How do I know if I’m pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms differ for every woman, while some may experience zero symptoms. However, the most common initial sign of pregnancy is a missed period. There are other symptoms that should be considered to detect a possible pregnancy: Fatigue Nausea/vomiting Tender/swollen breasts Spotting Aversion to certain foods Cramping Mood swings If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you could be pregnant. However, the only way to know if you are pregnant with assurance is to complete a pregnancy test. Our center provides pregnancy tests at no-cost.

How much will my appointment cost?

Petoskey Pregnancy Care Clinic’s goal is to provide women with the care and resources that they deserve. That’s why all our services are no cost. If you only wish to schedule an appointment to receive consultation and direction, you will not need to provide any forms of payment. We are here to serve you.

Can I bring someone with me?

Our priority is to ensure that you feel comfortable and safe during your visit. We invite you to bring a friend, significant other, or family member to your appointment.

Can I be pregnant and have an STD?

You can be pregnant and have an STD simultaneously. In fact, having an untreated STD while pregnant can cause serious harm to you and your pregnancy. If you’ve had unprotected sex with a high-risk sexual partner, or if you have shared needles, it’s important that you get tested immediately.

Will my insurance company know about my appointment?

Because your appointment will be no cost to you, we do not require an insurance card or any form of payment when you come in for your appointment. This way, we are able to ensure that you get the resources and services you need in a confidential manner.

What if I don’t know my next steps?

The season you are walking through can be filled with uncertainty and confusion, but we want to walk with you through this time. Your best first step is to make an appointment with our center so that we can offer you pregnancy testing and/or insightful consultation. Our caring, knowledgeable staff can discuss your situation and options, providing you with the resources you need to make an informed decision.

How Does An Ultrasound Work?

An ultrasound is usually a simple and non-invasive process. Ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves that allow you to see inside the uterus. A sonographer will put a gel substance on your belly and hold a transducer, a hand-held device, onto your skin. Ultrasound is sound that travels through the tissue and fluid and bounces back and echoes to create an image.

How does the abortion pill end an unwanted pregnancy?

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a chemical procedure used to end a pregnancy in the first 10 weeks of gestation. The first pill taken as part of the abortion pill process is called Mifepristone. This drug ends the pregnancy by depriving it of progesterone, which it needs to survive. Once the pregnancy has ended, Misoprostol is used to cause contractions and expel the pregnancy from the uterus.

What are the side effects and risks of the abortion pill?

As the pregnancy is ending and being expelled from the body, women will experience intense cramping and heavy bleeding. Other side effects include potential nausea, weakness, fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. Unfortunately, the abortion pill is also associated with severe health complications, including infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging. To know if you’re at risk for these complications, schedule a free ultrasound scan and medical consultation at your local pregnancy clinic today.

How much does the abortion pill cost in Michigan?

The abortion pill is often thought of as the most convenient and cost-effective way of handling an unplanned pregnancy. However, medical abortions come at a high cost, with the medication's average price being $490. If your pregnancy is further along than 10 weeks, you'll need to access a surgical abortion. These procedures can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000.

Is the abortion pill covered by insurance in Michigan?

In the state of Michigan, the abortion pill is not covered by insurance except in the case of life endangerment. This means if you are seeking an abortion in Michigan, whether medical or surgical, you will be responsible for the cost of the procedure on an out-of-pocket basis.

Where can I find free pregnancy health services in Michigan?

While abortion will likely not be covered by insurance in Michigan, that doesn’t mean you can’t find affordable pregnancy healthcare near you. For women who aren’t interested in dealing with Medicaid to access necessary services like pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, and more, PCC Petoskey is here to help! We’re passionate about providing women with the information and resources they need to make an empowered choice for their pregnancies. We provide ultrasounds, prenatal education, parenting classes, adoption referrals, and much more to ensure that you feel supported and loved at all stages of your pregnancy options and beyond!

How much does an abortion cost in Michigan?

Abortion costs depend greatly on what type of procedure you’re accessing. While the average cost of the abortion pill is $490, a late-term surgical abortion can exceed $3,000. In order to understand what type of abortion you’re eligible for and what costs you’ll face, you’ll need an ultrasound to determine the age of your pregnancy. For free services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, visit PCC Petoskey today!

Will my abortion be covered by insurance?

Michigan state law restricts both private and public insurance plans from covering abortions outside of cases of life endangerment. Because of this, you will likely be responsible to pay for the full cost of your abortion procedure. For women considering parenting or adoption, The Michigan Medicaid program will likely cover many costs related to your pregnancy, including prenatal visits, vitamins, ultrasounds, important pregnancy-related screenings, childbirth, and postpartum care for up to 60 days after birth.

I don’t have insurance. How can I find affordable pregnancy healthcare in Michigan?

Here at PCC Petoskey, we believe women should have access to the information and resources they need to make an educated choice for their unplanned pregnancies. Regardless of whether or not you’re insured, we’re passionate about providing free and confidential pre-abortion screenings so you can decide if abortion is right for you.

When should I take a pregnancy test?

If you’ve recently had unprotected sex, there’s a chance you could be pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, there are a few common pregnancy symptoms you can be on the lookout for. These symptoms include: Nausea Vomiting Tenderness of the breasts Fatigue Headaches New cravings Sensitivity to smells or foods Mood swings You could have any of these symptoms for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, so it’s recommended you wait until you’re at least one week past your missed period before taking a pregnancy test. This will allow enough time for your body to produce a detectable amount of HCG.

What are the most accurate pregnancy tests?

While many brands claim their tests are the most accurate, the best way to ensure accuracy is to wait for the right moment to take your pregnancy test. You should also make sure you follow all the instructions carefully. In addition to waiting at least a week after your missed period, we recommend taking your pregnancy test first thing in the morning before you’ve had anything to drink. Also, check that your pregnancy test has not expired. At-home pregnancy tests rely on the user to follow all of the instructions carefully. For the most accurate testing, head to your local pregnancy clinic for no-cost pregnancy testing!

I’m pregnant! What do I do now?

Okay, so you’ve taken a positive pregnancy test! Remember you’re not alone and there is help available to you! If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, schedule an appointment at your local pregnancy clinic where you’ll receive a no-cost ultrasound, guidance on what to do next, and a safe place to explore your options!

The Psychological Effects of Abortion on Women

It’s no secret that abortion is a highly debated political topic. As a result, the safety and concern for women who are facing unplanned pregnancies are often put to the side in favor of a political bias.

Because of the politics involved, it can be difficult for women to access what they need to make an informed choice for their pregnancies. If you are considering abortion and gathering information on your options, you’re in the right place.

Pregnancy Care Center of Petoskey is here to help you understand the psychological risks related to abortion and help you make the safest and smartest decision for your future.

The psychological effects of abortion on women

While every woman is different, it’s important to consider the experiences of women who have had abortions in the past to help inform your choice for your future.

Studies have proven that the abortion process can cause or trigger mental health issues.1 In fact, according to one study, post-abortive women had an “81% increased risk of mental health problems” when compared to women who carried their pregnancies to term. These mental health issues included anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and substance abuse.2

Experiencing mental health complications following your abortion may have lasting effects on your day-to-day life and general long-term wellbeing.

The physical effects of abortion on women

In addition to the psychological effects of abortion, there are numerous physical risks related to abortion procedures that women may face.

These physical complications may also in turn result in mental health consequences as women deal with the impacts of their abortions. Some of these risks include infection and sepsis, heavy bleeding and hemorrhaging, an increased risk of Pelvic Inflammatory disease, and future fertility issues.3, 4, 5

Is abortion right for me?

Deciding if abortion is the right path for you can be a challenging choice to make. In order to make an informed and confident decision, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your local pregnancy clinic, like the Pregnancy Care Center of Petoskey. We will help you explore your options and provide you with free pregnancy services like lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound scan to confirm your pregnancy.

schedule an Appointment

Before you make a decision for your future, remember that you are not alone and that there is support available to you! Schedule your free appointment with PCC Petoskey today!

Sources:

Reardon DC. The abortion and mental health controversy: A comprehensive literature review of common ground agreements, disagreements, actionable recommendations, and research opportunities. SAGE open medicine. 2018;6: 1–38. 10.1177/2050312118807624 . [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
Coleman, PK, “Abortion and Mental Health: Quantitative Synthesis and Analysis of Research Published 1995-2009,” BJP 2011; 199:180-186).
Paul M, Lichtenberg ES, Borgatta L, Grimes DA, Stubblefield PG, Creinin MD. Management of Unintended and Abnormal Pregnancy: Comprehensive Abortion Care. Chichester, West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2009. p. 376. [Evidence Grade: III]
Westergaard L, Phillipsen T, Scheibel J (1982). “Significance of cervical Chlamydia trachomatis infection in postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease.” Obstetrics and Gynecology, 68(5): 668-90; Ovigstad E, et al. (1983). “Pelvic inflammatory disease associated with Chlamydia trachomatis infection after therapeutic abortion.” Br J Vener Dis, 59: 189-92; Heisterberg L, et al. (1987). “The role of vaginal secretory immunoglobulin a, gardnerella vaginalis, anaerobes, and Chlamydia trachomatis in post abortal pelvic inflammatory disease.” Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 66(2): 99-102.
Bhattacharya, S. et al. Reproductive outcomes following induced abortion: a national register-based cohort study in Scotland. BMJ Open. 2, (2012).