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Questions & Answers

PREGNANCY

How do I know if I am pregnant?

Tests taken at home are an indicator of pregnancy but do not confirm the pregnancy. Our medical-grade tests detect HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in your urine, which is a hormone produced by the placenta after the embryo attaches to the wall of your uterus. The test is followed by an ultrasound to gain more insight into the progression of the pregnancy.

The combination of the medical-grade test and ultrasound, confirm your pregnancy status. We offer both services at no charge.

What are the early symptoms of pregnancy?

Symptoms are as unique as you, here are 9 of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy…

Implantation bleeding: According to the National Institute of Health, up to 25 percent of women experience light bleeding 6 to 12 days aer conception. This is caused by the attachment of the embryo to the uterine lining and the bleeding is typically a much lighter color and amount than a menstrual bleed.

Missed period: A period releases the tissue that was grown to support a pregnancy. If the egg that dropped during ovulation is fertilized and implanted in that tissue, it stays put and no period occurs. Pregnancy is not the only reason your period may be missed. Stress, medication or exercise changes can all cause your period to be late.

Frequent Urination: HCG, sometimes referred to as the “pregnancy hormone”, increases blood flow to the pelvic region. This may result in an increase in urination.

Breast changes: You may be experiencing tingling and aching in your breasts. Some women report swelling in their breasts even in early pregnancy.

Headaches: When pregnant, our body increases production of hormones, this change can cause mild headaches, they will most likely improve as your pregnancy progresses. The Mayo Clinic suggests taking a daily walk and eating small meals more frequently to help ease this symptom.

Fatigue: The increase in progesterone levels may cause you to feel relaxed and even drowsy.

Food cravings or aversions: Hormonal changes even affect the food you are drawn to, it does not have to be pickles or ice cream to be a pregnancy craving. Any changes in your appetite can be signs of a progressing pregnancy.

Nausea or vomiting: The exact cause of nausea and vomiting, also known as “morning sickness” is not known by the medical community yet, but we do know that eating frequently to stabilize your blood sugar, helps prevent feeling queasy. Taking naps when you can and taking vitamins at night instead of the morning are also suggested by Heathline. Most women that experience this symptom see it resolve in the second trimester. If you need help finding a doctor, we can offer you referrals during your no-charge appointment.

Feeling elated or emotional: hormones do not just affect our bodies physically, but also emotionally. The increase of estrogen and other hormones during early pregnancy may cause you to feel happier than usual but also more sad. We are here for you during the journey.

What is an ectopic pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the zygote/embryo implants outside of the uterus. 90 percent of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube. An ultrasound is a simple and fast way to see where the pregnancy has implanted.

How far along am I?

You can calculate an estimate of how far along you are into pregnancy with the first date of your last period and your typical cycle length. The most accurate way to date a pregnancy is with an ultrasound.

When can I hear a heartbeat?

The embryoʼs heart can be heard with an ultrasound scan as early as 5.5 weeks a�er the first day of your last period (3 to 4 weeks a�er conception). The heart is beating fast at this stage and slows later in pregnancy.

APPOINTMENTS

Can I make an appointment over the phone?

Yes, if you call our center while we are open one of our Client Advocates will be happy to schedule your appointment. We can also be reached via the 24-hour confidential hotline, 866-673-4673.

Can I attend workshops without being pregnant?

Yes, our workshops and resources are available to anyone wanting to learn more about breastfeeding, potty training, love languages and even painting!

How can I get more information on the Empowering Fatherhood group?

Once a month, after business hours, the center is open for expectant and experienced fathers to meet with our male mentors and other fathers. To sign up for more information check out our section For Men.

If walk-ins are welcome, why should I schedule an appointment?

We are here for you with or without a scheduled appointment. Contacting the center ahead of time lowers your wait time.

Can I bring someone with me to the appointment?

Yes! Guests are welcome and encouraged to join your appointments. During your initial intake, to maintain your confidentiality, they will wait in our waiting room and are welcome to join for the rest of the appointment.

Do I have to bring my parents if I am a minor?

We promise to maintain confidentiality no matter your age. It is up to you if your parents join your appointment.

THE CENTER

How can I help the center?

You can help our work by spreading the word! If you are a client, leaving a Google review is the fastest way to help and our team loves reading them.

Sharing a post online or a simple, “have you heard of A Caring Center for Women?” goes a long way in helping more women and supporters find us. You may schedule a tour, volunteer your time or make a donation to the centerʼs efforts.

Call the center if you have any questions or feedback.

Where is the center located?

The center is at the intersection of 20th street (highway 60) and 31st ave. You will likely see our pink sign on the south side of the street. The center shares a building with Gordon Chiropractic at 1986 31st Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960.

Does the center have a formula?

We have a limited stock available for pickup at no charge. Call the center to drop off a donation or see if we have the brand you need.

What items can the center accept as donations?

We can accept:

  • Boxes of diapers in all sizes
  • New and gently used baby clothes
  • New baby bottles, pacifiers and teething toys
  • Books can be gently used
  • Handmade or purchased baby blankets, hats, socks
  • Due to insurance restrictions, car seats, boosters and cribs must all be new and within their
    expiration dates.

If you have any questions about items our clients need, please contact the center.

Are you hiring?

Our team is expanding this year. We are hiring for the Client Advocate and Ultrasound positions. Resumes can be emailed to vbteam@wccfl.org with the subject line: Resume.

ULTRASOUND

How does ultrasound work?

The transducer, or probe, produces sound waves and detects how they echo back, producing an image. Ultrasounds are fast and pain-free.

Is ultrasound safe?

Yes, ultrasounds are even safer than X-rays because they use sound instead of ionizing radiation. Follow your doctorʼs recommendations for frequency of scans.

How do I prepare for the ultrasound?

Come in comfortable clothing and with a full bladder. When your bladder is full, you are better able to see the uterus and pregnancy placement.

How does ultrasound rule out ectopic pregnancy?

Ultrasound shows exactly where the pregnancy is developing. If the pregnancy is located outside of the uterus, it is considered ectopic and we will refer you to treatment from a trusted provider.

CONSIDERING ABORTION

Why do I need an ultrasound before getting an abortion?
  • An ultrasound is legally required by the state of Florida before getting an abortion. We do not charge for any services, including the ultrasound
  • If the pregnancy is not viable, meaning it is naturally miscarrying, an abortion is not necessary.
  • It is vital to your safety to determine where the pregnancy is developing. If you take abortion pills with the pregnancy outside of the uterus, you increase your risk of bleeding or rupturing
  • Each type of abortion procedure is done within a timeframe of gestation. An ultrasound will tell you how far along the pregnancy has progressed, this determines your options.
Why shouldn’t I order the abortion pills online?
  • Not Regulated by the FDA and do not meet their safety requirements
  • No way to verify the dose– too low or too high of a dose will increase the risk of complications such as hemorrhaging and infection.
  • No medical supervision to monitor your reaction and the whether all of the fetus has expelled from your body
  • No way to rule out ectopic without an ultrasound, our Pre-Abortion Screening includes an
    ultrasound.
  • Less effective when taken outside the proper time frame. The medication abortion procedure is only used in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Many clients are surprised to learn how far along they truly are at their Pre-Abortion Screening.
  • Without accurate manufacturer information, you may not know what you are taking

If you choose to take abortion pills and have any complications, it is imperitive to go to the emergency room.

If I take the first half of the abortion pills and change my mind, can it be reversed or stopped?

The first steps of medication abortion have been reversed with the Abortion Pill Reversal regimine. The regimine simply replaces the natural hormone progesterone that your pregnancy lost after taking the first medication. Call the confidential helpline as soon as you can after changing your mind,
1-877-558-0333

Are abortion pills the same as emergency contraception?

No, abortion pills are two medications, used one after the other to end a viable pregnancy. Emergency contraception is used within a few days of unprotected intercourse to either delay ovulation, prevent sperm from reaching the released egg or create an inhospitable environment for an embryo to attach to the uterine lining.

How do abortion pills work?

The abortion pills are also called chemical abortion, medication abortion, plan c pills and self-managed abortions. No matter what you call them, here is how the procedure works…

1. The first pill or pills (depending on the dosage) are taken orally to cut off progesterone to the zygote, embryo or fetus (depending on gestational age). Without the hormone progesterone, nutrients are no longer supplied and the development of the pregnancy is stopped over a period of a few hours to one day.

2. The second medication is either taken orally or inserted into the vaginal canal. This drug starts the shedding of the contents of your uterus. Cramping and bleeding will last for a few days. You will pass the zygote, embryo or fetus (depending on gestational age) at home. This is why it is considered, “self-managed.”

3. Follow up with your doctor for an exam to make sure you are no longer pregnant, all of the fetus is now out of your uterus and that you are not becoming infected. The doctor will determine if a surgical abortion is needed to complete the procedure.

If you experience any of the following, do not go to back to the abortion facility, go straight to the emergency room.

  • Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour)
  • Passing blood clots larger than a golf ball
  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • Fever
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Does the center refer for abortions?

For your safety, we provide Pre-Abortion Screenings at no charge. We do not provide or refer for abortion procedures. Regardless of your decision, your client advocate is here for you.

Schedule Pre-Abortion Screening

How much does an abortion cost?

As of July 2022, the closest abortion facility to our center charges between $550 and $950 before tax, depending on the type of abortion procedure. Additional funds are needed for pain medication to be administered by their staff.

What are the abortion laws in Florida?
  • No one, not even your parents, can coerce (pressure) you into an abortion, it is illegal. Let our staff know if anyone in your life is pressuring you to abort.
  • If you are a minor, you need parent or gaurdian permission to obtain an abortion.
  • You have 15 weeks to obtain an abortion from the first day of your last period. You have time to
    make an informed decision.
  • An ultrasound is required by law before you have an abortion, the provider must also offer you the chance to see the images and hear an explanation.