Frequently Asked Questions

PREGNANCY What are the early signs of pregnancy? What are my options?     - abortion     - parent     - adoption How does my baby grow? Where do I go for help? SEXUAL HEALTH What is Emergency Contraception? What are STD's (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) Should I have sex? Is sex safe? ABORTION Should I be concerned about having an abortion? What can I do about people pressuring me? Can I have a baby and still live my life? What are the abortion procedures? What about the abortion risks? What about the Spiritual Consequences? ABORTION RECOVERY What is Post-abortion Syndrome? What do I do with my feelings and what are the steps to healing?

What are the EARLY SIGNS OF PREGNANCY? During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. Commons symptoms include: • Missed Period • Nausea and Vomiting • Breast Tenderness • Frequent Urination • Feeling Tired • Mood Swings Most pregnancy tests are reliable. At Pregnancy Resource Center in Oceanside, we provide free pregnancy tests. If you test positive and are between 8 and 13 weeks pregnant, and are considering abortion, we will provide a free utrasound to help you make an informed decision. At Pregnancy Resource Center, your counselor will give you resources and referrals to help you with your pregnancy. To confirm your pregnancy, you should visit your health care provider. What are my options? An unwanted pregnancy can cause a crisis in a woman's life. Before you decide, make sure you know your options. You can abort or carry your baby. If you choose abortion, make sure you know the procedures and risks associated with that choice. If you carry your baby, you can either parent or place your child with adopting parents. While this may seem difficult, it is a loving choice, as you're giving life to your baby and to people who long for a child of their own. If you choose to parent, the task may seem daunting, especially if you're single. But at Pregnancy Resource Center, we can help you with necessities for the baby, including all types of referrals - from housing, to medical, to financial and even adoption. Whatever your choice, Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help you make an informed decision. Parenting Babies come into the world with no instructions, and you pretty much have to assemble them on your own!  There are no guaranteed formulas that work in every instance.  Things you do for one child may work just fine, but could present problems with another.  There are wonderful resources to help you parent in this new time of your life.  For helpful information, click here. To help you on your way, Pregnancy Resource Center provides a 10-week series of free parenting classes that covers a variety of topics.  These classes take place throughout the year and cover such topics as: Fetal Development Nutrition & Exercise Breastfeeding Childbirth Parenting Personal Image Goal Setting Budgeting Baby Shower Celebration Single Parenting Where can I live with my baby? Look into housing options before you deliver.  Some possibilities include living with a friend or relative, living with your parents or the birth father's parents, living in a group home for single moms, or living in public, subsidized housing (may have a long waiting list).  Look for something safe and affordable.  What about childcare & going to school? If you are a student, ask if your school offers daycare.  If you live in California, you may qualify for CalWORKS Childcare Program, a program that provides childcare while you are working or going to school.   Your pregnancy counselor can help you find the program that works best for you.   Most schools encourage you to continue your education.  You may decide to take a semester off while you adjust to single parenting, but your educational goals are still reachable.  No one will force you to quit school. Is there help for baby items? At Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC), our clients receive maternity clothes, some baby supplies and baby clothes up until the child is two years old.  Most items are donated to our Center, and are in very good to new condition.  Appointments are made for Anna's Treasures by calling 760-945-HOPE.  How do I get support from the birth father and what rights does he have? The birth father's legal responsibilities include providing financial support for your child that your child is entitled to.  Check with your state support enforcement agency for guidelines to help you receive the financial support required.  If for some reason you cannot get the support, you need to plan how you will care for your baby without it.   Discuss the rights your birth father has with your counselor, attorney, or your state social services department.  You and the child's father should also discuss with each other your individual rights and responsibilities.  A child's needs are best met when birth parents work together.  For free information about your rights please visit www.sandiegochildsupport.com. How do I explain to my child why there is no father in our home? Not having a father present may be hard for a child to understand.  Explain that because of complicated circumstances, he is unable to be part of your family.  Talk as positively about the other parent as you can without being dishonest.  Even if you don't like him, he is someone special to your child.  Respect your child's interaction with other male role models.  How your child perceives caring adults of either sex will affect how he or she will relate to others as an adult. Adoption If you are not ready to be a parent you can sill give your baby the gift of life by choosing adoption.  You want what's best for you and your baby.  Adoption may be just the right choice for you.  Adoption has changed dramatically over the years.  Your agency will work with on an adoption plan of your choice.  After birth, you can see your baby, name your baby, and spend time with your baby.  If you choose, you can get updates on your child's progress or have on going visits throughout your child's life while you continue your education or career goals.  Finally, you can be proud that you chose life for your baby. How are the adoptive parents selected? You can choose your adoptive family.  Your agency will help you choose a couple from a variety of backgrounds that have been screened and approved.  There are additional options such as choosing a friend, an acquaintance, or someone who has been recommended to you.  What about the child knowing me? Your child will know about you, as much as you want to be involved.  There are three types of adoption plans:  open, semi-open, or confidential.  You may choose to share your identity and where you live with the adoptive family.  If you've made an open adoption plan, you can have ongoing, direct contact with your child and the adoptive family. Does the birthfather have any rights? Both you and the birthfather have rights.  If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with him, your adoption agency will work with the birthfather and/or the courts to determine if his rights can be terminated. Can my child find me if he or she wants to search someday? The laws in your state determine when and how your child may have access to information in the adoption file.  Your caseworker will explain the current laws as they apply to your adoption plan. How much does it cost? As the birthmother, there are no costs to you.  The adoption agency will handle all the legal details for you and the birthfather.  For additional information and assistance on adoption in San Diego County, click here. How does my baby grow? Have you ever thought about what is growing in your womb? From the moment of conception, a unique human being with some of your characteristics is starting its life. From conception until birth nothing is added to your baby except time and growth. Within 5 to 9 days, your baby’s sex can be determined, at 18 days, your baby’s heart begins to beat. To learn more what your child looks like, click here.  Where do I go for help? The Pregnancy Resource Center at 4095-B Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA. 92056 (760) 945-HELP or 24-Hour HOTLINE: (800) 395-HELP.  If you do not live near Oceanside, California, Find a pregnancy resource center near you. Should I be concerned about having an abortion? Abortion is not just a simple medical procedure. For many women, it is a life changing event with significant physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences. Many women who struggle with past abortions say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion. Click here to find out about abortion risks.  What can I do about people pressuring me? Remember, no person will be required to live with the consequences of this decision as much as you will. If your boyfriend, husband, parents, or even friends are pressuring you to make a quick decision, explain your needs and try to involve them in counseling to explore your positive options. You have the right to continue with this pregnancy. Can I have a baby and still live my life? You may see this unplanned pregnancy as a major roadblock in your life. Thankfully, there are other routes that can get you back on track. Be encouraged to know that many women in the same situation have found the necessary help and resources to make positive choices to parent or adoption, and still realize their dreams. At Pregnancy Resource Center we are here to help you. WHAT ARE THE ABORTION PROCEDURES AND HOW DO THEY WORK? The Morning-After Pill or "Plan B" Within 72 hours of Conception The morning-after pill is also known as “ emergency contraception”. It is eight times the strength of the birth control pill. While the FDA has approved its use, there are no long-term studies to show whether women will be permanently damaged, or risk diseases such as cancer, from these chemicals given in such high doses. How does it work? There are three ways in which it works. Ovulation is inhibited, meaning the egg will not be released; The normal menstrual cycle is altered, delaying ovulation; or It can irritate the lining of the uterus preventing the embryo from attaching itself to the uterus. The result is a chemical abortion. What are the side effects? Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, lower abdominable pain, fatigue, headache, breast tenderness and menstrual changes. Most common are nausea and vomiting. RU486, Miferpristone (The Abortion Pill) Within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP (last menstrual period) This medical abortion is used for women who are within 30 to 49 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called mispostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the baby. For more information about RU486 click here. Manual Vacuum Aspiration Within 7 weeks after the LMP (last menstrual period) This surgical abortion is done early in the pregnancy up until 7 weeks after the woman’s last menstrual period. The cervical muscle is stretched with dilators (metal rods) until the opening is wide enough to allow the abortion instruments to pass into the uterus. A hand held syringe is attached to tubing that is inserted into the uterus and the baby is suctioned out. Suction Curettage (Most Common) Within 6 to 14 weeks after LMP In this procedure, the doctor opens the cervix with a dilator (a metal rod) or laminaria (thin sticks derived from plants and inserted hours before the procedure). The doctor inserts tubing into the uterus and connects the tubing to a suction machine. The suction machine is nearly 30 times more powerful than a vacuum cleaner, and it pulls the baby’s’ body apart and out of the uterus. One variation of this procedure is called Dilation and Curettage (D&C). In this method, the doctor may use a curette, a loop-shaped knife, to scrape the fetal parts out of the uterus. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) Within 13 to 24 weeks after LMP This surgical abortion is done during the second trimester of pregnancy. Because the developing baby doubles in size between the eleventh and twelfth weeks of pregnancy, the body of the baby is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing. In this procedure, the cervix must be opened wider than in a first trimester abortion. This is done by inserting laminaria a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the doctor pulls out the fetal parts with forceps. The baby’s skull is crushed to ease removal. Dilation and Extraction (D&X) (Partial Birth) From 20 weeks after LMP to full-term This procedure takes three days. During the first two days, the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. On the third day, the woman receives medication to start labor. After labor begins, the abortion doctor uses ultrasound to locate the baby’s legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the doctor delivers the baby up to the baby’s head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed. WHAT ABOUT THE ABORTION RISKS? Short and Long-Term IMMEDIATE RISKS OF ABORTION Some side effects may occur with induced abortion.  These include: • abdominal pain and cramping • nausea • vomiting • diarrhea. In most abortions, no serious complications occur. However, complications may happen in as many as 1 out of every 100 early abortions and in about 1 out of every 50 later abortions. Such complications may include: Psychological Risks In a study of post-abortion patients only 8 weeks after their abortion, researchers found that 44% complained of nervous disorders, 36% had experienced sleep disturbances, 31% had regrets about their desicion and 11% had been prescribed psychotrpoic medicine by their family doctor. Heavy Bleeding Some bleeding after abortion is normal. There is, however, a risk of hemorrhage, especially if the uterine artery is torn. When this happens, a blood transfusion may be required. Infection Bacteria may get into the uterus from an incomplete abortion resulting in infection. A serious infection may lead to persistent fever over several days and extended hospitalization. Incomplete Abortion Some fetal parts may not be removed by the abortion. Bleeding and infection may occur. RU486 may fail in up to 1 out of every 20 cases. Allergic Reaction to Drugs An allergic reaction to anesthesia used during abortion surgery may result in convulsions, heart attack and, in extreme cases, death. Tearing of the Cervix The cervix may be cut or torn by abortion instruments. Scarring of the Uterine Lining Suction tubing, curettes, and other abortion instruments may cause permanent scarring of the uterine lining. Perforation of the Uterus The uterus may be punctured or torn by abortion instruments. The risk of this complication increases with the length of the pregnancy. If this occurs, major surgery, including a hysterectomy, may be required. Damage to Internal Organs When the uterus is punctured or torn, there is also a risk that damage will occur to nearby organs such as the bowel and bladder. Death In extreme cases, other physical complications from abortion including excessive bleeding, infection, organ damage from a perforated uterus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia may lead to death. This complication is very rare and occurs, on average, in less than 20 cases per year. LONG-TERM RISKS OF ABORTION Abortion and Breast Cancer Medical experts are still researching and debating the link between abortion and breast cancer. However, here are some important facts: • Carrying a pregnancy to full term gives protection against breast cancer that cannot be gained if abortion is chosen. • Abortion causes a sudden drop in estrogen levels that may make breast cells more prone to cancer. • Most studies conducted so far show a significant link between abortion and breast cancer. A 1994 study in the journal of the National Cancer Institute found: “Among women who had been pregnant at least once, the risk of breast cancer in those who had experienced an induced abortion was 50% higher than among other women.” For more information on how abortion links to breast cancer click here Effect on Future Pregnancy Scarring or other injury during an abortion may prevent or place at risk future wanted pregnancies. The risk of miscarriage is greater for women who abort their first pregnancy. AFTER ABORTION - EMOTIONAL, MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL IMPACT If you’ve had an abortion, or are thinking about having one, consider that 90% of all women who have had an abortion regret their decision and live with Post-Abortion Stress (PAS), the psychological response to abortion. Women with PAS experience one or more of these symptoms: • Guilt • Anger • Anxiety • Depression • Suicidal Thoughts • Anniversary Grief • Flashbacks of Abortion • Sexual Dysfunction • Relationship Problems • Eating Disorders • Alcohol and Drug Abuse • Psychological Reactions PAS is an ongoing inability to: • Process the painful thoughts and emotions – especially guilt, anger and grief – which arise from one or more unplanned pregnancies and subsequent abortions. • Identify (much less grieve) the loss that has been experienced. • Come to peace with God, herself and others involved in the pregnancy and abortion decision. What about the Spiritual Consequences? People have different understanding of God. Whatever your present beliefs may be, there is a spiritual side to abortion that deserves to be considered. Having an abortion may affect more than just your body and your mind – it may have an impact on your relationship with God. What is God’s desire for you in this situation? How does God see your unborn child? These are important questions to consider.   My life is overwhelming, and I still am not sure… Whatever your situation or crisis you are facing, we are here to help you. If you want to talk to a counselor, and you live in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Costa, or Vista communities, please contact us at 760-945-HOPE (4973), or email us at info@prcoceanside.com. If you live outside our area, please call 1-800-395-HELP for your nearest pregnancy resource center. They will be able to get you the information you need to make an informed decision for you and your baby. If you choose to abort your baby, we are still here for you and care for your well-being. Make sure you keep our number (760) 945-HOPE for safe-keeping, so we can be there for you. You will not be judged, or condemned. Only loved and attended to. We’re here to help you through your time of need. What do I do with my feelings and what are the steps to healing? Most women who choose abortion are going against their own moral codes, and this explains why they feel guilt afterward.  And the guilt is what stops them from talking about it or getting the emotional help they deserve.  If you have experienced an abortion, it's important that you recognize the symptoms of PAS.  If you identify with these symptoms, then it may be beneficial for you to seek counseling, or contact your local pregnancy center.  And because abortion separates us spiritually, your ability to heal and to come to peace with God is important. At PRC we offer confidential abortion-recovery programs.  Our 10-week program helps you to process your feelings, and covers such topics as: Relief and Denial Anger Depression Forgiveness Acceptance CALL (760) 945-HOPE or 24 HOUR HOT LINE: (800) 395-HELP 4095-B Oceanside Blvd. Oceanside, CA. 92056 contact us online