When you first see those two pink lines, a lot of questions fill your head. As you deal with the whirlwind of emotions, one question might stand out:
What do I do next?
Pregnancy can significantly affect your health, so seeing a medical professional should be at the top of your to-do list. Whether you make an appointment with your doctor or at a pregnancy clinic, getting medical care is the best and most important next step.
Why should I get medical care for an unplanned pregnancy?
1. Your pregnancy might not be viable
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that up to 26% of pregnancies may end in a miscarriage. Out of these miscarriages, ACOG reports that 80% occur during the first trimester or the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Before you go through the stress and fears that come with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if your pregnancy is viable. If it’s not and you’re having a miscarriage, you won’t have to make the same decisions you faced before.
Even if you’re not bleeding or showing other symptoms, a medical professional can determine if you’re naturally losing the pregnancy. Getting an ultrasound, for example, can show if the fetus is viable. Once you know if the pregnancy is healthy, you can make better decisions about your future.
2. Your health may be at risk
Like any physical change, pregnancy can create health risks if left untreated or undiagnosed. If you want to make the best, safest decisions regarding your pregnancy, you have to understand all of the factors involved. Seeing a medical professional can help determine if your health is at risk from an ectopic pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Ectopic pregnancies
The most important reason to visit a clinic is to make sure that you don’t have an ectopic pregnancy. In some pregnancies, the egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in the fallopian tubes. It can also implant on the cervix, abdominal cavity, or ovary.
To protect your health, a doctor must surgically remove the embryo or use a drug called methotrexate to end the pregnancy. If the embryo grows too large, it will rupture and cause severe internal bleeding.
You can terminate the pregnancy through a chemical abortion, which uses two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol, but you may still need to have surgery to remove the embryo. Leaving the embryo in your body can cause a serious blood infection called sepsis, which may lead to death.
Getting medical care for your unplanned pregnancy will show if you have an ectopic pregnancy. You can then get treatment to make sure you are protected from serious risks and complications.
Sexually-transmitted infections (STIs)
STIs, sometimes called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are spread through bodily fluids. These bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections can spread through semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and other bodily fluids.
Common symptoms include genital sores or bumps, painful urination, unusual bleeding or discharge, rashes, pain during sex, and lower abdominal pain. That said, you may not have any symptoms. If you have an undiagnosed STI and get an abortion or give birth, your health may be at serious risk.
During an abortion, for example, the doctor’s tools may come in contact with the bacteria causing your infection, which is often found at the vaginal opening. The STI can then spread into your uterus, causing infertility or a potentially life-threatening infection.
If you choose to carry the pregnancy to term, an undiagnosed STD can be passed to the baby during birth. It may also cause preterm labor, miscarriage, and life-threatening health problems for the infant.
Getting an STI also increases your risk of being infected with HIV.
3. You can’t make a safe decision about your pregnancy
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Before you can make a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, you need to know the facts. Along with checking for STIs, viability, and an ectopic pregnancy, a medical professional can tell you how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Each stage of pregnancy is different, so this information will help you determine what your options are. You can then make the best decision for your health and future.
Why visit Thrive Orlando?
We also provide information about all of your options, as well as local resources for more support and information.
Get the help and answers you need through our judgment-free services today. Make an appointment online or by calling 407-208-9058.