Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get pregnant?
A woman becomes pregnant through sexual intercourse or other sexual activities when sperm from the man travels up through the woman’s vagina and into her uterus. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg in the woman. This living human embryo implants itself in the wall of the woman’s uterus.

Can I become pregnant without having intercourse?
Pregnancy can happen any time that sperm is ejaculated or pre-ejaculated out of a man and spilled near the woman’s sexual organs. There is no way to know the exact risk of pregnancy when this happens – no matter how it happens. As a result, activities such as petting or foreplay could put you at risk of becoming pregnant.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
Pregnancy Symptoms vary and many women don’t experience any symptoms until after they have missed their period. Nausea, swollen breasts, being tired or dizzy as well as frequent urination are common symptoms a pregnant woman experiences. Every woman’s body is different and may experience unique symptoms. It is possible that any combination of these symptoms could mean you are premenstrual or that you have some illness. The only way to be sure it to have a pregnancy test.

For many women, especially young women, irregular periods are fairly common. This means that the period can be delayed. These irregularities can happen from month to month. Although pregnancy could be a reason for missing a period, it could also be caused by illness, travel, worry or stress.

How accurate is a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy centers typically use medical-quality, urine based test.  These tests are about 99% accurate. Other tests may vary in their accuracy.

How does a pregnancy test work?
Nine days after conception, urine based pregnancy tests work by picking up a hormone that your body produces when you are pregnant. If the test is done too early in the pregnancy, it may not be able find the hormone yet and result in a “false negative” test.

Are there any risks in taking the Morning After Pill (sometimes called “emergency contraception”)?
Yes there are risks in taking this medication.  Some of the possible side effects of this drug include:

  • fatigue
  • irregular bleeding
  • tenderness
  • abdominal pain
  • headaches
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • breast tenderness
  • possible blood clot formation

This “morning after pill” works in 3 ways – inhibits ovulation, prevents sperm from reaching the egg, and works as an abortion to prevent implantation in the wall of the uterus.  For more detailed information, visit this page – Morning After Pill/Ella

Can anyone make me have an abortion?
It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Pregnancy centers exists to help you in any circumstance. They can also help you in discussing your possible pregnancy with those closest to you that are influencing your decision.

Does abortion have any physical risks?
Yes, abortion has possible risks to your body. You need to know these risks outlined – Abortion Risks

Will you tell anyone about my visit to your center?
The services of pregnancy center are typically confidential.  That means they won’t tell anyone (parents, friends, etc.) that you visited the center and they will not contact you without your permission. If there are any legal situations which may force the pregnancy center to contact authorities, the center staff will outline these situations when you arrive at their offices.

Will abortion affect my mind and heart?
Abortion PTSD (also called post-abortion syndrome) is something many women experience following an abortion.  Simply considering an abortion can be traumatic which can have long-lasting emotional impact.

Immediately after an abortion, many report a sense of relief.  Relief is often temporary when other emotions can “catch up” with them months or even years later. Many express that they wish they could go back and “undo” the abortion.

Some typical symptoms of Abortion PTSD include: guilt, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, re-experiencing the abortion, fear of not being able to get pregnant again, survival guilt, eating disorders, alcohol or drug abuse.

Abortion isn’t an “easy” solution by any means. If you are considering an abortion, please take the time to research all your options by visiting your local pregnancy center.  More information is available under – Your Choices above.

Learn more about what a preborn child looks like: HERE

Sydna Masse

Hello, I am Sydna Massé Founder and CEO of Ramah International and the author of Her Choice to Heal. I'd love to keep in touch and include you in our prayer chain as we continue to serve abortion's wounded and those considering abortion.

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