A positive pregnancy test may make you feel like your life is suddenly out of your control. You may have searched “How to Have a Miscarriage” in an attempt to end the pregnancy quickly and privately.
We imagine that you feel overwhelmed, and perhaps scared. But, before you try to end the pregnancy, you should gather the facts about your pregnancy and the risks of self-induced miscarriage. Today, we will explore all that you need to know.
What to Know Before Attempting to End a Pregnancy
1. How far along am I?
It’s important to know how far along you are in your pregnancy. Although you can guess based on your last menstrual period, an ultrasound is the most accurate way to know how far along you are.
2. Is your pregnancy viable?
You need to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy located outside of the uterus. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need emergent medical attention.
You also need to know if the pregnancy is progressing. Miscarriages occur in 10-20% of known pregnancies, often in the first trimester.[1] So, before ending the pregnancy, you should know if you’re at risk for a natural miscarriage.
Call Bakersfield Pregnancy Center for a free ultrasound at (661)326-1907.
What are The Risks of Self-Induced Miscarriage?
The idea of a self-induced miscarriage may feel convenient and relieving but it can also pose serious threats to your physical health. Some risks could include:
- Retained pregnancy tissue requiring medical or surgical interventions
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Poisoning
- Organ failure
- Death
Is it Safe to Use Herbs to Induce Miscarriage?
No one should take herbs or home remedies to end a pregnancy. Taking herbs to induce miscarriage could cause severe complications including organ failure,[2] or even death.[3]
Can Stress Cause a Miscarriage?
Research affirms that stress, exercise, sexual activity, and prolonged use of birth control do not cause miscarriage.[4] Nonetheless, your mental and emotional well-being is extremely important.
If you find yourself unable to handle stress or are experiencing spiraling thoughts, call Bakersfield Pregnancy Center for help and support.
Can Physical Harm Induce a Miscarriage?
If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and considering harming yourself, please know that you have other options. Inflicting physical harm does not always cause an abortion and can instead threaten your health and your life. Call Bakersfield Pregnancy Center to speak confidentially with our kind and compassionate staff.
What’s The Difference Between Miscarriage and Abortion?
A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy stops developing on its own before 20 weeks. Miscarriages occur often for reasons outside of a woman’s control.[5] Healthcare teams help manage a miscarriage, as they evaluate for signs of infection, retained tissue, and other complications.
During an abortion, a woman intentionally ends a pregnancy by taking prescribed abortion pills, or by undergoing a medical procedure. Abortion availability depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and state laws.
Do I Need an Abortion if I am Miscarrying?
If you’re concerned about a miscarriage, you should first seek medical care. Healthcare teams use ultrasounds, blood work (a hormone level called hCG), and a pelvic exam to evaluate for a miscarriage.[6] If the pregnancy has not progressed or is no longer viable, then you may need other medical interventions, and will not need to end the pregnancy yourself.
Miscarriage and Abortion Information in Bakersfield, California
Before trying to end your pregnancy, call us at (661)326-1907. Our compassionate team wants to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your health and your future. Before trying to end your pregnancy, call us today at (661)326-1907 to speak with our qualified staff.
You might wonder if home pregnancy tests provide accurate results. Regardless of
how you feel about being pregnant, there are a few things you should know about home pregnancy tests.
Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman’s uterus. Her body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine.
When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
Although the body produces HCG at implantation (10 days after conception), HCG may not be detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. So, most home pregnancy tests recommend testing once you’ve missed your period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]
How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?
Every home pregnancy test works differently, so women should read and follow the instructions that come with the test. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate.[3]
If taken too early, used improperly, or improperly read, the test could be negative. After a negative home test, women should wait a few days and then retest.
Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read the instructions. Some women prefer going to a clinic to confirm pregnancy.
You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Give us a call at (661)326-1907 to get started.
Please be aware that Bakersfield Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Ciganda, C., & Laborde, A. (2003). Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12807304/
- Kelly Johnson-Arbo. (n.d.). Is herbal abortion safe? Poison Control. https://www.poison.org/articles/herbal-abortion
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Miscarriage. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
- See Source #4.
- See Source #4.