As you make your decision about how to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy, some of the thoughts going through your mind may be:  I’m not ready to be a Mom!! Or,  What do I know about taking care of a baby?!  These are common concerns for many expectant women.  Thankfully, this is another area where ABBA can help!

ABBA’s trained client advocates are here to meet with you weekly, at a time convenient for you, to help you navigate a healthy pregnancy and prepare for parenthood.  As with all of ABBA’s services, these 60 minute appointments are free and confidential.  During your time with a client advocate, you will view up-to-date programming about pregnancy, labor and delivery and/or parenting.  Some of the pregnancy topics offered include: what to expect during each of the trimesters; eating for two; your developing baby; and comfort techniques for labor and delivery.  Parenting classes cover subjects such as:  infant hygiene; bonding with your newborn; infant nutrition; and learning through play.  Most programs also include information that you can take home to further your pregnancy and parenting knowledge.  In addition to watching a video, your appointment will allow plenty of time to ask questions and discuss whatever’s on your mind with your client advocate.  While the programming can make a big difference in helping you feel more confident in your parenting skills, most clients also appreciate just having access to an experienced and empathetic listening ear to talk over their questions and concerns.

Because we know your time is valuable and your resources may be limited, every time you come to ABBA for a parenting class you will earn 25 points that you can use to “purchase” items from our baby boutique. Each 25 points you earn entitles you to choose 3 items from the boutique, or you can save your points for a gift certificate to purchase larger items such as cribs or strollers. The boutique offers a large selection of new baby clothing, blankets, diapers and other needed supplies.

Those clients who have come consistently to parenting classes will also receive a free baby layette after their child is born.  And, the good news is, you can continue to come to ABBA for weekly classes for a year or more after your child is born, gaining more knowledge on such topics as understanding newborns; your baby can sleep; and first year milestones. As your child grows, your points at the baby boutique will continue to accumulate.

Embarking on the journey of pregnancy and parenthood can seem daunting. But resources are available and ABBA is here to come alongside you and help you to take good care of yourself and your baby.  Visit our website and make an appointment today to find out more about our FREE parenting classes! 

What is the Abortion Pill?

What is the abortion pill? What does it do? How much does it cost? These are all questions you might be asking yourself if you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant. If you are pregnant and aren’t sure what to do next, it’s totally normal. Truth is, even women who do want children experience second thoughts and anxiety when facing unplanned pregnancy. The most important thing is to be fully educated and knowledgeable of all your options and how your ultimate decision will affect your life.

What is the abortion pill?

Because they’re both pills, the abortion pill is often confused with Plan B. Plan B, an emergency contraceptive, is very different than the abortion pill, which is an actual abortion procedure. The main difference in the two is where the pills are received and how far along in pregnancy you can take them. Plan B is available over-the-counter and is taken immediately after intercourse, up to 72 hours after unprotected sex or birth control failure. The abortion pill, also known as RU-486 and Mifeprex, must be administered from a medical professional and can be taken up to 10 weeks after intercourse, but is more successful the earlier its taken.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill is a two-step process. A medical professional administers the first pill and the second pill is taken on your own at home, up to 48 hours later. The first pill stops your body from producing a hormone that is needed to further develop the fetus, while the second works to remove the tissue and empty the uterus, having the same effects on your body as a miscarriage. There is no set amount of time on how long it will take to start to empty the uterus after taking the second pill. You will likely experience severe cramping and bleeding during this process.

Am I eligible for the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is 98 percent effective if taken in the first eight weeks of pregnancy, but can be taken up to 10 weeks after conception. In the event the procedure fails and is not successful, a surgical abortion will be required. To determine how far along you are, schedule a no-cost limited obstetrical ultrasound with a pregnancy care center, like ABBA, A Women’s Resource Center.

After passing the eligibility period for the abortion pill, it’s important to consider state laws for other procedures. In the state of Maine, aside from health-related exceptions, it is illegal to have an abortion if the fetus is viable, meaning that it could successfully live outside the womb. Fetuses are usually viable around the end of the second trimester, sometimes third trimester. In addition, women under the age of 18 require parental, guardian or an adult family member’s consent before receiving the procedure.

What are the complications of the abortion pill?

One of the biggest complications and potential harm to your health is not following up with a doctor after the procedure. Many women who experience severe and life-threatening side effects because of the abortion pill is a result of not following up with a medical professional. Following up after the process lets the doctor see if further assistance will be needed, considering your physical and mental health. Many women experience PTSD after abortion procedures and greatly benefit from post-abortion counseling. In addition, if the abortion were to not be completely successful, further medical attention to remove the fetus will be needed.

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If you’re experiencing unplanned pregnancy and would like more information about your options, schedule a free and confidential appointment with ABBA A Women’s Resource Center. Our professional staff will provide you with resources and answer any additional questions you may have so you can make the best decision for your health.

ABBA A Women’s Resource Center does not perform or refer for abortions.