Unfortunately, no birth control is 100% effective. If it failed, you could be pregnant, and your mind is likely buzzing with questions. Whatever you’re feeling right now, it’s understandable. An unexpected pregnancy can put you in a tailspin.

However, there are steps you can take to get answers and find a solution. We’ll help you. Options Clinic offers free and confidential services to provide the support you need.

Step One: Are You Experiencing Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

Every woman experiences pregnancy differently. Some women feel every symptom immediately, while others don’t have symptoms for months.

The following are a few of the early pregnancy symptoms:

  • Missed period
  • Tender, swollen breasts
  • Nausea with/without vomiting
  • Increased urination
  • Fatigue

Step Two: Have You Taken a Pregnancy Test?

Your next step is to take a pregnancy test. Options Clinic offers free and confidential lab-quality urine pregnancy testing.

At-home tests are reliable, but you must follow the directions thoroughly to avoid a false-positive result. Follow these steps:

  • Check the expiration date
  • Read the instructions thoroughly
  • Wait until the first day after your missed period to take the test
  • Take the test in the morning when your urine is the most concentrated
  • Wait the recommended amount of time to check the results
  • Retest again in 3 to 5 days at Willowbrook Women’s Center with a lab-quality pregnancy test

Step Three: Have You Been Tested for an STI?

When you come to Options for pregnancy testing, we can also test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many STIs do not have immediate symptoms, so people put off being tested.

An untreated STI can cause reproductive damage.

We offer free and confidential limited testing for three types of STIs and offer treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea. If you’re sexually active, you need to be tested for an STI.

Step Four: Have You Scheduled a Free and Confidential Ultrasound?

Your next step is to verify your pregnancy with a limited OB ultrasound. We offer a free and confidential ultrasound.

An ultrasound provides valuable information, such as:

  • Determining if your pregnancy is viable (growing) or if you have had a miscarriage. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Most miscarriages occur within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Revealing the gestational age. Knowing how many weeks you have been pregnant helps determine your future options.
  • Detecting the pregnancy’s location. Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. These are known as ectopic pregnancies and can be extremely dangerous.

Step Five: It’s Time to Review Your Options

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy, it’s time to review your options. You have three options: have an abortion, place your child for adoption, or choose to parent.

Schedule a Free and Confidential Appointment at Options Clinic

Get started on getting answers. Schedule a free and confidential appointment at one of our two Options Clinic locations.

We can confirm your pregnancy and help you determine your next steps. You are not alone because we are here for you.