Late Term Abortion: Important Considerations and Benefits

The decision to terminate a pregnancy through abortion can be a difficult decision. Even if a woman decides that they will see the pregnancy through, there are potential instances in which she may be forced to once again consider abortion later in the pregnancy. Certain negative health conditions may occur which could prove damaging or even fatal to the fetus and mother. In some of these circumstances, the mother may consider undergoing a late-term abortion.

Late-Term Abortions: Important Considerations and Benefits

While most abortions take place during the first trimester of a pregnancy, a late-term abortion refers to a surgical procedure that aborts the fetus during the second trimester, usually between 13 and 27 weeks. This is considered to be a safe and effective medical procedure that has minimal risk of complications.

There are many reasons why a mother would consider a late-term abortion, including:

• The fetus has a serious medical abnormality
• The fetus will not be able to live outside the womb
• The fetus has a fatal defect and will not survive
• The fetus has put the mother at risk of death

Though these abortions are typically rare - with only an average of 1% performed at or after 21 weeks - many women may choose to undergo this procedure to prevent serious or fatal consequences. In a significant amount of cases, this option is only suggested because the defects with the fetus are so serious that there is a substantially low chance that it could survive birth. A late-term abortion can provide life-saving benefits to the mother as well as prevent the prolonged complications of the fetus.

Late Term Abortion Albuquerque Resources 

If you are faced with a negative health complication that requires you to consider a late-term abortion, know that you are not alone in the decision-making process. Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque is here to provide consultation to the late-term abortion of Albuquerque mothers that are seeking information about the benefits and considerations associated with this procedure. For more information about this procedure, speak with a Care Net professional today.

Benefits of counselling during Unplanned Pregnancy

Though the knowledge of a pregnancy can be a joyous occasion for those who are trying to conceive, an unexpected pregnancy can be a time of great stress and uncertainty for women who were not planning to enter into parenthood. Care Net Pregnancy Center of Albuquerque understands that a pregnancy does not always happen at the right time. In fact, many women take the time to consider how to proceed with their pregnancy before making a final decision. If you’re faced with an unplanned pregnancy, speaking with a trained counselor could help you choose the course of action that’s best for your future.

Benefits of Counseling During Unplanned Pregnancy

• You’ll be knowledgeable about all options regarding your pregnancy.

Although it’s necessary that you make a decision on how to proceed with your pregnancy, it’s important that you first become aware of every option available. A trained counselor will provide you with all of the information regarding every potential option so that you can make an informed and responsible decision that is right for your unique situation.

• You’ll be able to talk through your feelings.

Discovering you’re pregnant can be an emotional experience. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, scared or hesitant about carrying the fetus to term. When you speak with a counselor, you’re able to discuss these emotions in detail, discover how you truly feel about the pregnancy and determine how you should proceed.

• You’ll speak with professionals who will support your decision.

Ultimately, the decision to carry or not carry a fetus to term is up to you. No matter which decision you choose, your counselor will support you every step of the way. A counselor will respect your decision and help you feel confident in your choice.

• Unplanned Pregnancy Albuquerque

Having a child can be a rewarding experience, but it is not the right choice for everyone. When faced with an unplanned pregnancy Albuquerque women turn to Care Net Pregnancy Center for compassionate and understanding counseling. If you need expert advice concerning your unexpected pregnancy, call Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque today.

IMPORTANCE OF STI TESTING

An important free service is offered at Care Net Pregnancy Center of ABQ; that of STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) screening and treatment. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are nearly 2 million new STI cases every year. At Care Net, we are concerned with this number because 50% of new STIs are among 15-24-year-olds. STIs usually affect women harder than men. This is a significant problem affecting women in their early childbearing years.

What is an STI?                                                                                                                                       

It is an infection passed from one person to another during intimate physical contact. This sexual contact includes the vagina, the mouth, or the anus. Even touching genitals can pass a sexually transmitted infection. Often the people have mild or no symptoms and do not know they are infected.

What are the symptoms?                                                                                                                        

Small warts, sores in the genital region, rashes, or discharge are some of the pieces of evidence of an STI.  Most of the infections passed from partner to partner do not have symptoms. These infections can cause scarring which later prevents women from having a child.  Sexually active girls and boys should request STI testing. Care Net tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea.  Chlamydia is an infection that may not have symptoms.  Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection. Left untreated, both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. PID symptoms include pain in your lower belly and pelvic region, a heavy, smelly discharge from the vagina, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, fever and chills, and pain or difficulty peeing. A potential complication is the inability to get pregnant or an ectopic pregnancy which is life-threatening to women.

How Do We Test for STIs? 

After signing a document giving permission to be screened for STIs, a urine sample is given.  Return for results in 3 to 5 days.

How Are STIs Treated?    

These STIs can be effectively treated by taking antibiotics. An onsite medical provider will call the medication into a local pharmacy. Retesting in 6-8 weeks is recommended.

Free testing of STIs at Care Net Pregnancy Center of ABQ is a way to serve our community.

How to Take Care of Yourself After an Abortion?

An abortion requires proper at-home care for a successful recovery. The knowledgeable staff at Care Net are ready to provide you with advice for the proper care after abortion Albuquerque women require. Consider the following healthcare tips and notify your doctor if you’re experiencing any abnormal complications. The trained professionals at Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque are standing by to answer all of your questions.

It’s important to know the difference between normal and abnormal side effects.

Normal side effects include:

• Bleeding
• Discharge
• Pain and Cramps
• Hormonal changes

Abnormal side effects include:

• Prolonged heavy bleeding
• Severe pain and cramps that do not subside with medication
• Increased temperature at or above 101° after your procedure
• Daily nausea or diarrhea
• Prolonged depression
• Fainting
• Smelly discharge
• Feelings of pregnancy two weeks after your procedure

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these abnormal side effects.

For five days following your procedure, refrain from inserting anything into your vagina. This includes abstaining from using tampons, douching and having intercourse. You may require rest and should avoid overexertion. You can also reduce your chances of developing an infection by avoiding submersion in baths, pools, hot tubs or other bodies of water.

Some women will experience emotions ranging from guilt and anger to confusion or a lack of emotion. These feelings are normal and typically will subside within a few days. Having a support system to discuss these feelings with may help.

To limit the severity of the side effects after your abortion, try the following at-home treatment methods:

• Relieve breast tenderness by wearing a tight-fitting bra
• Alleviate cramps by massaging the abdomen, using a heating pad or taking over the counter pain medication
• Keep hydrated to prevent sickness
• Stay home and rest for one to two days to recover your strength

There are many forms of care after abortion Albuquerque women can utilize to ease their recovery. Most importantly, it’s necessary that you follow up with your doctor two to three weeks after the procedure. For more information or to speak with a trained specialist, call Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque today.

Human Sex Trafficking: How Care Net Can Help

Typically, when we think of human sex trafficking we picture homeless girls being kidnapped of the street. Last week’s sensational news headline of a teenage boy kidnapped and sexually molested by two women from NM demonstrate that human trafficking may not always look the same. Everyone needs to be aware and take proactive precautions. Consider these real-life scenarios as a warning to protect yourself and those you love.

An educated woman expecting her first child traveled from another country at the invitation of a relative whom she did not know well. She was promised a job, a car and room and board. Did it sound too good to be true? Sure.  But it was family. When the mom to be arrived, her documents, cell phone, driver’s license and cash were confiscated. Supposedly for safe keeping. She was forced to depend on the family member for everything! Soon she was put to work making food for the relative to sell. Soon she realized that the target was her child and she had been tricked into a baby selling scheme.   Fortunately she was able to convince a sympathetic neighbor to help her recover her documents and get her on a bus to her real family.

Take the case of a runaway who needed a place to stay. She called a friend who was willing to let her sofa surf for a short while. She was there for only a few days when he began to suggest that she pay her way by exchanging sex for her room and board. Eventually she sought help from a pregnancy resource center. Or the 19-year-old who was persuaded to leave home with a seemingly caring older man. He took her to another state where she soon discovered that he controlled every detail of her life. Before long he had set up sexual encounters with other men for secretly videotaped sexual acts. Since she looked like a young teenager, the men whom she seduced thought she was underage. The videos were then used by her abuser to blackmail the males. This girl was subject to extreme verbal and sexual abuse, so she began using alcohol in an attempt to provide mental escape. She eventually was able to run away and landed up in a shelter to hide from her abuser. In one instance a woman being forced into prostitution had secreted her two year old child away so that the pimp could not use the child as a control. She was working on an exit strategy for herself. A young collage woman was invited to attend a party by an acquaintance. Once at the party, she was drugged and moved to a different city. She was held against her will by a sex trafficking ring for 3 years before she escaped.

All of these women walked away from their harrowing experiences with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They never saw the profits and endured unbelievable misuse and abuse. Most spent years in therapy to regain their self-esteem and struggled to regain normalcy.  One began a losing battle with self-medicated drugs. Several still live with an STD.

There is help available. All of these women found help at the Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque. The staff there listened to their needs and gave them referrals to safe places. Go to www.pregnanthelponline.org to find a location near you.  There are other organizations as well. Such as the SAFE House or Haven House for women being abused.

Prevention is the best way to avoid these horrific situations. Stick to the basic safety rules. Do not take rides from people you do not know well. Stay in groups. Never leave your drink unattended. Do not go places, especially new places by yourself. Never be alone with strangers. Double date with trusted friends.  Stay in contact with your family. Share your friend’s phone numbers with family. Let your family know your schedule and keep them in the loop of your plans. Avoid internet hookups or dates. They are often not who they pretend to be. Stay aware of your surroundings. Call a safe house or a trusted friend of the same sex if you have to get away. Do not give your id or phone to someone else. The old adage of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is true. Watch out for yourself and those you love.