnancy clinic or an OB/GYN office they will always ask you what the first day of your last period was (LMP = last menstrual period). This is important to know if possible, because it gives the doctor a general idea about how far along you are in the pregnancy. LMP is not 100% accurate because there can be variations …
Getting Your Pregnancy Off To a Healthy Start // If you are choosing to continue your pregnancy and parent, your obstetrics doctor (OB) most likely won’t schedule an appointment to see you until you are around 11-12 weeks along. This will be the end of the first trimester! The first trimester is the most important time for the development of the fetus. He/she will require certain vitamins and minerals for …
Quick Facts: Plan B (“Morning After”) Pill // Works by delaying or preventing the release of an egg from the ovary Is NOT the same as the abortion pill (RU 486) Is NOT meant to be used as a regular birth control method Will NOT protect against sexually transmitted disease (STD) If it has been more than 24 hours after unprotected intercourse it may not be effective If conception has …
Why Have an Ultrasound if I Am Going to Abort? // If you think you may be pregnant and are thinking about terminating it is important to get a pre-termination exam (positive pregnancy test and ultrasound) beforehand to ensure your own health. Why? You may have an STD and not know it. If you have a sexually transmitted disease, and it is not treated before an abortion procedure it can spread …
When Everything in You Wants to Give Up GRIT. It’s a term developed by psychologist Angela Duckworth and it refers to a person’s ability to persevere no matter what challenges or obstacles come their way. Life is full of those, isn’t it? One moment things are moving along great and the next something hits us out of left field, and leaves us reeling. Obstacles and challenges can come in many …
02What Pain Medications Can I Take During Pregnancy? During pregnancy it is important to check with your doctor before taking any medication. Common headaches or colds can still happen during pregnancy, but you just need to be aware of what is safe to take while pregnant. Whatever you take orally for medications will also circulate to the developing fetus. This is why it is very important to consult your …
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Seeking Legal Abortion You need to protect your own health and your own legal rights! There are laws in place to protect you. You have the right to: Insist that your abortion be performed by a licensed physician only To know the medical malpractice history of a physician To know if the doctor has an insurance policy that protects you in case of any injury during …
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Anxiety & Depression Life has its ups and downs for everyone, and as a result we can quickly swing between the positive and negative feelings associated with life events. Feeling sad or anxious is normal for everyone, but sometimes when difficult situations become long-term or extremely stressful, our mental and emotional state can lapse into more serious levels of anxiety and depression. Unplanned pregnancy, dealing with …
PARENTING – It’s Not All Bad // Being a parent definitely has its challenges, but there is an infinite number of joyful and wonderful things about being a mom or dad. Parenthood will actually surprise and excite you, so don’t be so quick to accept everyone else’s negative talk. Here are some great things about being a parent: Unexplainable Love: You will experience a love that goes beyond all other loves …
WHAT TO EXPECT: Ultrasounds Ultrasound varies depending on your medical provider. Most OBs will have basic recommended ultrasounds done but they are only ordered when medically necessary; it’s not just for fun. Basically, there are two recommended ultrasounds*: an early ultrasound to verify viability and a second trimester ultrasound. There is no known risk of fetal harm from ultrasound, however, the effects of repeated or excessive exposure to ultrasound is …
Spiritual Health and Decision Making As individuals there are many layers to what the medical field considers our “health” – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. In fact, body, mind and spirit are intricately linked; these make up who we are as human beings. Medical studies have been regularly conducted in recent decades and there is growing evidence revealing that spiritual health plays an important part in all other areas of …
ONE TOO MANY? Do you already have children and are you considering abortion? Are you thinking things like: I just don’t know if I can go through another pregnancy. Do I have enough energy to take care of another one? What will my boyfriend think when I tell him? Will I have enough money to support another child? I was just beginning to feel more free again and now …
Abortion Pill Reversal Your right to choose includes the right to change your mind. WHAT IS A MEDICAL ABORTION? There are two types of abortion: surgical and medical. Surgical is the procedure (surgery) in which a doctor goes in to physically remove the baby from the womb, terminating it’s life. Medical abortion is a more recent option in which pills (known as RU-486) are prescribed to cause the termination of …
Post-Miscarriage Care It can take a few weeks to a month to recover physically from a miscarriage. Talk to your doctor before trying to get pregnant again to be informed or have any medical testing done. Depending on when the miscarriage occurred, the pregnancy hormones can remain in your blood for 1 to 2 months after you miscarry. Most women get their period again 4 to 6 weeks after a …
Prenatal Vitamins Prenatal Vitamins are a daily multivitamin designed specifically to provide the added nutrients and minerals that a developing fetus needs, especially in the first few months, as well as replacing what the mother needs while the baby draws it out of her system. In fact, women who are planning to get pregnant are advised by the medical community to start prenatals even before they get pregnant. No matter …
Pregnant and Homeless? Many times when a woman who is still living in her parents’ home discovers that she is pregnant, the very real possibility of being kicked out of her home is a scary reality. When someone is facing homelessness, life changes rapidly and decision making regarding the pregnancy can be affected based on circumstances. But deep down you may feel that having an abortion is not right for …
Pregnancy & Gestational Diabetes Diabetes that develops during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. Gestation means “during pregnancy.” Diabetes is a condition which affects blood sugar levels in the body and does require medical oversight. Gestational diabetes is something that can develop when a woman is pregnant but would not otherwise have diabetic issues. It causes high blood sugar and can affect both the mother’s and the baby’s health if left …
The Father of the Baby – Why He Is Important Research has shown that the baby’s dad has the most influence over the pregnancy decision A majority of women choose an abortion because they do not want to be a single parent or may be having relationship problems Other statistics show that the father of the baby has significant influence out the outcome of the pregnancy, and he also affects …
Pregnancy and Exercise Many people think that as soon as they get pregnant they need to stop all physical activity and be careful in case something may happen to the baby. Although it is important to be very careful when it comes to lifting things – things like boxes, heavy laundry baskets etc – there is no reason to stop all physical activity. In fact, physical exercise is beneficial to …
Prenatal Care Prenatal means “before birth.” Prenatal care is the medical care recommended for pregnant women which monitors the progress of the pregnancy and the health of the unborn baby. It can also identify potential complications that can be either prevented or treated early. The consequences of not having prenatal care can be very serious. It also ensures your health so that you can stay healthy and strong not only …
Ovulation is the brief time in a woman’s menstrual cycle in which she can get pregnant. Each month an ovary will release an egg for possible fertilization. Generally ovulation happens about two weeks after your period, but it can vary. If you have sex during this time and sperm from your partner finds that egg, it can fertilize the egg and pregnancy begins. Sperm can live in a woman’s …
Mail Order Abortion Pills – What You Need to Know Medical abortion is a recent method in which a licensed medical professional (doctor/clinic) prescribes specific pills to terminate a pregnancy. It is important for you to know that any type of procedure performed or medication taken must be under the supervision of a legal medical provider for your own safety. Unfortunately, there is a growing industry of “mail-order” abortion …
Human Trafficking – What is it? It’s a phrase we are hearing more and more about on the news, internet, social media and other groups we may be involved with. By definition, human trafficking is “the action or practice of illegally transporting people from one country or area to another, typically for the purpose of forced labor or sexual exploitation.” It is, in fact, modern day slavery. Most often we …
Common Feelings Connected with Unplanned Pregnancy Women facing unplanned pregnancy are often overwhelmed by a host of emotions, most of which are negative in nature. It’s important to recognize that these initial negative emotions are common for all women and you are not alone. Even women planning to become pregnant can get overwhelmed when the reality sets in. Often if you feel unsupported or unable to achieve your goals, it …
Pre-Natal Classes & Education to Take Before Delivery It is important to read up on healthy guidelines for your pregnancy to keep both of you healthy and strong while you are carrying. It is also important to take advantage of classes before the baby arrives to know what to expect for labor and delivery and how to properly care for your baby. These are just as important as keeping yourself …
Nausea Survival Kit Nausea and/or vomiting with pregnancy is very common. If you are pregnant you may experience a wide range of mild nausea to frequent vomiting. It is caused primarily by the pregnancy hormone produced in the body during pregnancy. Generally, it lasts only for the first trimester (3 months). There is no cure for it, unfortunately, but there are things that you can try to help reduce the …
Loss Due to Miscarriage Loss in any form is difficult to cope with, and miscarriage is among the most difficult because there are numerous emotions and thoughts connected with the unknown and unseen aspects of a miscarriage. Miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy – usually in the first trimester. It is estimated that 15-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the medical …
Signs and Symptoms: Post-Partum Depression Post-partum literally means “after childbirth”. In the days and months following the arrival of a new baby a woman’s body has to adjust hormonally and physically back to “normal”. Women typically can continue to be emotional and experience a wide range of thoughts and feelings from joy to worry as they acclimate to the new demands and responsibilities of motherhood. This is common to all …
QUICK FACTS: Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection and is curable with treatment but can have long term effects on your health including sterility and death. It affects over 700,000 people per year. If you are sexually active in any way, you are at risk. Transmission: or how it is spread.Through bodily fluid secretions, unprotected vaginal sex, anal sex or oral sex. An infected mother can pass the infection …
QUICK FACTS: CHLAMYDIA Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (sometimes called disease) that is bacterial and is curable with treatment but can have long term effects on your health. It affects over 2.8 million people per year. If you are sexually active in any way you are at risk. Transmission: or how it is spread. Through bodily fluid secretions, unprotected sex and can be spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex. …
Abuse Signs and Symptoms Domestic violence/abuse can take many forms (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional) and it is not always observable. It is a “pattern of behavior used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship.” It is not always possible to tell if a relationship will become abusive and can develop as time goes on. It can affect anyone of any race, age, …
Morning Sickness Morning sickness refers to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite during pregnancy. Despite the name, it can be experienced at any time of the day and sometimes a general feeling of nausea can persist all day long. Every woman is different and even each pregnancy for the same woman can be different. Morning sickness generally happens during the first trimester (first three months). For some women, it can …
Other Reasons for a Missed Period Pregnancy is not always the only reason you would miss your period, in fact, there are a host of reasons why your period might be late. Here are some possible reasons you may not have had your period yet: Puberty: Young women who have recently begun their periods often experience light and irregular menstrual cycles as a result of puberty. It could take quite …
If I’m pregnant, why am I bleeding? Pregnancy is divided into three stages called trimesters (tri meaning “three”). Each trimester is about 13 weeks long. Initial symptoms or indications that you may be pregnant are a missed period, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and light bleeding/spotting. If you are experiencing spotting or bleeding during the first trimester, it is actually very common. Spotting – light bleeding can occur during implantation. This is …
Urine Test or Blood Test: Which is a more accurate pregnancy test? When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins producing a specific hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). It is the presence and rapid increase of hCG that causes pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue. There are two types of pregnancy tests that diagnose a pregnancy by detecting the hCG hormone in your system: a urine test and …
Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) – How At Risk Are You? Up to 70% of women who have had an abortion fall into high risk for PAS. PAS is a type of post-traumatic stress and is defined as the stress reaction experienced by women after having an abortion. The following are factors that can determine how severely a woman experiences PAS symptoms: A crisis surrounding pregnancy The urgency in making an …
Periods and Pregnancy It is important to understand how our own bodies work. Some women do not have the benefit of health education in school or parents who are comfortable talking about sex and a woman’s reproductive system. Although you may feel like having your period every month is an inconvenience, it is a normal, natural function of a woman’s body and a unique gift to carry a new life …
Viability: What Does it Mean? When you discover that you may be pregnant, it is important to determine the viability of the pregnancy before you make any decisions about what to do. Viability means “the ability to survive or live successfully”. There are three things that a licensed sonographer will look for on an ultrasound to determine viability: The presence of a gestational sac. The presence of a fetal pole. …
Pregnancy Does Not Mean Your Life is Over It’s a great time to be a woman! Women have more opportunities afforded to them now for education, career and parenthood than ever before. It used to be that when a woman conceived she would have to drop out of school and give up any hope of school or career. That time is long gone.We no longer have to choose between school/career …
Early Pregnancy Symptoms Worried you might be pregnant? Having unusual symptoms? Here are some common signs of hormonal changes that may be an indication of pregnancy: Missed Period Sensitive or Swollen Breasts Nausea or Vomiting Fatigue Increased Urination Moodiness Bloating Light Spotting or Cramping Constipation Food Aversions Nasal Congestion Although many of these can be a result of other conditions, the best thing to do is to buy an over …
Does Using Marijuana Affect My Pregnancy? Using marijuana while pregnant may affect your baby’s development The chemicals in marijuana – whether smoked, eaten, vaped or in creams and lotions – pass through your system and crosses through the placenta Possible effects to the baby can include: low birth weight, increased risk of stillbirth, attention deficit and learning issues in children These chemicals can also pass to the baby through breast …
Possible Symptoms After An Abortion For some women, they have an abortion and move on with life. However, for many women, they experience a wide range of not only physical complications – but also emotional symptoms. Every woman is different. Most medical articles and websites will focus only on the physical symptoms after an abortion, so it is wise to be educated on the possible emotional effects as well. An …
Men and Unplanned Pregnancy: Risks of Abortion You may know women who have had abortions, managed their feelings well and gone on with their lives. You may feel that terminating the pregnancy is the best decision for both you and her. Abortion seems like an easy and legal solution but it does have significant risks that you may not understand. That is why it is important that both of you …
Men and Unplanned Pregnancy: Communicating about the Decision The man involved will be affected by the decision, though it is the woman who accepts the greatest consequences. Some men accept that it is the woman’s choice while others find that very difficult. While difficult feelings and views are understandable in this circumstance, it is not okay to pressure her into a decision. Being open and honest about your feelings while …
Men and Unplanned Pregnancy: Your Partner Is Pregnant and You Don’t Know What to Do Feeling panicked? Wondering how this could have happened? It is important not to make hasty decisions in the middle of the overwhelming thoughts and feelings; you need to take time to process what’s happened and make a plan. Whatever your situation, understand that you are not alone. Many couples experience an unplanned pregnancy, and it …
Men and Unplanned Pregnancy This unplanned pregnancy affects him too – he may just not know how to talk about it. Most men are not as expressive as women about what they are thinking or feeling. They often do not talk about things as much as women do, or in the same way, so don’t think that his silence means he doesn’t care. It is important to ask …
The Adoption Option: It’s not what it used to be Before you assume this option is a closed door, you need to know that adoption and its stigma has changed significantly in recent decades. For many women who have had a previous abortion, they state that they could never have another abortion (for many reasons) but find themselves pregnant again and are still unable to ensure a good environment to …
QUICK FACTS: How Could An STI/STD Affect My Pregnancy? Pregnancy can be affected by a sexually transmitted infection and, if left untreated, can create serious health risks for you and your child. Most OB/GYN offices will routinely screen for STIs at your first pregnancy (obstetrics) visit. It is possible to have an STI while pregnant and not have any symptoms. STIs can be passed to a developing fetus during …
QUICK FACTS: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) or Sexually Transmitted Disease (STDs) Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI/STD. Birth control pills do not protect against STIs. Two most common kinds of STI/STD: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea Others include: Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C STIs are transmitted by person to person contact through blood, semen, or vaginal fluids. Symptoms can vary and many times there may not be …
When You and Your Boyfriend Differ On What To Do About This Unplanned Pregnancy Part of any relationship involves the deep desire to be in unity, to keep the peace and, ultimately, to want that person to be happy with the decisions we make. Although these are good desires for a relationship, if we are always giving in to others’ opinions and pressure we find ourselves making everyone else happy …
FATHER OF THE BABY: MEN AND ABORTION In the state of Massachusetts men have no legal right in a woman’s abortion. However, studies have revealed that a father has significant influence in the decision regarding the life of his unborn baby. A decision affects all three (mother, father and child) Both the mother and the father can leave feeling powerless, upset, and scared when facing an unplanned pregnancy. Sometimes …
Someone I know wants an abortion – what should I do? Your friend, sister, or daughter just told you she is pregnant. You may be uncertain how to best support her. Think about how she is feeling too. She is facing an overwhelming situation and needs you right now! Perhaps she has told you she is considering an abortion or is seeking out an abortion. You can show her how much …
https://clearwayclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/lumen5-video-8.mp4 Can I find out the exact day I got pregnant? The short answer to the question, “Can I find out the exact day I got pregnant?” is, probably not. Determining the exact date of conception is difficult for several reasons. Some things to consider: First of all, pregnancy occurs when an ovulated female egg and and male sperm meet and fertilization occurs. This usually takes place in a fallopian …
What Are Some Signs That You Might Be Pregnant? When is the right time to call and get a pregnancy test done? What symptoms should you be looking for? The most important sign is that you have missed your period. In most women, this means they are far enough along for a pregnancy test to be accurate. Before that time, even if other symptoms occur, the test will most likely …
At Clearway Clinic, we understand that you need clear answers. Your situation is unique. You are not like anybody else . Finding out that you are pregnant can be a difficult time. Our center is designed to help you right where you are at. We can run a free pregnancy test and ultrasound to help you know if you are truly pregnant. And, if you are, we can also find …
4 Steps to Take Before Abortion You think you might be pregnant and you’re not sure what to do. Even though emotions may be running high, it’s important to get the information you need. Especially if you are considering an abortion, there are certain steps your medical provider should take in order to prepare you to make the best decision for your future. 1. Assess Your Health– You’ll need an …
Facing an unplanned pregnancy when you’re not anywhere close to being ready to be a parent is unbelievably stressful. If you’re looking for abortion clinics in the Worcester area because you feel like abortion is the only option you have, now your stress is compounded. There are so many options online, from big name clinics to private women’s centers. The number one question is — which women’s health clinic is …
Will abortion show up on insurance? It’s a common question that many of our patients have. In fact, it’s one of the most highly searched questions from women looking for abortion options in Massachusetts. With the potential of young women staying on their parents’ insurance until their 27th birthday, many become concerned when they find themselves experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and checking into abortion services that their parents may have …
When you were younger, did you think to yourself that there was just no way you would ever allow yourself to be in an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion? And yet… here you are. And you think that your current situation isn’t fit to have a kid. You want to wait until you’re in a solid relationship, once you’ve found “the right guy” before actually having a kid. But now… …
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by a sexually transmitted bacterium. Most often gonorrhea affects the urethra, rectum or throat. However, in women, gonorrhea can also infect the cervix. Hold onto this last fact, because it’s extremely important and we’ll come back to it soon. Overtime bacteria grow resistant to current treatments, and we are forced to find new regimens produced by modern medicine. Antibiotic resistant gonorrhea is gaining extra attention …
It’s an extremely common question that comes to us from our patients, “Can I Have an Abortion in Worcester Without My Parents Knowing?” In order for a minor to have an abortion in Massachusetts, you do need the consent of a parent/legal guardian. However, what many young people don’t know — if you’re a minor who’s pregnant and still not ready to tell one of your parents, we can help. …
By Clearway Clinic 1.BREATHE. Take a deep breath. It’s easy to feel panicked, like you have to do this right away, but you have time when considering abortion. Even though you were not planning on pregnancy, your life is not over and you will be okay. This is a big decision. Take time to think it through. 2.FIND OUT IF YOU’RE REALLY PREGNANT. Before you make any decision, …
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