Before Abortion

Verifying your pregnancy through lab quality pregnancy testing and first trimester obstetrical ultrasound helps determine the presence of a viable intrauterine pregnancy; and, all of our medical services are free & confidential. Research has shown that approximately 20–25% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Additionally, if there is no evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy upon ultrasound exam, there is a chance that an ectopic pregnancy has occurred—one that occurs outside the uterus. This can be life-threatening and abortion does not address an ectopic pregnancy. Care Net Pregnancy Resources of Warren County offers timely appointments to help you assist you in determining the next steps that are right for you and your overall well-being.

Our NJ licensed registered nurse will complete a medical intake and determine best timing for your ultrasound based on your medical history and appointment availability. In general ultrasounds are not conducted on the same day as the medical intake; however, our nurse has the discretion to proceed to an ultrasound based on the medical intake findings.

We believe a first trimester ultrasound is an important step in your managing your sexual and reproductive healthcare if you have missed your period, think you are pregnant, or have had a positive over the counter pregnancy test. If there is no evidence of an intrauterine pregnancy upon ultrasound exam, there is a chance that an ectopic pregnancy has occurred—one that occurs outside the uterus. This can be life-threatening situation if left untreated. Abortion does not address an ectopic pregnancy—an ectopic pregnancy requires surgery. Care Net Pregnancy Resources of Warren County offers timely appointments to help you assist you in determining the next steps that are right for you to help you safeguard your overall well-being. 

Yes.

We offer free and confidential first trimester ultrasound for anyone considering abortion. All of medical services are free and confidential and conducted by trained licensed medical professionals. We have no incentive in your decision about your pregnancy; and, it is our goal to provide you with as many answers possible to help you make the best decision for you personally. Care Net Pregnancy Resources of Warren County is a judgment free zone.

All medical procedures and medications have inherent risks. Our trained medical staff are available to sit with you, answer any questions you may have, and explain the various abortion procedures available to you based on your current situation as well as your medical history. You will have all the time you need to ask your medical questions and receive medically accurate information from our NJ licensed registered nurse. You may also schedule a follow up visit if you need more time to think things through. Your well-being is our priority and all of our services are free and confidential.

By scheduling an appointment, you will have the opportunity to sit with our medical staff and a client advocate. They are available to address any concerns you have regarding abortion. Additionally, they are available to address any emotional, spiritual, or practical concerns you may have. You will have all the time you need to ask your questions and receive non-judgmental care and feedback. You are free to schedule a follow up visit if you need more time to think things through. Your well-being is our priority and all of our services are confidential—and provided to you at no cost.

Pain, and perception of pain, is a personal matter; it is also a complex phenomenon involving both physical characteristics and emotional/spiritual components. This section addresses the physical characteristics of pain.

Some baseline truths to be aware of related to the physical manifestation of pain:

Mifepristone (the first medication taken, stops a pregnancy from growing by blocking progesterone, which is necessary to maintain a pregnancy, and it acts to break down the uterine lining, soften the cervix, and cause the developing embryo/fetus to detach from the uterine wall) causes very mild or no pain to the woman taking it.

Misoprostol (the second medication taken to induce labor and empty the uterus of the deceased fetus) causes cramping and bleeding approx. 1-4 hours after ingestion.

Peak Pain (typically occurring 2½ – 4 hours after misoprostol) has been described as “intense” – often lasting for an hour, or until the deceased fetus and all tissues related to the pregnancy are passed.

Recovery (the period 12-24 hours after the acute pain) consists of continued cramping, though more mild, and can persist for several days to weeks.

The abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) is generally used to terminate pregnancies up to 10 to 11 weeks (70–77 days) after the first day of the last menstrual period. While most effective in the first trimester. If you are past 11 weeks, a procedural abortion (in-clinic) is generally required.