How do I know if I am pregnant?

If you have had unprotected sex or experienced a failure of birth control and are having symptoms such as a late or missed period, tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, food cravings, aversions or nausea, you may be pregnant. Your first step in confirming your pregnancy is to receive a lab-quality pregnancy test followed up by an obstetrical ultrasound. We offer these tests and more free of charge at Ivy Women’s Center.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

When you become pregnant, your body will begin to produce the pregnancy hormone, known as hCG. It may take up to a week after a missed period for your body to produce enough of this hormone to be detected by a home pregnancy test. The best time to take a pregnancy test and obtain the most accurate results is 1-2 weeks after a missed period.

Why is it important to be tested for an STD while pregnant?

Left untreated, an STD can carry serious health risks, especially through a pregnancy. Regardless of the decisions you make about your pregnancy, it’s important to be tested and treated if an infection is present. This testing and treatment will help to prevent conditions such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and other serious complications to your long term reproductive health. Testing is quick and convenient, taking place during the same appointment as your consultation.

Is abortion legal in Ohio?

Yes. Abortion is legal in Ohio with the following restrictions, which are in place for the protection and safety of women: Women must receive state-mandated counseling at least 24 hours prior to having an abortion procedure. FDA protocols must be followed when providing a medical abortion Parental consent is required for minors prior to an abortion Women must receive an ultrasound prior to an abortion Abortions after 22 weeks of gestation are only available when the woman’s life is in danger.

Can I order the abortion pill online in Ohio?

Ohio state law and the FDA protocols require a doctor’s prescription for the abortion pill. This law is in place to protect women from potentially harmful pills ordered online and to make sure the abortion pill is taken within the correct window of time during the pregnancy (prior to 10 weeks).

Is it important to have an ultrasound?

Once a positive result is received on your lab-quality pregnancy test, the next step is to have a limited ultrasound. An ultrasound is not only required if you are considering an abortion, but it will also reveal important information about the pregnancy that is crucial to your health and safety. It will also help determine what type of abortion procedure is available to you.

The Abortion Pill: What You Need to Know

Q: What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, consists of two different abortion pills that terminate the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the abortion pill. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy and that the pregnancy is viable. It is also required in the state of Ohio prior to any abortion procedure, including the abortion pill. The first abortion pill, Mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin, and stops the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion pill, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and releases the embryo through the vagina. Many women think this process is as easy as taking a pill, and it’s over. Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple.

Woman Sitting and Reading Book Wearing Black

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be considering the abortion pill. Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand how it works, the risks involved, and whether you’re eligible to take it.

At Ivy Women’s Center, located in Mentor, we provide free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound services to confirm your pregnancy and help you get the information you need to inform your decisions.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a two-step medication regimen, also known as a medical abortion, that ends a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks. Here’s what you should know before taking the abortion pill. The process involves:

Mifepristone (First Pill): This medication blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue. Without it, the pregnancy cannot progress.
Misoprostol (Second Pill): Taken 24-48 hours later, this medication causes the uterus to contract, leading to cramping and bleeding as the uterus empties.

Who Is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?

You may be wondering whether you’re eligible for the abortion pill. Not everyone is eligible for a medical abortion. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks (70 days) from the first day of your last menstrual period. Taking it beyond this timeframe may increase the risk of complications or an incomplete abortion.

Other factors that may affect eligibility include:

Having an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing outside the uterus)
Certain medical conditions (such as bleeding disorders or adrenal gland problems)
The use of certain medications that could interact with the abortion pill

Since an at-home pregnancy test cannot confirm how far along you are or detect ectopic pregnancy, an ultrasound is the best way to determine eligibility for the abortion pill.

What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

While medical abortion is commonly used, it is not without risks. Some potential complications and risks of the abortion pill include:

Heavy or prolonged bleeding
Severe cramping and pain
Nausea, vomiting, or fever
Incomplete abortion, requiring surgical intervention
Infection if any pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus

Understanding these risks before making a decision is crucial.

Ivy Women’s Center Is Here for You

Before making any decision related to your pregnancy and reproductive health, it’s essential to have accurate medical information to ensure your safety.

This is why we provide:

Free pregnancy testing to confirm your pregnancy
Limited ultrasounds to determine how far along you are and detect potential concerns like ectopic pregnancy
Confidential consultations to provide medical information and answer your questions

Schedule a free, confidential appointment today.

Make an Appointment

FAQs About the Abortion Pill in Mentor, Ohio

Q: How do I know if I’m eligible for the abortion pill in Ohio?

A: Eligibility depends on your gestational age and overall health. The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) from the first day of your last period. Because home tests can’t confirm details like gestational age or ectopic pregnancy, an ultrasound is the only way to confirm eligibility. Ivy Women’s Center in Lake County offers this service for free.

Q: Why do I need an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill?

A: An ultrasound ensures the pregnancy is in the uterus and within the approved timeframe. This step protects your health and reduces the risk of complications. Ivy Women’s Center provides free limited ultrasounds at our Mentor location in Lake County.

Q: What are normal symptoms after taking the abortion pill?

A: Cramping and bleeding are common. If you notice very heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever lasting more than 24 hours, or foul-smelling discharge, you should seek immediate medical attention at a local healthcare facility.

Q: Where can I confirm my pregnancy and talk about my options in Mentor, Ohio?

A: Ivy Women’s Center offers free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and abortion consultations in Mentor. These services give you the clarity you need to move forward with your next steps with confidence.