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 …
choice
The Pros and Cons of Adoption
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 …
Ethics and Abortion: Countering the Claims
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 abortion talks. Although these arguments are cited regularly by …
How do I deal with pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
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 …
Do I Have Chlamydia
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 …
Finances and Having a New Baby
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 …
Life is Complicated Right Now: Can I Really Parent?
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 …
Not #MeToo?
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. …
Good Decision Making Strategies
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 …
QUICK FACTS: Birth Control Risks and Long Term Health
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 …
Loss and the Grief Cycle
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 …
Steps to Take Before You Have an Abortion
Steps to Take Before You Have an Abortion // The best decisions are well informed decisions. Be sure to take these steps to endure your long-term health and well-being. 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 home pregnancy test …
Am I In An Unhealthy Relationship?
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 …
#MeToo, Pregnancy & Abortion
#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 …
Post-Abortion: Psychological Effects
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 …
QUICK FACTS: Birth Control
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 …
Warning Signs of Suicide
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. …
Mandatory Reporting & Pregnancy Centers
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 …
Baby Development – First Trimester
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% …
Getting Your Pregnancy Off To A Healthy Start
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 …
Quick Facts: Plan B (“Morning After”) Pill
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 …
Why Have an Ultrasound if I Am Going to Abort?
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 …
When Everything in You Wants to Give Up
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 …
What Pain Medications Can I Take During Pregnancy?
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 …
Know Your Rights: Seeking Legal Abortion
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 …
Signs and Symptoms: Anxiety and Depression
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 …
Abortion Pill Reversal
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 …
Post-Miscarriage Care
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 …
Prenatal Vitamins
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 …
Pregnant and Homeless?
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 …
Pregnancy & Gestational Diabetes
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 …
Father of the Baby – Why He Is Important
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 …
Pregnancy and Exercise
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 …
Prenatal Care
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 …
QUICK FACTS: Ovulation
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. …
Mail Order Abortion Pills – What You Need to Know
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 …
Human Trafficking – What is it?
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, …
Common Feelings Connected with Unplanned Pregnancy
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 …
Pre-Natal Classes & Education to Take Before Delivery
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 …
Nausea “Survival Kit”
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 …
Loss Due to Miscarriage
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 …
Signs and Symptoms: Post-Partum Depression
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 …
Quick Facts: Gonorrhea
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 …
Quick Facts: Chlamydia
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 …
Abuse Signs and Symptoms
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 …
Morning Sickness
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 …
Other Reasons for a Missed Period
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 …
If I’m Pregnant, Why Am I Bleeding?
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 …
Urine Test or Blood Test?
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 …
Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) – How At Risk Are You?
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 …
Periods and Pregnancy
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 …
Viability: What Does it Mean?
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 Adoption Option: It’s Not What It Used To Be
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 …
Pregnancy: When You And Your Boyfriend Differ
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 …
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