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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to our most commonly asked questions!

Pregnancy Tests

What are the common signs of early pregnancy?

If you're experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, pregnancy may be a possibility. According to the Mayo Clinic, taking a pregnancy test is the next step to help determine whether you are pregnant. 

Here is a list of symptoms from the Mayo Clinic to help you determine if you should take a pregnancy test:

  • Missed period

  • Tender, swollen breasts

  • Nausea, with or without vomiting

  • Increased urination

  • Fatigue

  • Food Cravings or Aversions

  • Mood Swings

When should I take a pregnancy test?

You are likely to get reliable results if you wait until the first day after your missed period. However, because every woman is different and some will have irregular periods, it can be more challenging to get accurate results. Our trained staff can help you understand the timing of pregnancy testing and find the best way to get accurate information, even if your periods are irregular.

How does a pregnancy test work?

When you become pregnant your body begins producing a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG.), commonly known as the pregnancy hormone. As your pregnancy progresses, hCG levels increase in your blood and urine. A urine pregnancy test detects this hormone to help determine whether you are pregnant.

Ultrasounds

Why is an ultrasound important?

An ultrasound does more than simply confirm whether you're pregnant. It can provide additional details about your pregnancy, including whether the pregnancy shows signs of viability (has not miscarried), where it appears to be developing (in the uterus or ectopic), and how far along you are. Having answers to these questions is important regardless of which pregnancy option you are considering.

Why is it important to confirm a viable pregnancy?

If you're considering abortion, confirming that your pregnancy is viable is especially important. Approximately 10-20%  of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. If a miscarriage has already occurred, an abortion decision is no longer relevant. Knowing whether your pregnancy shows signs of viability and appears to be developing in the uterus can help you make an informed decision.

Why should I know where my pregnancy is located?

An ultrasound can also identify where your pregnancy is developing. In some situations, an embryo implants somewhere other than the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, which most commonly occurs in the fallopian tubes.

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An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical concern that requires immediate attention. An ultrasound can help assess your pregnancy's location and identify signs of a possible ectopic pregnancy.

Your Pregnancy Options

Do I really have choices?

Yes! We understand that certain circumstances can make it seem as though there is only one way forward. However, it is important to understand that you always have three options to consider: parenting, adoption, and abortion.

How can I be sure I'm receiving accurate information?

Our goal is to provide you with reliable information about abortion and its side effects, the advantages and disadvantages of adoption, and the option of parenting. We want to offer a safe, welcoming environment where you can openly discuss your feelings, concerns, hopes, and personal circumstances. Never hesitate to ask questions. We're here to help you gather the information you need to make a fully informed decision.

What if I make the wrong choice?

Making a pregnancy decision can feel overwhelming, especially when you're worried about choosing the wrong path. We encourage you to visit us and take the time to learn about all your options. Having a clear understanding of your choices and the information surrounding them can help you make a well-informed decision.

Abortion

Is abortion legal in Texas?

Abortion is currently banned in the state of Texas except to preserve the life of the pregnant woman, and in cases where the pregnancy poses a serious risk of substantial impairment of a major bodily function. Texas abortion restrictions do not prohibit treatment for miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Under Texas law, a woman cannot be criminally prosecuted for obtaining an abortion. References: Texas Health and Safety Code Title 2, Subtitle H, Chapters 170A and Chapter 171

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It’s also important to note:

  • It is perfectly legal and completely confidential to schedule an appointment to talk to us about abortion.

Do you provide abortions?

Because we have seen that many women experience emotional stress or feelings of regret following an abortion, we have chosen not to provide or refer for abortion services. However, we are here to offer a safe and compassionate environment where you can take the time to explore and process all the information presented to you, without pressure or judgment. We also offer a free ultrasound to help determine how far along you are in your pregnancy so you can make an informed decision about your next steps.

What if I have second thoughts?

Great news: there is still hope. If you have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and are having second thoughts, there is an opportunity to reverse its effects through a medication process known as Abortion Pill Reversal. For more information or immediate assistance, please contact the 24/7 Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline at 1-877-588-0333.

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The reported success rate is currently 68%.

What are the types of surgical abortion?

The two most common types of surgical abortion are Suction Curettage or Dilation and Evacuation. 

What should I know about the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is a medication-based method used to terminate a pregnancy during its early stages. The FDA has approved the abortion pill regimen for use through 10 weeks gestation. This process involves taking two different medications. The first medication is designed to end the pregnancy, while the second causes contractions to expel the baby from the womb. It is important to understand that abortion is a medical procedure that can involve potential side effects and risks.

Parenting

Could parenting be the right choice for me?

It's an important question, and you don't have to figure out the answer on your own. We're here to help you work through your questions and provide encouragement along the way. You don't have to navigate motherhood without support, and becoming a parent doesn't mean giving up on your hopes and dreams. We believe in you and want to help you see the possibilities ahead. If raising a child doesn't feel possible for you right now, adoption may be another loving option to consider, offering both you and your baby the opportunity for a hopeful future.

What kind of support and resources are available?

We're here to provide more than information as you explore your pregnancy options. At Willow Grove Care Center, we offer a variety of free resources to support you throughout your parenting journey, including parenting education, baby supplies, childbirth preparation classes, community referrals, and support groups.

Adoption

What does adoption mean?

Adoption is a legal arrangement in which the rights and responsibilities of raising your child are transferred to an adoptive parent or family. If you choose to pursue adoption, you have an important role in making decisions about your baby's future. We understand that placing your child with another family is a deeply personal and emotional decision. However, you have a voice in the process, including choosing the family you feel is right for your baby, deciding what type of adoption you prefer, and determining whether you would like to maintain a relationship with your child in the future.

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If you would like to explore adoption, we can connect you with an adoption specialist who can explain the process, answer your questions, and provide referrals to adoption agencies.

What are the different types of adoption?

There are several types of adoption, each offering different levels of communication between birth parents and adoptive families.

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  • Open Adoption: This arrangement allows birth parents, adoptive parents, and the child to maintain an ongoing relationship and communication. Please note that open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable in the state of Texas.

  • Semi-Open Adoption: This option allows for some communication between birth parents and the adoptive family, while maintaining certain boundaries and privacy.

  • Closed Adoption: With this arrangement, identifying information is kept confidential, and there is no ongoing contact between birth parents and the adoptive family.

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Depending on the adoption arrangement, you may have the opportunity to select the family who will adopt your baby or allow an adoption agency to help find a suitable family.

How do I begin the adoption process?

Start by contacting us to schedule a time to speak with an adoption specialist who can walk you through the process and explain your options. Remember, you have time to gather information and explore your options without feeling rushed into making a decision.

Can I talk with other women who have chosen adoption?

Yes! Hearing from women who have experienced adoption firsthand can be a helpful way to learn more about the process. Connecting with birth mothers who are willing to share their personal stories, emotions, and experiences may help you better understand what adoption can look like and what to expect along the way.

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