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Abortion Facts & Pregnancy Information – FAQs

 

important facts of abortion and pregnancy information

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. However, one of the most significant symptoms is a missed menstrual cycle. If you have been sexually active and your period has not arrived, it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Below you will find some of the most common pregnancy signs and symptoms. If you have questions or think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to a trusted healthcare provider. Click here to contact the professionals at Women’s Aid Center and get your questions answered.

  • A delayed or missed period is the pregnancy symptom that most often leads a woman to test for pregnancy. However, some women do bleed while they are pregnant, as the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Many women experience spotting as well as some cramping, but typically the bleeding is lighter than a normal period. If you have been sexually active and your period is late, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test.
  • Swollen or tender breasts are a common pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception.
  • Feeling fatigued or more tired than usual is a symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.
  • Nausea, often referred to as morning sickness, can show up 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate enough to have no morning sickness at all, while others feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy. Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any time of day.
  • Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy. It is common to experience a dull backache throughout pregnancy.
  • The sudden rise of hormones in a pregnant woman’s body can cause headaches early in pregnancy.
  • Frequent urination is common. Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.
  • Many woman experience darkening of the areolas. If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.
  • Some women develop food cravings or aversions to certain types of food early in pregnancy. While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

Some women experience signs of pregnancy within a week of conception. For others, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may hardly be present at all. Noting the signs of pregnancy is critical because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider. Please contact us with any questions—we are here to help.

Abortion & Pregnancy – Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and from pregnancy to pregnancy. However, one of the most significant symptoms is a missed menstrual cycle. If you have been sexually active and your period has not arrived, it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Below are some of the most common early pregnancy signs and symptoms:

  • A delayed or missed period (some women experience light spotting or cramping as the embryo implants)
  • Swollen or tender breasts – may begin as early as 1–2 weeks after conception
  • Feeling fatigued or more tired than usual – can start as early as the first week
  • Nausea (morning sickness) – can appear 2–8 weeks after conception and occur any time of day
  • Lower backaches and headaches due to rising hormones
  • Frequent urination – common around 6–8 weeks
  • Darkening of the areolas (skin around the nipples)
  • Food cravings or aversions

Some women notice symptoms within a week of conception; others may have few or none. If you are experiencing any of these, please contact us – we offer free same-day pregnancy testing and ultrasound.

No – you do not need a separate doctor visit. We provide free pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and all necessary lab work on the same day as your appointment.

No parental consent is required in Illinois.

You are eligible for a medical abortion as soon as a urine pregnancy test is positive – often the same week you miss your period.

Most women resume normal periods 4–8 weeks after the abortion. Contact us if your period has not returned after 8 weeks.

Usually, Pregnancy hormones stay in your body for six weeks after abortion. We schedule a free follow up ultrasound to confirm completion.

We advise using sanitary pads to confirm the amount of bleeding for the first 2-3 days after your abortion. And after that you may use tampons.

You can resume sexual activity, but make sure to use protection in order to not to get pregnant right away.

Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, heavy lifting) until cleared at your follow-up visit. Heavy exertion can cause heavier bleeding.

We do not recommend herbal supplements or home remedies until after your follow-up visit, as there is no safety data during the abortion process.

Women’s Aid Center is a small, private, women-owned and managed clinic dedicated to compassionate, high-quality care. Your safety, dignity, and trust are our top priorities. Every patient receives private, one-on-one counseling in a professional, non-judgmental environment.

Yes – 100% confidential. We follow strict HIPAA guidelines. No one accesses your records without your written permission.

We discuss birth control at your follow up visit, but we do not provide a free starter pack.

We are unable to offer payment plans. Full payment (cash or major credit card) is due at the time of service. No personal checks accepted. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship, please do not hesitate to talk to us about financial assistance when you are scheduling your appointment. Often you will pay zero with financial assistance or if you have Illinois Medicaid. Also out of state patients are eligible for financial assistance, including travel expenses. The Average cost is currently $230 after financial assistance, but very often it's free.

Illinois Abortion Procedures - Safe, Private, Same-Day Appointments

We have two abortion options at Women's Aid Center: Immediate same-day effectiveness Manual Vacuum Aspiration Abortion or the abortion pill (mifepristone + misoprostol) with compassionate, confidential care at Women’s Aid Center. Serving all of Chicago and suburbs and all out of state patients, as well.


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