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Parenting

While you might not have planned to become a parent at this point in your life, it does not mean you are not capable of being a wonderful and loving parent. Parenting a child is a big responsibility, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. 

AM I READY TO BE A PARENT?

Before deciding that parenting is right for you, there are a few key considerations that you should consider. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself to guide you through this process:

  • Does my partner know and do they want to be involved?
  • Who in my life can help support me?
  • How will I financially support this child?
  • What resources in my community are available to help me?

These are only a few of the questions to consider before making a decision to become a parent. At Calaveras Pregnancy Center, we are here to help you as you consider these questions.

WHAT IS MY NEXT STEP?

We are here to help you. You can meet with a patient advocate at Calaveras Pregnancy Center to answer any questions you may have and guide you to resources to support you as a parent – in pregnancy and beyond.

Parenting can seem intimidating, especially when you were not planning on it, but we are here to support you. Should you make the decision to parent, you will not be alone.  We are excited to help you get off to the best start possible on your journey as a parent.

Adoption

Deciding what to do when you find out you’re pregnant is difficult. We want to help you step back, look at the big picture, and make the most informed decision. If parenting is not an option for you, don’t be afraid to explore the possibilities of adoption.  We can help answer adoption questions and provide resources for you.

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

Every woman’s decision has a different reason behind it. Adoption is often overlooked as an option for unplanned pregnancies, but it can give you the opportunity to help another family add a greatly desired member.

Some common reasons a woman may choose adoption are:

  • She wants to focus on her career or schooling
  • She wants financial support for prenatal and labor cost
  • She is not in a safe or stable situation for a child
  • She is not in a financial position to care for a child
  • Her family is already complete
  • She does not want to be a mother or parent a child
  • Neither abortion nor parenting is the right choice for her

 

TYPES OF ADOPTION

Your plan can be adapted to fit your needs.  Before the process is finalized, you will work with the adoptive family and a coordinator to set expectations about contact.

OPEN ADOPTION

The open process allows another family to raise your child but gives you the opportunity to still be involved in your child’s life. Open adoption plans usually allow for regular scheduled contact or visitation with the family and the child throughout their life. Other types of open adoption allow the family to send you photos and updates about the child.

CLOSED ADOPTION

The closed process is an arrangement that does not allow for any contact between you and the family that adopts the child. In many cases, the child will not know who you are and will not have any contact with you. Many women choose this option when they need to move on from that chapter in their lives or feel they need that separation for other reasons.

Abortion

 

Our goal is to listen and discuss the facts about abortion. We are here to help women (and fathers) through some of the most difficult decisions they will ever face. We do not perform or refer for abortions, but we will give medically accurate information about abortion to help with your decision.

 

CONSIDERING ABORTION?

An unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming as you consider all of your options and make a decision about what to do. If you’re considering abortion, know that there are different procedures and each one comes with its own set of risks so it’s important to be informed. CPC does not provide abortions, however we have a caring and non-judgmental team on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Before making a decision, it is important to address two main questions. The answers to each will determine next steps and what abortion procedures are available to you.

AM I REALLY PREGNANT?

This may seem like an obvious first step, but it’s one many people overlook! After pregnancy test, it’s important to confirm the pregnancy with an ultrasound. Once you have a positive pregnancy test, Calaveras Pregnancy Center offers no-cost limited diagnostic ultrasounds.

HOW FAR ALONG AM I?

One of the purposes of an ultrasound is to figure out how far along you are in your pregnancy. This is important because it will determine the type of abortion procedure you can get. There are multiple procedures, each one dependent on how far along you are.

TYPES OF ABORTION PROCEDURES

There are two main types of procedures – medical and surgical. In the state of California, a surgical abortion is available after viability (24 weeks) only if your life or health is at risk, which is another reason it’s important to get an ultrasound.

THE ABORTION PILL (RU-486)

This type of abortion is a medication abortion and is often referred to simply as the abortion pill. In reality, it is a series of two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol – that end and help your body expel the pregnancy.

  • The first pill – mifepristone – blocks your body’s progesterone supply from reaching the uterus, causing fetal demise. This pill can be taken at the doctor’s office when prescribed or taken at home.
  • The second pill – misoprostol – causes contractions to expel the fetus. It is typically taken at home 24-48 hours after the first pill.

 You should schedule a follow up exam about two weeks after the abortion to make sure the procedure was successful and that there are no complications.

 Possible risks or side effects include:

  • Cramping
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Heavy bleeding
  • Infection

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after two weeks, consult a medical professional immediately.

STARTED THE ABORTION PILL PROCEDURE BUT CHANGED YOUR MIND?

It’s not unusual to start the abortion pill process and then have a change of heart. There is a possibility you can still save your pregnancy. If you’ve only taken the first drug in the procedure, call the abortion pill reversal 24/7 helpline at 1-877-558-0333. They will connect you with a medical professional in your area who can guide you towards reversing the effects of the abortion pill.

 For additional information about medical abortion:

SURGICAL ABORTION PROCEDURES

If you are more than ten weeks into your pregnancy, you will need to have a surgical abortion. There are three types of surgical abortions as outlined below.

SUCTION ASPIRATION (6-12 WEEKS AFTER LAST MENSTRUAL PERIOD)

In this procedure, your cervix will be injected with a local anesthetic and cone-shaped rods will be inserted to cause dilation. Once your cervix has been widened enough, a long plastic tube will be inserted into your uterus. A suction device at the other end will suction out the pregnancy.

DILATION AND EVACUATION (D&E): (12-21 WEEKS AFTER LAST MENSTRUAL PERIOD)

This abortion method is the most involved, often requiring a sedative. For this procedure, your cervix will be injected with local anesthetic like in an aspiration abortion, and a tube may be used to suction out the pregnancy. Forceps will also be used to remove larger sections. Finally, the lining of your uterus will be scraped to ensure all remnants of the pregnancy are suctioned out.

 

POSSIBLE RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS OF SURGICAL ABORTIONS:

  • Cramping, sweating, or feeling faint
  • Heavy or prolonged bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Damage to cervix or uterus from the scraping
  • Infection (an antibiotic may be prescribed to prevent this)
  • Infertility
  • Psychological issues such as eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and substance abuse

Calaveras Pregnancy Center is here to help you determine how far along you are and weigh all of your options so you can make an informed decision about your pregnancy. Please call us today to schedule your free appointment.