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.

Plan B or the Abortion Pill? Key Differences

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.

Here is a woman wondering what is the difference between plan b and the abortion pill

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and exploring your options, you may have heard of Plan B and the abortion pill. While both are commonly discussed in conversations about pregnancy prevention and termination, they serve very different purposes. Understanding the differences between these two options can help you make a more informed decision for your health and future.

What Is Plan B?

Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is an emergency contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure (like a condom breaking). Plan B works by delaying ovulation, which prevents sperm from fertilizing an egg. It also makes it harder for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus.

You can take Plan B up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but its effectiveness decreases over time. For women who are overweight, Plan B may be less effective. It’s available over-the-counter without a prescription, but it will not terminate an existing pregnancy, and it does not offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also called medication abortion, is a method to terminate an established pregnancy. It involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first pill, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The second pill, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. After taking mifepristone under the guidance of a healthcare provider, the second pill is taken at home, typically 24 to 48 hours later. It is important to note that while the abortion pill is an effective method for terminating early pregnancies, it can come with side effects and potential complications such as heavy bleeding, fever, and severe cramping.

Key Differences Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill

Purpose: Plan B is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy before it occurs, while the abortion pill is used to terminate an already established pregnancy.
Timing: Plan B must be taken shortly after unprotected sex—ideally within 72 hours, although it is more effective the sooner it is taken. The abortion pill, however, is used to end a pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestation.
Mechanism: Plan B prevents pregnancy by delaying ovulation or interfering with sperm fertilization. In contrast, the abortion pill stops the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone and inducing contractions to expel the pregnancy.
Availability: Plan B is available over-the-counter at pharmacies without a prescription, while the abortion pill requires a prescription and is administered under medical supervision.

Risks and Side Effects of Plan B and the Abortion Pill

Both Plan B and the abortion pill come with potential side effects.

Side Effects of Plan B:

Nausea
Vomiting
Headaches
Dizziness
Fatigue
Abdominal cramps
Irregular bleeding or spotting

Side Effects of the Abortion Pill:

Heavy bleeding (sometimes prolonged)
Abdominal cramping and pain
Digestive discomfort (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Fever and chills
Infection risks
Incomplete abortion, which could require further medical intervention
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider about the potential side effects and whether either option is suitable for your situation.

What’s Your First Step?

If you are considering the abortion pill, it’s essential to first confirm whether you are pregnant. The best way to do this is through a pregnancy test, followed by an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy’s viability, gestational age, and location. The ultrasound is especially important if you’re considering the abortion pill, as it will help determine if you are eligible for this treatment and whether there are any complications or concerns with the pregnancy.

At Ivy Women’s Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. Our caring staff is here to provide you with the information and support you need to make an informed decision about your health.

Schedule an Appointment

If you think you may be pregnant and want to discuss your options, including Plan B or the abortion pill, schedule an appointment with us today.

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What’s the Difference Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill?