livingwellmedicalclinic

Answering Common Questions About Us

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:48:02 GMT

If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you probably have a lot of questions (and that’s completely normal!) At LivingWell, we want you to feel safe, informed, and supported every step of the way. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about our clinic. If you don’t see yours here, we’re always just a phone call or visit away.

How much do your services cost?

All of our services are completely free!

LivingWell is a non-profit organization fully funded by the generosity of our community. That means you can receive care and information without worrying about cost. Even though our services are free, our clinic is professional, confidential, licensed, and up to date. You deserve quality care!

Do you have medically licensed staff?

Yes!

Our team includes registered nurses and trained sonographers who perform ultrasounds, answer medical questions, provide STD/STI testing, and address medical concerns that may arise during your appointment.

Our Client Advocates are not medically licensed, but they are trained to support you and will connect you with a nurse anytime medical questions or specific health concerns come up.

Do you provide abortions?

No, we do not provide or refer for abortion .

However, we offer accurate, up-to-date information about abortion procedures, risks, and what to expect. Our goal is to make sure you have medically sound information so you can make a fully informed decision.

Is the information you give medically accurate?

Yes!

Our educational materials and videos are developed and reviewed by medical professionals. We are committed to providing reliable, factual information so you can confidently explore your options.

Do you provide community referals?

Absolutely!

Every situation is different, and we have a wide range of trusted community resources available. We’re ready to connect you with people who care.

Will you try to sway me towards a certain decision?

Definitely not!

Our role is to support you, not pressure you. We provide information about all three options: parenting, abortion, and adoption. We want you to feel informed, confident, and empowered in whatever decision you make. LivingWell is a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space. We are here for you no matter what.

You don't have to face this alone.

An unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.

At LivingWell, we are here to listen, answer your questions, and provide the care and support you deserve. Whatever you’re facing today, know this: you matter, your story matters, and your next step matters.

Click here or call (530) 272-6800 to get in contact with us.

Abortion vs. Miscarriage: What's the difference?

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 22:14:58 GMT

Abortion and miscarriage (also known as spontaneous abortion) are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they refer to very different experiences. In this blog, we’ll explain what abortion and miscarriage are, how they differ, and how their treatments differ.

What is abortion?

Spontaneous abortion, or miscarriage, is when the loss of a pregnancy happens naturally before 20 weeks gestation. After 20 weeks, the loss of the baby is called a stillbirth. Spontaneous abortion was not by choice of the mother and can be caused by many different factors. Roughly 1 in 4 women will experience a miscarriage in their lifetime. This experience can look different for everyone. Common symptoms of miscarriage include:

• Bleeding or spotting

• Abdominal cramping

• Potential passing of tissue and blood clots

• Lower back pain

• Dizziness

It’s important to note that most causes of miscarriage are outside of your control. Don’t blame yourself and seek support if needed.

What is spontaneous abortion? (Miscarriage)

• Bleeding or spotting

• Abdominal cramping

• Potential passing of tissue and blood clots

• Lower back pain

• Dizziness

It’s important to note that most causes of miscarriage are outside of your control. Don’t blame yourself and seek support if needed.

How is the treatment the same and how is it different?

The treatment for a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) and the abortion process can be very similar, which is often where confusion happens. Let’s break it down.

Treatment for a spontaneous abortion depends on the circumstances. If a pregnancy ends naturally, the pregnancy tissue will often be expelled naturally as well. However, if tissue remains in the uterus after the miscarriage, this is called an incomplete miscarriage, which can increase the risk of serious infection.

In cases of an incomplete miscarriage early in pregnancy, doctors may prescribe misoprostol to help expel the remaining tissue as an alternative to a surgical procedure called a D&C (dilation and curettage). Misoprostol is also one of the medications used in medication abortions, which contributes to the confusion.

If the miscarriage occurs later in pregnancy, treatment may look different. At this stage, there is a higher risk of a missed miscarriage, which occurs when the embryo stops developing but is not expelled by the body. This differs from an incomplete miscarriage, in which some tissue is expelled but not all of it. In cases of either a missed or incomplete miscarriage, a D&C procedure may be necessary to ensure that all pregnancy tissue is removed. Leaving tissue behind can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening infections such as sepsis. A D&C is also the same procedure used to perform an abortion after the FDA approved timeline of 10 weeks gestation.

Because the medical treatments can be identical, it is easy to see why confusion exists. The key distinction is that treatment for a spontaneous abortion occurs after the pregnancy has already ended naturally, whereas an abortion procedure is performed while the pregnancy is still viable and is a deliberate medical decision. Although the treatments may be the same, they are fundamentally different situations.

Are there laws prohibiting miscarriage care in the U.S.?

Currently, no U.S. laws explicitly ban miscarriage care, even in states where abortion is restricted. However, concern arises because miscarriage management and abortion procedures often rely on the same medications and medical methods.This overlap has led many women to worry that abortion bans could limit access to necessary miscarriage treatment.

That concern is understandable. Still, miscarriage care is generally at lower risk of restriction because it is provided after a pregnancy has already ended, rather than to intentionally terminate one. The goal of miscarriage treatment is to manage a medical event that has already occurred and to protect the women’s health.

How can we help?

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Nevada County, California, we are here to help you. We offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and education on all of your pregnancy options. Schedule an appointment with us today by calling (530) 272-6800 or by clicking here .

Sources

Altshuler, Anna, Goldsmith-Ojanen, Alison, et al. Going Through It Together: Being Accompanied by loved ones during birth and abortion. Science Direct. Sep. 2021

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953621005669

Cleveland Clinic. Miscarriage. July 2022.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage

Mayo Clinic. Miscarriage: Symptoms and Causes. 2023.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298

This blog has been reviewed for medical accuracy and approved by Liz Hutchins, RN.

Newborn Essentials Checklist

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:53:50 GMT

Preparing for a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like everyone has a long list of things you must buy. The truth is that babies don’t need nearly as much as the internet may suggest. What they need most of care, safety, and support.

Here’s a simple, realistic list of newborn essentials to help you prepare without unnecessary stress or expense!

Clothing Basics

Newborns grow quickly, so a small amount goes a long way.

• Onesies

• Sleepers or footed pajamas

• Warm layers (depending on the time of year

• Socks

• A hat (for cooler weather)

Diaper Essentials

You don’t need a whole fancy setup. Just the basics!

• Diapers

• Baby wipes

• Diaper rash cream

• Changing pad or a soft towel

• Baby powder

Any large bag can work as a diaper bag.

Feeding Supplies

Every feeding journey looks different, and that’s okay.

If breastfeeding:

• Nursing bras or tank tops

• Burp clothes

• Breast pump

• Breast milk bags (they’re sterilized and leak-proof, regular Ziploc bags aren’t)

• Baby bottles

When freezing extra breast milk, make sure to leave about one inch of space at the top of the bag. Label the bag with the date and freeze the milk flat for easier thawing and efficient storage.

If formula feeding:

• Baby bottles

• Formula (as recommended)

• Bottle brush

Sleep Basics

Creating a safe space for your baby to sleep is one of the most important preparations.

• Crib or bassinet

• Firm mattress

• Fitted sheet

Make sure there are no loose blankets, pillows, or toys in the bed.

Health and Comfort Items

A few simple items can make everyday care a whole lot easier.

• Infant thermometer

• Baby nail clippers or file

• Gentle baby soap and lotion

• Soft towels or washcloths

• Baby bath seat

You're not alone!

Preparing for a baby can feel overwhelming, especially if resources are limited. LivingWell is here to help! We offer free services such as pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and material support to support you during your pregnancy and beyond.

Give us a call at (530) 272-6800 or click here to schedule an appointment with us!

How Do Epidurals Work?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:25:12 GMT

How Do Epidurals Work?

Used in an estimated 75% of births in the U.S., epidurals are one of the most common methods of pain relief during labor and delivery. Despite how routine they’ve become, many people don’t fully understand how they work or what to expect if they choose to get one. Whether you’re planning for childbirth or just curious, understanding the basics of an epidural can help you make an informed decision when it’s time to deliver your baby.

What does an epidural do?

Epidurals are used to numb the area from your bellybutton to your upper legs. This helps to eliminate labor or delivery pain. This is done through a mix of anesthetic and an opioid, such as hydromorphone or fentanyl. It typically takes around 15 minutes for the medication to kick in. While epidurals do help numb the pain, you will still feel pressure, which helps determine when you need to start pushing.

How is an epidural administered?

Epidurals for labor pain are commonly administered in two different ways; single injection epidurals or catheter epidurals.

Single injection epidurals are administered with a syringe in your epidural space of your lower back. This is the most standard form of epidural injections. The effects of the anesthesia last for a few hours before beginning to wear off.

A catheter epidural is when a small tube is inserted into your epidural space. This allows multiple doses of medication over a longer period of time. The effects of the anesthesia last longer with a catheter because of the consistent doses.

Is an epidural painful?

Your anesthesiologist will numb the area before administering the epidural. This is done through an injection in your lower back. The numbing injection may pinch, but you most likely won’t feel any pain for the epidural. You may the feel slight pressure of the needle being inserted into your epidural space.

When can I get an epidural during labor?

When you get an epidural is up to you and your healthcare professional. There is no specific timeframe in which you can receive one during the labor process.

What are the risks and possible side effects?

While very rare, there are some possible risks to having an epidural, such as:

Infection
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Spinal headaches
Blood pressure complications
Itchy skin

If you experience any of these complications after receiving an epidural, be sure to notify your healthcare provider immediately to get the appropriate treatment.

How We Can Help

If you are seeking more information and safe space to ask questions, we are here to help you. We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, education, and options consultations at no cost to you. To schedule an appointment, click here or call us at (530) 272-6800 .

Sources Used

Macmillan, Carrie, Epidurals During Childbirth: What Women Should Know, Yale Medicine, 2023.

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/epidural-anesthesia

Made For This Moment, Epidurals, American Society of Anesthesiologists, 2023.

https://madeforthismoment.asahq.org/pain-management/epidural/

Cleaveland Clinic, Epidural, Cleaveland Clinic, 2025.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21896-epidural

Abortion Laws in California

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 19:03:38 GMT

Abortion Laws in California

Understanding Abortion Laws in California

Navigating reproductive health care can feel overwhelming, especially as laws and regulations vary from state to state. In California, abortion remains legal with certain restrictions in place. Whether you're seeking information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the current legal landscape can support informed and confident decision-making. LivingWell Medical Clinic in Grass Valley, California, provides information on abortion and free ultrasound services to confirm a viable pregnancy for individuals considering abortion.

Current Abortion Laws in California

Abortion is legal in California, and the state has enacted several policies to protect both access to care and patient safety. The following regulations are currently in effect:

Abortion is not restricted by gestational age. There are no specific limits based on the duration of pregnancy under California law.
Parental notice is required for a minor’s abortion. However, a provider may waive this requirement if they believe it is not in the minor’s best interest.
State Medicaid covers abortion care. California’s Medicaid program includes coverage for abortion services.
Private health insurance plans are required to cover abortion. State law mandates that private insurers include abortion care in their coverage.
California law provides protections from harassment and physical harm for individuals entering abortion clinics.
The state has a shield law to protect abortion providers from investigations or legal actions initiated by other states. This may also extend to patients and support organizations involved in providing or seeking care.

Miscarriage Care Is Not the Same as Abortion Care

It’s important to clarify that abortion laws or policies do not restrict access to medical care for miscarriage. A miscarriage - also known as spontaneous pregnancy loss - is medically and legally distinct from abortion. Miscarriage care remains fully legal and available across the state.

Unfortunately, misinformation has led some to believe that access to emergency care for miscarriage may be affected by abortion laws. This is not the case. Miscarriage can involve serious health risks, and hospitals and medical providers are both equipped and permitted to offer the necessary care. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of a miscarriage, it’s essential to seek medical attention without delay.

Empowered Consent

Understanding your rights and responsibilities under state law is a crucial part of empowered consent. Whether someone chooses to carry a pregnancy to term, explore adoption , or seek an abortion, access to clear, accurate information is essential.

Our center offers free and confidential services if you are considering abortion in Grass Valley, California. These services are available to minors, and parental consent is not required . If you're considering your options , we are here to support you with facts, not pressure.

If you're not located near our center, we can also refer you to a free pregnancy clinic near you that can assist you as you navigate your next steps.

Schedule a Free Appointment

If you think you may be pregnant and want to understand your options , LivingWell Medical Clinic of Grass Valley is here to help.

Our compassionate team is here to support you with facts, not pressure - so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you.

Schedule your free appointment today and explore your options in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Signs of a Healthy Relationship

Thu, 15 May 2025 18:31:41 GMT

Signs of a Healthy Relationship

Whether you’ve been in a relationship for a few years or only a few months, it’s important to be sure that your relationship is healthy. We often hear about red flags, but what about green flags—the signs that your relationship is strong, supportive, and built to last? Healthy relationships are created through mutual respect, communication and trust. In this blog, we’ll look at the key indicators of a healthy relationship and how to know if you’re on the right track.

You Feel Safe to Be Yourself

“Just be yourself” is a phrase that we hear all the time. However, it means more than you may think. If you feel like you need to put on a persona every time you’re with your partner, this is an indication that you don’t feel safe to be who you are. Pretending to be someone different can be draining and damaging to a relationship.

It’s important that you feel completely comfortable to be yourself with no worry or concern. You shouldn’t feel like you’re not good enough. If you feel confident in who you are, then that is a sign that your self-worth is thriving in your relationship.

You Have Good Communication

Healthy communication is key to a relationship’s success. It’s important to be able to communicate well with your partner. Holding things back or not expressing how you feel can be very damaging to a relationship. If you feel that you can openly express how you feel to your partner and be genuinely heard by them, then you’re on the right track. This leads to our next point.

You Feel Safe To Speak Up

In your relationship, do you feel safe to speak up about potential conflicts or disagreements? If not, then you may have unhealthy communication. You should always be able to bring up certain topics to your partner without any fear of retaliation.

Arguments and disagreements are a part of every relationship–it’s how those arguments are handled that matters. Working through disagreements with mutual understanding and respect is a key part of a healthy relationship.

If you ever feel physically unsafe around your partner or are experiencing any abuse, it’s important to tell someone and get help immediately.

You Have Healthy Boundaries

In a healthy relationship, both people know and respect each other’s boundaries. Ignoring those boundaries and pushing the other person past them is one of the fastest ways to destroy trust and respect in your relationship. They are three key things when it comes to boundaries: knowing yourself, communicating your expectations, and holding your ground. If your partner doesn’t take your boundaries seriously, this is a huge red flag for your relationship. You should feel safe to talk openly with your partner and know that they will respect the boundaries you have set and feel comfortable with. If your partner respects those boundaries, then you can know that they also respect you.

You Have Realistic Expectations

Unmet expectations can damage a relationship as frustration builds and communication erodes. It’s important to be honest about what you want and need in your relationship, as well as what your partner wants and needs. As the relationship moves farther along, having this discussion can often eliminate future resentment and pain.

If you don’t communicate what you want but get upset at your partner for not doing it, you can cause bitterness in the relationship that never had to be there in the first place.

You Trust Each Other

Without trust, there is no healthy relationship. You need to know that your partner is always there for you, just as they need to know that they will get that same support in return. Trusting each other can look like:

Respect each other’s privacy and personal space
Never questioning their motives without good reason
Trusting them to talk kindly about you when you’re not around
Knowing that they will never push you past where you are comfortable
Trust is the foundation of every relationship! Make sure that you feel you can trust your partner completely.

After reading through these six points, evaluate your relationship and decide if you think it’s healthy. Maybe there was a point that you feel your relationship can improve. If so, talk with your partner so you can grow your relationship together!

How We Can Help

If you find yourself in need of pregnancy testing or just need a safe space to talk, we are here for you! We offer pregnancy testing , ultrasounds , and options consultations at no cost to you. To schedule an appointment, click here or call us at (530) 272-6800 .

Cathy Seapy

CEO

This blog has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Verifying Your Pregnancy: Why It’s Important

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 18:52:03 GMT

Verifying Your Pregnancy: Why It’s Important

Finding out that you’re pregnant can bring a whirlwind of emotions such as excitement, anxiety, or even uncertainty. Whether it was planned or not, confirming your pregnancy is crucial for making informed decisions. A missed period or early symptoms can be indicators, but only a reliable pregnancy test and medical verification can provide true clarity. In this blog, we’ll explore why confirming your pregnancy is the first vital step to take before making any pregnancy related decisions.

What does it mean to verify my pregnancy?

Verifying your pregnancy means confirming that you are pregnant through reliable methods. While an at home pregnancy test can determine that you’re pregnant through the hCG hormone in your urine, it cannot determine how far along you are or if your pregnancy is viable. On top of that, they aren’t always 100% accurate. “Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate, but home pregnancy tests differ in their ability to find a pregnancy in people who have recently missed a period.” ( Mayo Clinic ).

Medical confirmation ensures that your pregnancy is viable and progressing normally. This is done through a reliable pregnancy test and an ultrasound.

Why should I verify my pregnancy?

All pregnancy decisions, such as abortion, rely on important factors like how far along you are and if your pregnancy is viable. These factors determine the different pregnancy options that are available to you. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has an approved timeline of ten weeks gestation for a chemical abortion ( ACOG ). This means that taking the abortion pill after ten weeks can cause potential medical complications. If you don’t verify your pregnancy, you won’t know exactly how far along you may be.

For your safety, it’s important to be aware of these factors and be well-educated on all of your pregnancy options .

What are some risks if I don’t verify my pregnancy before making my decision?

Getting an ultrasound can confirm that your pregnancy is progressing healthily in the uterus. It’s possible for the fertilized egg to plant outside of the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention. If you move forward with a pregnancy decision without verifying the placement of the baby, there can be serious risks towards your health and safety.

Additionally, an ultrasound confirms whether or not the baby has a heartbeat. If there is no heartbeat, then the pregnancy is not viable and will miscarry naturally. In this case, any action taken to end your pregnancy can cause potential complications.

How can we help?

If you need to verify your pregnancy, we are ready to help you! We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations at no cost to you. To schedule an appointment, click here or call us at (530) 272-6800 .

Sources

ACOG Clinic Staff, Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation, ACOG, October 2020

https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2020/10/medication-abortion-up-to-70-days-of-gestation

Mayo Clinic Staff, Home Pregnancy Tests: Can you trust the results? Mayo Clinic, December 2022

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940

Tanya Wonderly, RN

Nurse Manager

This blog has been reviewed and approved by our Nurse Manager.

After Abortion Care

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 19:07:48 GMT

After Abortion Care

In today’s society, abortion is a highly discussed topic. However, one crucial aspect of abortion that is frequently overlooked is the emotional effects it can have on women. The aftermath of abortion can negatively affect mental well-being, relationships, and even personal identity. It is important to recognize that, for some, the journey doesn’t end with the abortion procedure – it can be the beginning of a new emotional path. This is why it’s essential to be aware of after abortion care.

What is after abortion care?

Emotional aftercare following an abortion is very important but is often less discussed. Many women experience a range of emotions after the procedure, including sadness, guilt, regret, or relief. It’s essential to acknowledge that emotional healing is a process. It’s important to reach out and find support. This might include talking to a counselor, connecting with support groups, or relying on close friends and family. Really take time to process what you are feeling. Understanding that it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions can help women process their experience in a healthy way, providing the space and resources to heal both mentally and emotionally.

After abortion care can look different for everyone. Finding what helps you process your experience the best is a crucial part of healing.

What are some emotions women may struggle with after an abortion?

Some emotions or experiences that women may struggle with include:

Anxiety
Anger
Regret
Depression
Drug or alcohol use
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of sleep
Nightmares
Intense grief on the anniversary of the abortion or the due date of the aborted pregnancy
Denial
Withdrawal from others
Irritation

These emotions can have a strong negative affect on a woman and her life. That is why it’s so important to seek healing.

How we can help.

Any woman who has made an abortion decision is vulnerable to these feelings. Whether the abortion was last month or ten years ago, the impact is the same. If you have struggled after making your abortion decision, know that you are not alone. Many women face emotional challenges after an abortion. We offer a weekend of hope and healing at our HOPE Retreat.

During our weekend HOPE Retreat, we gather as a small group of 5-8 who have experienced the struggle with an abortion decision. Together we will process painful thoughts and emotions like guilt, anger, unforgiveness, regret or depression. Healing and restored hope are possible!

You can register for our next retreat by calling us at (530)-272-6800 or by visiting our abortion recovery page.

Ways to Support Your Pregnant Friend

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 19:32:30 GMT

Ways to Support Your Pregnant Friend

Have you ever felt like you wanted to help your pregnant friend but didn’t know how? As a supportive friend, you want to be there for her every step of the way, even if you don’t know where to start. Pregnancy can be a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also be difficult and physically challenging. By supporting her in thoughtful and practical ways, you can make a real difference in your friend’s pregnancy journey and help her feel seen and loved.

So, what are some ways you can help your friend during her pregnancy? Let’s find out.

Help With Chores and Tasks

Pregnancy can make simple tasks harder than they were before, especially as you get closer to your due date. Offering a helping hand with chores around the house can relieve stress for your friend and help her relax in a clean and tidy space.

Another task you can assist with is running errands. When you’re pregnant, it can be difficult to run errands, especially if you already have kids. Having someone think of you and pick up the things you need can make all the difference for your friend.

Be a Listening Ear

Being a good listener can mean the world to someone going through pregnancy. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen without judgement. Be a source of comfort for your friend as she navigates this new phase of her life. Even if you don’t fully understand everything that she talks about, listening and affirming can still make your friend feel validated in her emotions.

Cook Meals

Cooking or preparing meals for your friend can save her a lot of time. Pregnancy can bring fatigue and morning sickness, making it more difficult to prepare food. If you do make meals for her, add ingredients that have good nutrition. Eating balanced meals can help maintain and support a healthy pregnancy.

Offer Company

Whether it’s going shopping or going to a doctor’s appointment together, offering company for your friend’s errand can help her not feel lonely in her pregnancy journey. If she’s comfortable with it, it can be soothing to have a friend nearby. It also gives an opportunity to help her with simple things like carrying groceries or transportation.

Help With Preparations

There are so many different things you can help your friend prepare for the arrival of her little one. You can help organize her nursery by unpacking clothes and constructing furniture. You can also assist with packing her hospital bag as she gets closer to her due date. Ask your friend how you can help her organize and prepare!

Every pregnancy journey is different, but support is needed in every single one. Being supportive not only strengthens your bond with your friend but can make her pregnancy experience easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s practical help or emotional encouragement, your kindness will mean the world to her!

How We Can Help

If you or a friend are pregnant and in need of support, LivingWell is here for you. We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and option consultations at no cost to you! Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here , calling us at (530) 272-6800 or texting us at (530) 802-0858 .

Cathy Seapy

CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Five Resolutions for the New Year

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:40:51 GMT

Five Resolutions for the New Year

As you step into 2025, here are five resolutions you can make for a healthier you!

Take Care of Yourself

Whether it’s sleeping in, making a healthy meal, or going on a walk, setting time aside to care for yourself is a great way to rejuvenate. Along with meeting physical needs, it’s important to meet your emotional needs as well. This can look different for each unique person. However, one way to take care of yourself that is the same for everyone is to make healthy decisions. Making choices that keep you safe and healthy are the best way to care for your physical, emotional, and mental needs.

Evaluate Your Relationships

Do the people around you support you and make you feel uplifted? Do they make you happy and inspire you to grow? If not, it may be time to re-evaluate your relationships. Surround yourself with people who make you feel loved. Healthy relationships are more important than you may think! By having good relationships and friendships, you may find that you’ll be happier and feel more supported.

Experience Something New

You don’t need to do something as drastic as cliff diving – unless that’s something you want to do! Picking up a new hobby or trying something you never have before can add a sense of adventure to your new year. You might discover something you enjoy that you never would’ve found if you hadn’t tried it. Who knows?

Build Yourself Up

Stop comparing yourself to others! Thinking about what other people have will only discourage you. Recognize the beauty and uniqueness of you! Once you stop competing with others, you’ll be more confident. You’ll see the value that you have and the special traits that make you you!

Set New Goals

What are you hoping to achieve this year? What do you want to accomplish? Once you know, make that your goal for this year. Whether it’s twenty goals or just one, they are all equally important. Make a list of all of the things that you’re hoping to achieve this year. This will give you something to work towards and a sense of accomplishment each time you reach your goals!

How We Can Help

If you are resolving to make healthy decisions this new year and find yourself wanting to get tested for STIs or pregnancy, LivingWell is here to help you. We offer pregnancy testing , ultrasounds , and STI/STD testing at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here , calling us at (530) 272-6800 or texting us at (530) 802-0858 .

 Cathy Seapy

CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

The Four Phases of Your Cycle

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:11:45 GMT

The Four Phases of Your Cycle

Every month, a woman goes through four phases of the menstrual cycle. Each phase has a different cause and varying symptoms. It’s helpful for a woman to understand each cycle to know herself and her body better.

So what are the four phases of your cycle? Let’s start with the first.

Menstrual Phase

More commonly known as your period, the menstrual cycle happens when a dropped egg from a previous cycle was never fertilized. Your body prepares for pregnancy every month by thickening the lining of your uterus. If you don’t get pregnant, your body expels the now unneeded blood and tissue, causing your period.

The length of the menstrual cycle depends on the woman. It typically lasts 4-5 days but can vary from a couple days to a week. During this time, you may experience symptoms such as:

Mood swings
Cramps in various places
Tiredness or fatigue
Tender or swollen breasts
Bloating
Irritability

As soon as your period ends, or sometimes a few days before, your body begins to transition into the next phase of your cycle.

Follicular Phase

The follicular phase lasts for roughly 16 days. This is when your ovaries produce between 5 to 20 small sacs known as follicles, which each contain an egg. “Only the healthiest egg will eventually mature (On rare occasions, a female may have two eggs mature). The rest of the follicles will be reabsorbed into your body” (Healthline). This is also when your uterine lining begins to thicken, creating an ideal environment for pregnancy.

During this time, you may experience an energy boost, increased productivity, and clearer skin.

Near the end of the follicular phase, your rising estrogen levels cause your body to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which kicks off the third phase of your cycle.

Ovulation Phase

Luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers ovulation and the release of an egg from your ovary. The unfertilized egg then travels down the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized by sperm.

The ovulation phase typically lasts about four days, however it only peaks for one full day. This is the time period where you are most likely to get pregnant.

During ovulation, you will experience some common symptoms such as:

A rise in your basal body temperature
Thicker and more discharge
A higher sex drive

Your basal body temperature is your temperature after at least 3 hours of sleep. It’s most accurate after a full night’s sleep. You can track your ovulation period by taking your temperature right after you wake up and marking it down to see when it increases.

The increased levels of progesterone and estrogen take you into your fourth and final phase.

Luteal Phase

The luteal phase looks different depending on if you are pregnant or not. If pregnancy occurs, your body keeps its rise in hormones, along with producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This is the hormone that a pregnancy test will detect. Your body does this to stay ready for the fertilized egg to be planted in your uterus.

If you are not pregnant, the hCG becomes reabsorbed and your hormone levels will drop. “This leads to decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which causes the onset of your period” (Healthline). Going from a hormonal high to a deep low can cause premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. PMS can cause symptoms like:

Mood changes
Sadness
Food cravings
Low sex drive
Anxiety
Trouble sleeping

If you aren’t pregnant, the luteal phase lasts about 14 days. Once that time is up, your body begins the menstrual phase, causing the cycle to start over again.

Take Care of Yourself!

The constant changes that happen during a woman’s cycle can be challenging. Every woman has their own unique symptoms and needs during the different phases. Remember to take care of yourself and acknowledge your personal needs!

How We Can Help

If you are pregnant and looking for a safe space to explore your options, get your questions answered, or need pregnancy testing or an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, we are here to help you. Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here , calling us at (530) 272-6800 or texting us at (530) 802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Watson, Stephanie. Stages of the Menstrual Cycle. Healthline. 2023

https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/stages-of-menstrual-cycle

Higuera, Valencia. PMS: Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, Treatments, and More. Healthline. 2023.

https://www.healthline.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome

Eva Fisher, R.N.

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Postpartum Care Tips

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 13:34:53 GMT

Postpartum Care Tips

Becoming a mother to a newborn can be overwhelming and bring many changes into your daily routines. While you adjust to these changes and take care of your little one, it’s important to take care of yourself, too! Postpartum recovery looks different for everyone. Here are some tips on how to care for yourself as you make the transition to motherhood.

1) Rest as much as you can

As impossible as it seems to get as much sleep as you want, it’s important to rest as much as you can to help with tiredness and fatigue. Your baby may wake up every few hours for feeding so do your best to sleep when your baby sleeps.

If you have a difficult time getting comfortable, sitting or laying on pillows can help ease the discomfort.

2) Maintain healthy eating habits

Your postpartum diet is essential to your energy level and wellbeing. Eating well after your delivery can help keep your milk supply regular and healthy (if you’re breastfeeding) and can speed up your overall recovery. Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein, low-fat dairy, and grains are the best choice for a postpartum diet. Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. You’ll find that a postpartum healthy diet doesn’t look that different from a normal healthy diet!

Eating foods that are high in fiber and drinking lots of water can help with softer bowel movements. If you’re still having trouble, ask your healthcare provider about getting a stool softener medication.

If you’re breastfeeding, you’re burning an extra 300 to 500 calories per day. Because of this, it’s important to eat that extra amount every day to keep up.

3) Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help! The first few months after delivery are a very difficult time of adjustment. You don’t have to go through it alone! Whether it’s having meals made, chores done for you, or having someone watch your baby so you can rest, practical and emotional support can make all the difference.

4) Move your body

Moving your body after having a baby can make you feel more energetic and even relax you. However, before you begin to exercise again, make sure you’re cleared to do so by your doctor.

Don’t jump back into cardio right away. Start slow! Your body has gone through many changes since you first got pregnant. Keep it simple by doing activities like taking a walk or doing gentle stretching. As time goes on, you can slowly transition back into your original exercise routine.

5) Make yourself as comfortable as possible

After delivery, there are going to be some areas that may be sore and achy. These vary depending on what kind of birth you had. If you had a vaginal birth, there are many ways to relieve your vaginal soreness. A few of these are:

Sit on a pillow
Use an ice pack to cool the area
Apply witch hazel to a chilled pad and wear it for a few hours before changing it out. Witch hazel will soothe the soreness and help with swelling.
Take or sit in a warm bath
Ask your medical professional about using relieving medications, such as numbing cream or a stool softener if needed

Relieving any soreness after a cesarean (or a C-section) looks a bit different. A few ways to help with C-section pain are:

Seek pain relief medications from your doctor. There are many medications that are safe to take while you breastfeed.
Gently clean and dry the C-section wound daily. This can help with discomfort and prevent infection.
Use a warm (not hot) heating pad on your abdomen and incision area to help with pain.

If any pain becomes worse or continues to last in either scenario, notify your doctor. Any long-lasting pain or discomfort could be a sign of infection.

You got this!

Postpartum can be difficult, but you are strong and capable. You can do this!

How we can help

If you are pregnant and looking for a safe space to explore your options, get your questions answered, or want pregnancy testing or ultrasounds, we are here to help you. Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here , calling us at (530)-272-6800 , or texting us at (530)-802-0858 .

Eva Fisher, R.N.

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

What is an Incomplete Abortion?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:40:11 GMT

What is an Incomplete Abortion?

If you are thinking of having an abortion, it’s important to know all of the potential abortion risks. While these risks aren’t common, being aware of them is beneficial so you can make fully informed choices about your pregnancy. One main risk to be aware of is an incomplete abortion.

What is an incomplete abortion?

An incomplete abortion is, well, an abortion that was incomplete. This means that after an abortion, there is pregnancy tissue left in the uterus that, if left untreated, can cause a serious infection. This is a risk for both chemical and surgical abortions at any length of your pregnancy.

Incomplete abortions are more common when women take the abortion pill without knowing how far along in their pregnancy they are. If you take the abortion pill past the approved timeline of up to 10 weeks, you have a higher risk of experiencing an incomplete abortion.

If all of the pregnancy tissue hasn’t been expelled or removed during the abortion, this can cause a serious infection that may lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

What are the symptoms of an incomplete abortion?

Common symptoms of an incomplete abortion are:

Fever
Abdominal pain
Pelvic pain
Lower back pain
Low heart rate
Low blood pressure
Vaginal bleeding (small amounts or large)
Passing of clots

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms after an abortion, see a medical professional and get emergency care as soon as possible. You deserve the best care and treatment, so be sure to disclose to that medical professional which abortion procedure was performed.

What is the treatment for an incomplete abortion?

Treatment varies depending on how bad the situation looks. If it’s more minor, you may be prescribed with a dose of mifepristone to expel the rest of the tissue. Mifepristone works by relaxing your cervix in order to break down the lining of the uterus. This causes any left over pregnancy tissue to be expelled.

Mifepristone is also one of the two pills taken for a chemical abortion.

If your condition is worse and there is an infection in your uterus, you may have to be treated through a surgical procedure to remove the rest of the tissue and clear out the infection.

What should I do first if I’m considering an abortion?

If you are pregnant and considering abortion as your next step, it’s important that you know and understand all of the information regarding that decision. One of the most important pieces of information you need is how far along you are in your pregnancy. Our professional medical staff can help answer that question with an ultrasound, as well as education on your options at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here , calling us at (530) 272-6800 or texting us at (530) 802-0858 .

Tanya Wonderly, RN

Clinic Nurse

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by one of our clinic nurses.

The Rh Factor and Pregnancy

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:52:42 GMT

The Rh Factor and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the most wonderful things a woman can experience. Caring for your baby begins as soon as you see your positive pregnancy test. One of the most important things you should be aware of during your pregnancy is the Rh factor.

Why is the Rh factor important?

While your Rh factor doesn’t affect your overall health, it’s important to be aware of your Rh type if you are pregnant.

What is the Rh factor?

The Rh factor is a protein that is found on red blood cells. You can either be Rh positive or Rh negative. If your blood cells have the protein on them, you are Rh positive. If they don’t, you are Rh negative.

While being Rh positive is more common than being negative, being Rh negative does not mean you are ill or there’s something wrong with your blood cells. However, it can affect your pregnancy. “Your pregnancy needs special care if you’re Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive. That’s called Rh incompatibility. A baby can inherit the Rh factor from either parent” (Mayo Clinic).

Taking a blood test can determine if you’re Rh negative or positive, and what that means for your pregnancy going forward. You should take a blood test shortly after you find out that you’re pregnant.

What happens if my baby and I have Rh incompatibility?

If you and your baby are Rh incompatible, this can cause complications if you and your baby’s blood mingle during your pregnancy. Your Rh negative blood will recognize that the baby’s Rh positive blood isn’t yours, and will create antibodies to destroy it. “These antibodies can cross the placenta and attack the fetus’ blood cells. This can lead to serious health problems, even death, for a fetus or newborn” (ACOG).

These antibodies are not a risk during your first pregnancy. However, problems can occur if you get pregnant again.

While Rh incompatibility is serious, it’s preventable by taking blood tests throughout the different terms of your pregnancy. “If you’re Rh negative, you might need to have another blood test — called an antibody screen — several times: during your first trimester, during week 28 of pregnancy and when your baby is born. Some people need the test more often” (Mayo Clinic).

How can my blood mix with my baby’s?

There are a few ways that your blood may come in contact with your baby’s, such as:

Miscarriage
Ectopic Pregnancy
Abortion
Birth
Bleeding during pregnancy
Trauma or injury to your midsection during pregnancy

While there are other ways your blood might mingle, these are the most common occurrences. However, not all of these guarantee that a blood mix will occur. They only increase the chances.

How is Rh incompatibility treated?

Rh incompatibility is treated by a shot called Rh immune globulin (or RhoGAM). This injection prevents your body from creating antibodies while you’re pregnant. If your blood somehow mixes with your baby’s, you may need a second injection as a precaution. If your baby is born Rh positive, you will need another immune globulin shot after birth since your blood mixes with your baby’s during delivery (Mayo Clinic).

Can the father cause Rh incompatibility?

Even if the father of the baby is Rh negative, this doesn’t increase your chances of incompatibility. The only time the risk is present is when the mother is Rh negative. As long as the mother is Rh positive, there won’t be any risk of Rh incompatibility.

How We Can Help

If you think you may be pregnant, we are here to support you with pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment with us today by clicking here , calling us at (530) 272-6800 or texting us at (530) 802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Mayo Clinic Staff, Rh Factor Overview, Mayo Clinic, 2022

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rh-factor/about/pac-20394960

ACOG Staff, The Rh Factor: How It Can Affect Your Pregnancy, ACOG, 2024

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/the-rh-factor-how-it-can-affect-your-pregnancy#:~:text=How%20can%20Rh%20antibodies%20affect,the%20body%20can%20replace%20them

STI Avoidance

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:13:50 GMT

STI Avoidance

In today’s world, STIs are common. The CDC estimates that over 50% of people living in the U.S. alone will get an STI or STD at least once in their lifetime. Now, where does that leave you? It’s important to be aware of the top ways to avoid getting an STI as you make sexual decisions.

What Are STIs?

According to the CDC, a sexually transmitted infection, or an STI, is a “virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact”. This sexual contact includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, along with mutual masturbation. Each category of contact puts you at risk.

There are currently over 30 known infections or viruses that can be spread through sexual contact. While some are more common and easily cured than others, the risks remain the same. “STIs can have important health consequences, including genital symptoms, pregnancy complications, infertility, enhanced HIV transmission, and psychosocial effects” (PAHO). It’s important to be aware of these risks in order to make safe and responsible decisions going forward.

There are three vital ways to avoid getting an STI and to reduce your exposure to them.

1) Getting tested regularly

Getting tested for STIs is an important step to take. Some STIs, including more common ones like gonorrhea and chlamydia, can be asymptomatic, meaning there are no obvious or visible symptoms for you to notice. Even using a condom doesn’t guarantee 100% safety from a STI. Both you and your partner should be tested and open with each other about your results before having sex.

2) Being in a monogamous relationship

Having multiple sex partners increases your chances of getting a STI. If you stay committed to and only have sex with one person, you are way less at risk for an STI. This is because less bacteria or viruses have the chance to be spread. While this does not lower the risk of an STI to zero, it certainly helps bring the number down.

3) Avoiding any sexual contact

Abstaining from any kind of sexual intimacy is “the only way to completely avoid STIs” (CDC). Not having sex is the singular way to never be at risk for any kind of sexual transmitted viruses or bacteria. While this may seem a difficult route to take, it’s the only route that’s guaranteed to be 100% effective.

How We Can Help

If you think you’ve been exposed to a STI or would like more medically accurate information, we are here to help you. We offer STI/STD testing, education, and private consultations at no cost to you. Schedule an appointment with us by clicking here, calling us at (530)-272-6800 or texting us at (530)-802-0858 .

Sources and Links

How to Prevent STIs, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024

https://www.cdc.gov/sti/prevention/index.html

Sexually Transmitted Infections, Pan American Health Organization, 2023

https://www.paho.org/en/topics/sexually-transmitted-infections#:~:text=There%20are%20more%20than%2030,syphilis%20and%2For%20trichomoniasis) .

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Understanding Adoption

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 14:17:52 GMT

Understanding Adoption

From the outside, choosing adoption for your pregnancy may seem intimidating. It may feel like a long process that will require a lot of energy and time. However, creating an adoption plan is not nearly as frightening as it may seem. Once you learn the basics from this blog, it may help you feel less overwhelmed moving forward. There will be people to help guide and support you every step of the way.

The Three Kinds of Adoption

There are three different types of adoption for you to choose from. Each has a different level of involvement after birth. They are:

Open Adoption
Semi-Open Adoption
Closed Adoption

Open adoption is when the birth mother has open communication with the adoptive parents. She has their contact information and is welcome to reach out anytime. Open adoption commonly includes texts, video and phone calls, and in-person visits. With open adoption, the child grows up recognizing their birth mother.

Semi-open adoption is when the birth mother has contact with the adoptive parents so they can send her pictures and videos as the child grows. The birth mother feels connected to her child while also keeping a distance. In the majority of semi-open adoption plans, there are no in person visits or phone calls.

Last, closed adoption is when the birth mother has zero contact with the adoptive parents. They meet after the birth of the baby and never again. The adoptive family raises the child with no communication to or from the birth mother.

It’s up to you to decide which type of adoption works best for you.

The Adoption Process

It’s important to be sure that adoption is the right choice for you. There are five basic steps to the adoption process.

Decide. It’s important to be sure that adoption is the right choice for you.
Find an adoption agency and make an adoption plan. The agency you choose will help guide you through what you want your adoption process to look like. They will enforce whichever type of adoption that you choose.
Find an adoptive family for your baby. This choice is completely up to you. Your adoption agency will give you profiles on different families that are looking to adopt. These portfolios include information on the families’:
Living situation
Hobbies
Parenting ideas and philosophies
Values
Religious beliefs
There is no pressure when choosing the family that you want your child to be a part of. Your agency will provide you with as many portfolios as needed until you find the one that you love.
Get to know your adoptive family. This step is entirely optional to you. If you choose a more open adoption approach, you have the option to meet and get to know the adoptive family that your child will be a part of.
Complete paperwork after birth. After the birth of your baby, and once you’ve had time to recover, your agency will walk you through all of the legal paperwork needed for the adoption. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and understand exactly what you are signing!

Finding Support

Making decisions around an unplanned pregnancy can be hard. We understand that! It’s important to have people around you that love and support you. Having someone to talk to about your feelings can mean the world when making a decision about your pregnancy.

How We Can Help

If you need support, we are here for you. We care about you and how you are feeling. We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations at no cost to you. Schedule your safe and confidential appointment by clicking here, calling us at (530)-272-6800, or texting us at (530)-802-0858.

Sources and Links

FCCA. How to Put a Baby Up for Adoption in California. Family Connections. 2022.

https://www.fcadoptions.org/adoption-services/pregnant-and-considering-adoption/how-to-put-a-baby-up-for-adoption-in-california/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20chosen%20adoption,does%20all%20the%20heavy%20lifting.

Adoption Network. How to Give My Baby Up for Adoption – 7 Steps. Adoption Network. 2021.

https://adoptionnetwork.com/birth-mothers/understanding-adoption/benefits-of-adoption/how-to-give-my-baby-up-for-adoption/#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20made%20the,to%20your%20needs%20and%20wants

Adoptions From The Heart. Giving Baby Up For Adoption Doesn’t Mean Losing Touch. Adoptions From The Heart. 2020.

https://afth.org/pregnant/adoption/

Cathy Seapy

CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Sextortion and the Risks

Thu, 23 May 2024 14:31:35 GMT

Sextortion and the Risks

The internet has been around for quite some time, opening the door to things like blogs, online recipes, videos, social media, and websites. Many see the internet as a useful tool. However, it can also be used for dangerous purposes.

With the creation of social media came new risks of exploitation. Given the easy access to chatting with other people online, there quickly became a way to use that access against others, known as sextortion. It’s important to be aware of the risks surrounding sextortion and the precautions you can take against it.

What is sextortion?

The term sextortion comes from the words “sexual extortion” put together. Sextortion occurs when abusers threaten another person with their intimate or explicit photos in attempt to either gain more or get money from the person they are targeting. “Unfortunately, children are often the targets of sextortionists. The FBI warns of a dramatic increase in children being threatened to share explicit imagines online, with boys ages 14-17 as the most common targets” ( Wilcock ).

In the majority of cases, victims of sextortion are led to believe that the person they were communicating with was someone their age. Of course, this lie can be easily dispelled once an investigation is launched. Unfortunately, most of the victims of sextortion are too young to know how to properly handle a sextortion situation. They are too afraid and ashamed to tell a trusted adult, causing the abuse and exploitation to continue over a period of time. In some cases, it becomes so extreme that the victim will take their own life in fear of, or in response to, any explicit pictures or videos being leaked to the public.

In most cases, complying with what the perpetrator is asking of you, specifically financially, will only make the situation worse. “For 64% of victims who complied with threats, the demands did not stop. In fact, 68% reported an increase in threats after complying” (Wilcock). This makes victims feel stuck and like they have no choice but to continue to comply.

Sextortion is a sickening and heartbreaking occurrence that targets innocent young people every day.

Where does sextortion usually happen?

There are quite a few apps where sextortion usually takes place. They consist of:

Social media (Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.)
Discord
Online chatrooms
Gaming chatrooms
Gaming voice chats

Gaming is one main outlet that is used to target younger players. In most popular video games, such as Call of Duty, Minecraft, or Fortnite, chatting with other online players is an option. While some are typing messages to other players, games like Fortnite have an option to join up with other players for a game, allowing you to play with random people in your queue and even chat with them over a voice chat during the game.

This is where the danger tends to happen. Sextortionists tend to pose as a younger person in order to establish trust with the victim. They play more games with them and eventually exchange handles for other chatting apps, typically Discord. “Sexual predators and other bad actors have found an easy access point into the lives of young people: they are meeting them online through multiplayer video games and chat apps, making virtual connections right in their victims’ homes” (Bowles).

It’s important to remain safe in the virtual world. Be aware and don’t give out any personal information or imagery.

How can I avoid sextortion?

Avoiding sextortion can be as simple as following basic internet safety rules. There are a few steps you can take to protect yourself, such as:

Not communicating with strangers online
Avoiding online chatrooms with people you don’t know
Making your social media accounts private
Not responding to unknown messages or message requests
Avoiding taking and sharing any explicit photos or videos of yourself
Be on the lookout for suspicious behavior in those around you

These steps may seem easy from the outside, but we know that there can be more to it than following simple steps. If you don’t want to make your social media account private, be mindful of the messages you are receiving!

Be aware of the intentions of others around you. “In 59% of sextortion cases, the victim knew the perpetrator in person and had a relationship with them when images were shared” (Wilcock). Make sure you are surrounded by people that you can trust wholeheartedly. Be attentive to what people may say or what they may ask of you. You are under no obligation to give or send them anything!

What should I do if I’m being targeted by a sextortionist?

If you are experiencing sextortion, it’s important to tell someone right away. Don’t focus solely on whatever shame or embarrassment you may be feeling. First and foremost, speaking up about your situation and getting help is the biggest step you can take. Next, report the person who is targeting you on whatever platform they are using and alert the authorities. Sextortion doesn’t have to be your reality. There is a way out!

How can I heal from a sextortion experience?

First off, it’s important to remember that what happened was not your fault. The shame and embarrassment can feel crippling, but it is possible to find freedom. Talk with someone you trust who will be there to listen and support you. You never have to feel ashamed for being targeted against your will. You are valued and loved, and no experience can change that fact!

How We Can Help

If you need a safe space to talk about your experiences, or find yourself needing pregnancy or STD testing, we are here to help you. Schedule your safe and confidential appointment by clicking here , calling us at (530)-272-6800 , or texting us at (530)-802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Bowles, Nellie. Video Games and Online Chats are ‘Hunting Grounds’ for Sexual Predators. The New York Times. 2019.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/us/video-games-child-sex-abuse.html

Wilcock, Morgan. What is Sextortion? Everything You Need to Know. Gabb. 2024.

https://gabb.com/blog/sextortion-meaning/

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Understanding Child Support

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 16:03:44 GMT

Understanding Child Support

So you want to start your child support process. Child support can be intimidating if you don’t know how it works! This blog is here to help answer your questions and give you an understanding of child support so you can be more confident moving forward.

Note: There are links attached to certain words that will bring you to a reliable informative site if you need more information on that specific topic.

What is child support?

To put it simply, child support is when one parent pays the other parent to help support their child financially. “Most frequently, child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, but this is not always the case” (Wolf) . Depending on circumstances and how many children you have, the amount of child support being paid can vary. Child support stays active until the supported child turns 18, unless circumstances demand otherwise. Each state’s child support may look a bit different. Visit this link to find your state and learn about your specific guidelines.

What is child support used for?

The money given to you by child support is meant to financially support the child involved. It’s not intended to be used for the parent’s own personal use. According to Jennifer Wolf at VeryWell Family , child support funds can be used to pay for expenses like:

Housing
Food and clothing
Toys
Medical expenses
School expenses
Extracurricular activities

How do I know if I qualify for child support?

According to an article by Danielle Gilmore, there are a few things that the court analyzes when receiving an application for child support. These things include the necessities of the child, the income and financial situation of both parents, and the physical and emotional state of the child. You can learn more about your child support eligibility by meeting with an attorney.

How do I begin my child support process?

This is the part where you may begin to feel intimidated. You don’t have to be! The basis of the child support process is built up of three steps.

Have information on the child’s other parent
First, you’re going to need simple information on your child’s other parent. This could be their employer or workplace, birthdate, address, or social security number. If you have none of these, visit this link to find resources available to help you find more information.
Confirm paternity
In order to move forward with child support, you’re going to need proof of paternity for the father. If the father’s identity is in question or the parents are unmarried, some courts will use DNA testing to confirm his paternity, while others may just have the father sign a form where they acknowledge their paternity.
Find your arrangement agreement and obtain a child support court order
You and the other parent are allowed to come to an agreement independently. This is called child support by agreement . However, if you do this, you have no legal bind in the agreement. If something goes wrong, the court and the state will not be able to enforce your chosen agreement since it was not solidified legally. This is why it’s recommended to sort out your arrangement in a family court and obtain a child support court order, which is a legally binding document of your agreed upon arrangement.

Can I make an appeal to change my child support amount?

You certainly can make an appeal! If circumstances in the child’s life have changed, you can ask the court to either decrease or increase the amount of child support that you are receiving. You will need to provide proof of the reason you are asking for the change. The court will either accept or deny your request.

How We Can Help

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy or need support, we are here to help you. Schedule your safe and confidential appointment by clicking here , calling us at (530)-272-6800 , or texting us at ( 530)-802 -0858 .

Sources and Links

Armstrong, Hal. Child Support by Agreement. FindLaw. May 2023.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/child-support/child-support-by-agreement.html

Armstrong, Hal. Child Support by Court Order. FindLaw. June 2023.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/child-support/child-support-by-court-order.html

Armstrong, Hal. Getting Child Support Checklist. FindLaw. June 2023.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/child-support/getting-child-support-checklist.html

Gilmore, Danielle. Child Support Eligibility. FindLaw. June 2023.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/child-support/are-you-eligible-for-child support.html#:~:text=The%20

court%20considers%20other%20factors,The%20income%20of%20both%20parents

Gilmore, Danielle. State-Specific Child Support Information and Guidelines. FindLaw. June 2023.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/child-support/state-specific-child-support-information-and-guidelines.html

Mascolo, John. Legal Significance of Paternity. FindLaw. June 2023.

https://www.findlaw.com/family/paternity/legal-significance-of-paternity.html

Wolf, Jennifer. The Purpose of Child Support. VeryWell Family. June 2020.

https://www.verywellfamily.com/child-support-legal-definition-2997472

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Signs Of A Controlling Relationship

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 16:14:46 GMT

Signs Of A Controlling Relationship

Seeing The Warning Signs

Do you feel physically or emotionally trapped in your relationship, isolated from friends and family, and like you hardly have a say in what you do or where you go? If you answered yes to any of those questions, there’s a big chance you’re in a controlling relationship. Whether you’ve been in a relationship for 2 months or 2 years, it’s important to be aware of potential harmful behaviors that may be present.

Being Pulled Away From Friends and Family

Controlling partners in a relationship will often tug you away from people that you’re close to. They want to be the only person who is constant in your life. Andrea Bonlor, a psychologist, writes in an article for Psychology Today that “It may start subtly, but this is often a first step for a controlling person. Maybe they complain about how often you talk to your brother on the phone, or say they don’t like your best friend and don’t think you should hang out with her anymore. Or they try to turn you against anyone that you’re used to relying on for support besides them.” This is one of the most common, and most damaging, signs of a controlling relationship.

Feeling Criticized

Criticism is another common sign that your partner is controlling. “Someone who’s controlling is always trying to undermine your confidence and put you down in private or in public,” Lilianna Hogen writes in her article on controlling traits. “They seem to want to emphasize your flaws and make you feel self-conscious about your quirks.” This can look like:

Pointing out small mistakes
Critiquing what you wear
Making jokes about you in front of others
Unnecessarily commenting on the way you act or the things that you say
Mocking you

Constant criticism, even for the little things, can tear you down and make you feel like you need to change who you are. You may even start to act differently to avoid the constant jabs. This is a sign of an unhealthy relationship.

Making You Feel Guilty

If you ever feel hurt by your partner and express this to them, only for them to turn it around and blame you for their actions, they may be controlling you. Controlling partners may have a difficult time taking responsibility and make you feel guilty for something that they did. You might find yourself apologizing to them even though you were the one who was hurt. “A controlling partner will always say that their emotions are your fault. They will use you as a scapegoat and take the role of a victim, even in situations that you are not involved in.” ( Hogen ).

Invading Your Privacy

A partner who controls you will want to control everything in your life as well. To do this, this may snoop around where they shouldn’t. This behavior looks like:

Reading your texts
Going through your mail
Reading your emails
Looking through your personal belongings
Checking your social media

Most of the time, these invasive actions are done without the other person’s knowledge. In every relationship, you should always have your privacy. Someone who ignores that privacy is someone who ignores boundaries. Andrea Bonlor writes that, “A controlling partner typically feels that they have the right to know more than they actually do. Whether they keep their snooping secret or openly demand that you must share everything with them, it is a violation of boundaries from the get-go.”

You Are Strong and Brave!

It can be hard to take steps forward in tough situations. You can do it! You are strong and confident. Find support in the people around you who can help you move forward and build a better future.

How We Can Help

Our services come at no cost to you. We are here for you if you want to talk more about healthy relationships. Schedule your safe and confidential appointment by clicking here , calling us at (530)-272-6800 , or texting us at (530)-802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Bonlor, Andrea. 20 Signs of a Controlling Partner. Psychology Today. 2015.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/friendship-20/201506/20-signs-of-a-controlling-partner

Hogan, Lilianna. Warning Signs That Your Partner Is Controlling. WebMD. 2021

https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/warning-signs-sexual-abuse-teens-young-adults

Lebow, Hilary. Are You in a Relationship with a Controlling Partner? 9 Signs. PsychCentral. 2021.

https://psychcentral.com/lib/signs-controlling-partner-relationship

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

First Steps After The Positive Test

Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:19:39 GMT

First Steps After The Positive Test

Finding Out

Holding a positive pregnancy test in your hands can bring a tidal wave of different emotions crashing down on you. Your head may spiral with thoughts like “I can’t afford to have a baby” or “it’s not the right time”. Whatever your feelings may be, there are important first steps to take after discovering you’re pregnant.

Take Another Test

Even though your pregnancy test read positive, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. While false positives are highly unlikely, small things can trigger them, such as taking the test incorrectly, using an expired test, or having had a recent miscarriage or abortion. It’s important to take a pregnancy test performed by professional healthcare workers at a clinic or hospital for higher accuracy.

Schedule an Ultrasound

Having an ultrasound is possibly the most important step to take after confirming your pregnancy. One of the main reasons to have an ultrasound is to determine if you have an ectopic pregnancy. This is when the fertilized egg has attached outside of the uterus, in places such as the cervix or fallopian tube. Marissa Selner writes in an article for Healthline that “Ectopic pregnancies aren’t safe for the mother. Also, the embryo won’t be able to develop to term. It’s necessary to remove the embryo as soon as possible for the mother’s immediate health and long-term fertility.” Ectopic pregnancies require immediate medical attention, making them a very important aspect to look out for. Ultrasounds also reveal the number of babies the mother may be expecting.

Confirm a Viable Pregnancy

Confirming that your pregnancy is viable can also be done through an ultrasound. It’s important to be sure that your pregnancy is safe and progressing smoothly. During the ultrasound, fetal cardiac activity can be detected, confirming that your pregnancy is viable. Checking to see how far along you are in your pregnancy is also a step in confirming viability. This gives you an accurate estimated due date for your baby.

Find Support

You’re not in this alone! Whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a co-worker, having someone you can trust can make all the difference when your thoughts are spiraling. Expressing and communicating how you feel can take a weight off your shoulders that you may not have known you had. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

How We Can Help

If you find yourself facing an unplanned pregnancy, we are here to listen, understand, and give support. We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options consultations at no cost to you. Schedule your safe and confidential appointment by clicking here , calling us at (530)-272-6800 , or text us at (530)-802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Adcock, Davina, 7 Reasons Your Pregnancy Test Gave a False-Positive, The Source, 2021
https://www.thesource.org/post/reasons-your-pregnancy-test-gave-a-false-positive

Monigatti-Lake, Neva, Why Do I Need an Ultrasound, LivingWell Medical Clinic, 2021
https://livingwellmedicalclinic.com/category/ultrasounds/

Selner, Marissa, Ectopic Pregnancy, Healthline, 2023
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/ectopic-pregnancy#diagnosis

Eva Fisher
Nursing Director
The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

3 Benefits of Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 16:24:06 GMT

3 Benefits of Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Stepping Out

Everyone has a comfort zone. It’s an invisible line that we draw in our minds of what we will and won’t do in our day-to-day lives. There are some experiences in life that certain groups of people just won’t do. The most common hesitation that stops people from stepping into something new is fear of failure or embarrassment. However, branching out of your comfort zone can be good for you! Here are three main benefits of leaving your comfort zone.

1) Achieving New Goals

It can be hard to set a goal that you know will be difficult to achieve. Stepping out of your comfort zone is doing just that. Depending on who you are, these goals will look different for you. It can be something as simple as taking a few steps into the ocean when you’ve always been afraid of it. Whatever it may be, setting and reaching those goals can raise your self-confidence and encourage you to set a new one. The more goals you achieve, the more you’ll be motivated to set.

2) Chances to Grow

One of the main reasons that people hesitate to leave the safety of their comfort zone is fear of failure. They don’t want to branch out just to utterly flop at what they branched out for in the first place. Don’t let this be a deterrent for you! Failure can teach you new lessons and show you how to do better the next time around. The more mistakes you make, the more lessons you learn.

3) Learning New Skills

Speaking of learning, leaving your comfort zone can push you into learning a new skill or two. Maybe you will try something new and find out that you really enjoy it. Your comfort zone can limit you from entering a vast creativity of hobbies. You never know until you try! Not only that, but it can also help you meet new people and find a supportive community for yourself.

Don’t Settle

Some people prefer to live a more regular 9-5 life, and that’s okay! There’s nothing wrong with having a preference. However, if you don’t prefer that kind of lifestyle and want to try something new, don’t ever feel like you have to settle. Branching out and leaving your comfort zone can bring new experiences, lessons, and people into your life that you wouldn’t have had otherwise. You won’t regret moving past your fears and stepping into something new.

How We Can Help

If you have found yourself unexpectedly pushed out of your comfort zone when facing an STD or an unplanned pregnancy, we are here to help. To schedule your free and confidential appointment click here , call us at (530)-272-6800 , or text us at (530)-802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Kent, Jessica. Is It Time to Leave Your Comfort Zone? How Leaving Can Spark Positive Change. Harvard Division of Continuing Education. May 2023.

Brenner, Abigall. 5 Benefits of Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone. Psychology Today. December 2015.

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Life After An Unhealthy Relationship

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:10:01 GMT

Life After An Unhealthy Relationship

After It’s Over

Walking out of a relationship you know isn’t good for you is difficult enough. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the hard times are over. It’s normal to have a whirlwind of emotions after you make the decision to leave. Learning to tame these feelings and take care of yourself is a key factor in recovering and moving forward. Here are a few things to remember as you begin your healing process.

Surround Yourself with Supportive People

The group that you surround yourself with is incredibly important, whether it’s family, friends, or even co-workers. Not only is it beneficial to have others that you can trust and talk openly to but having people in your life that encourage you and want the best for you will help you heal.

Take Time to Process

Don’t push aside the things you’re feeling as if they don’t matter. Believe me, they do! Everybody processes differently. Some may feel happy to be out of the relationship, while others may be struggling to grieve what could have been. Some process alone or by talking with people they trust. No way of thinking is wrong. Whatever your process may be, don’t neglect the time to understand how you feel.

Forgive Yourself

Once you step out of an unhealthy relationship, it can be easy to blame yourself for ever getting into it in the first place. You may feel frustrated and like you wasted so much of your time and energy on something temporary. Blaming yourself will only make you feel worse. Instead, find acceptance in what happened. Think about all the valuable lessons you learned from this experience!

Focus on the Future

Looking back prevents you from looking forward. Be careful of getting so caught up in the past that you forget to look towards your future. Continuing to dwell on what could have been doesn’t get you anywhere. Remember that your future isn’t hopeless, just different.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of your needs is important. After leaving a relationship, it can be difficult to build back motivation. Maybe for a few days all you feel like doing is lying in bed with your thoughts. Whatever your process, self-care isn’t something you should put off. Taking time to engage in your hobbies can help ease your stress and lift your mood. Slowly the feelings of productivity will start to trickle back in.

You’ve Got This!

Moving on from an unhealthy relationship is hard, but not impossible. The hard times won’t last forever. You took the first big step by deciding to leave the relationship in the first place. If you’re strong enough to do that, you’re strong enough to do anything!

How We Can Help

We are here for you whether you are facing an STD or an unexpected pregnancy. To schedule your free and confidential appointment click here , call us at (530)-272-6800 , or text us at (530)-802-0858 .

Sources and Links

Ripes, Jesse. “13 Tips for How to Heal From a Toxic Relationship”. Modern Intimacy. 21 April 2021.
https://www.modernintimacy.com/13-tips-for-how-to-heal-from-a-toxic-relationship/

Taylor Counseling Group. “Moving on After a Toxic Relationship”. Taylor Counseling Group. 28 July 2021.
https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/blog/moving-on-after-a-toxic-relationship/#:~:text=After%20leaving%20someone%20who%20treats,you%20for%20your%20toxic%20relationship.

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Empowering Teens During Their Pregnancy

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 18:17:12 GMT

Empowering Teens During Their Pregnancy

Facing an unexpected pregnancy as a teenager can bring on a flood of emotions. We want you to know you are not alone. You are strong and brave. You can discover hope in this situation.

Take a Moment to Process Your Emotions

Emotions can be difficult to understand as a teenager, and pregnancy is an especially emotional experience. Be kind and give yourself grace. Create space to breathe and think through your pregnancy options. Don’t try to make any big decisions when you are emotionally overwhelmed.Seek out emotional support from an adult you can trust, whether that is your parents, a school counselor, a pastor, or a therapist. Here at LivingWell, Client Advocates are ready to sit down with you as you process your pregnancy and consider all your options.

Practice Some Self-Care

Caring for yourself and your body during your pregnancy is very important.

Focus on getting plenty of quality rest and sleep. To ensure you get a full 8 hours of sleep try going to bed earlier and don’t take your phone to bed so your mind can truly rest.

Exercise can be a lovely hobby, but it is important to discuss your exercise plans with your doctor during your pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor low impact activities like walking or swimming.

Reach out to your doctor about taking prenatal vitamins. You also want to make sure you are drinking lots of water and eating nutritious foods. You will need to add about 300 calories per day to your diet during your pregnancy. Try to avoid certain foods and drinks like alcohol, energy drinks, sushi, raw eggs, and some types of fish. Speak with your doctor for a complete list of foods to avoid. You can also find more information on this here.

Search Out Resources and Help

Your pregnancy may be stressing you out but knowing the right resources can help relieve that stress. Speak to your school counselor or local resource centers to find help. Make sure to ask about financial assistance programs that might be available to you. If you come into LivingWell, our Client Advocates may be able to offer you some referrals for resources.

Ask about other programs designed to help you reach your education goals such as childcare programs. There may be options through your school, federal programs, or local non-profits. Reaching your education goals will help you and your child in the future, so don’t be afraid to ask for help on your journey.

Lean on Supportive Relationships

Be okay with drawing boundaries to protect yourself. Remember that no one can force you to make a choice against your will. True friends will love and support you during difficult times, so lean on them. These friends are exactly the type of people you will always want and need in your life.

Consider Making an Adoption Plan

You can choose to carry your pregnancy to term without knowing what to do after you give birth. Give yourself time and space to consider adoption options. An adoption plan may be a good choice depending on your situation. Modern adoption can be unique for each mom, with differing levels of contact with your child, ranging from zero contact to frequent communication and interactions. If you want to read more about adoption plans, click here. Just remember, you can make this decision one step at a time.

How can we help?

LivingWell is here to offer you a safe place to process your pregnancy and learn about all your options . If you need to verify your pregnancy or progress, speak with a Client Advocate, or schedule your free and confidential appointment, give us a call at 530.272.6800 . We would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have during this time.

Links

Teen Pregnancy- https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/teen-pregnancy/

Monigatti-Lake, N. “Five Questions You May Have About Adoption.” LivingWell Medical Clinic, LivingWell Medical Clinic, 2022, https://livingwellmedicalclinic.com/category/parenting/

Ben-Joseph, E. P. “Having a Healthy Pregnancy.” KidsHealthy.org, Nemorus TeensHealth, 2017, https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/pregnancy.html

Eva Fisher, BSN, RN, FCP

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Balancing Pregnancy and a Career

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 18:23:46 GMT

Balancing Pregnancy and a Career

When facing an unexpected pregnancy, many women fear it will impact their job. If that’s you, here are some tips to take control of these impacts and balance your pregnancy and career.

Possible Accommodations

Do some research on the various laws that protect pregnant women against discrimination related to their pregnancy in the workplace. This can give you confidence as you address your needs with your boss.

Don’t be afraid to ask your employer for accommodations during your pregnancy. Possible accommodations to consider include temporary reassignment, time off for medical appointments, or working from home.

Tip : Best practice suggests submitting all accommodation requests in writing.

Tip : When asking for accommodations, frame them as a benefit to the company. For example, “I am more productive if I work from home during this time,” or “I would be more helpful in a different position currently.”

If you need to take time off during your pregnancy or after you give birth, refer to your employee handbook or ask your employer about their leave policy. This type of leave can fall under different terms, including Paid Family Leave or Pregnancy Disability Leave. There are some government protections around this type of leave, which you can find more information on here: federal protections or California protections . If you live outside of California, be sure to research the policies of your state.

Maintaining Your Career

Losing career momentum is a common concern related to an unexpected pregnancy. Here are some tips to set yourself up for success:

Document your successes in the workplace! Start brainstorming all your accomplishments at your job and get them down on paper. This will concretely show the value you add to the company. ( Bonus Tip : This is a great practice no matter where you are in your career.)

You will be extra tired during your pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood, so establish the habit of writing everything down on paper now. Have daily, weekly, and future to-do lists. Create manuals or checklists for your tasks and projects. These documents will relieve your stress and help your coworkers during your absence.

Build your network and try to help others. Having positive connections in your field will make returning easier.

Follow a two-step process when telling your manager about your pregnancy. 1) Privately inform them about your pregnancy and schedule a meeting for further discussion. 2) Come to the meeting with a plan for how your tasks will be handled before and during your maternity leave. Come over-prepared to answer questions.

Be direct with your needs and desires rather than leaving your boss to assume what you’ll want. Communicate your personal boundaries around things like scheduling, overtime, and traveling for work. ( Bonus Tip : Speak to your doctor first to be fully informed.)

How We Can Help

If you think you are pregnant, we are here for you. If you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy options, schedule your free, confidential appointment, or call us at 530-272-6800 or text us at 530-802-0858 .

Links

Department of Labor Staff. “Employment Protection for Workers Who Are Pregnant or Nursing.” U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/pregnant-nursing-employment-protections .

Department of Labor Staff. “Family and Medical Leave (FMLA).” U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/fmla .

Downey, Allyson. “The Career Advice I Wish I’d Followed When I Was Pregnant.” TIME, 5 Feb. 2016, https://time.com/4192644/work-advice-pregnant/ .

King & Siegel. “Pregnant at Work in California? 9 Things You Need to Know about Your Right to Accommodations.” King & Siegel LLP, 15 April, 2021, https://www.kingsiegel.com/blog/pregnant-at-work-in-california-9-things-you-need/ .

Tulshyan, Ruchika. “Career Strategies to Advance During Pregnancy.” Forbes, 28 April 2016, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ruchikatulshyan/2016/04/28/career-strategies-to-advance-during-pregnancy/?sh=1a5319df1e0a .

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “Pregnancy Discrimination and Pregnancy-Related Disability discrimination.” U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, https://www.eeoc.gov/pregnancy-discrimination .

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Completing Your Education While Pregnant

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 19:01:50 GMT

Completing Your Education While Pregnant

Do you think an unexpected pregnancy will make completing your education impossible? We want you to know it is possible. Whether you want to finish high school or get your bachelor’s degree, you can do it!

Ask About School Policies

Most schools have protections in place to help pregnant and parenting students have equal access to education and help them reach their goals. Go to a trusted school counselor or administrator who can help answer your questions about how your school can support and protect you on your education journey.

You should be able to maintain your previous academic and extracurricular activities and have equal access to additional education opportunities.

If you have a doctor appointment during school hours, speak to your teachers ahead of time about receiving excused absences related to your pregnancy or childbirth. Also make sure to ask your doctor for a signed note as many teachers require this to give you excused absences. Also ask your teachers if you can have opportunities to make up participation/attendance points for absences excused by a doctor’s note. If you must take a medical leave of absence, be sure to speak to your school advisor or counselor about the process of returning and how to come back at your previous academic standing.

Search Out Resources

Asking for help can be daunting, but many schools and universities have resources to help students balance pregnancy and education. Talk to your school advisors about accommodations, such as locating larger desks in classrooms and computer labs or gaining elevator access. Speak to your professors about due date extensions, hybrid options, or working ahead in class. Make sure that you talk to the financial aid counselor at your school to learn about the options available to you. There may be additional scholarships in your area for women, mothers, or expecting mothers.

Get Creative with Your Schedule

Your class schedule can affect your rest, stress levels, and doctor’s appointments. It is important to make a schedule that will work for you, so get creative with it. Talk to your school advisors about reducing your units per semester to relieve some stress. Ask them about adding winter or summer courses if you want to maintain your graduation date. Also consider online classes as a flexible alternative. Possibly think about a gap year or, if that’s too long, just a gap semester to focus on your health.

Lastly, but most important, remember that you are brave, strong, and capable of reaching your goals!

How can we help?

If you believe you’re pregnant, we want to be a safe place for you! If you need to verify your pregnancy or progress or discuss possible resources, schedule your free and confidential appointment, or give us a call at 530.272.6800 . We would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have during this time.

Links

U.S. Department of Education Staff. “Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You from Discrimination at School.” U.S. Department of Education, 10 Jan. 2020, https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.html .

University of the People staff. “Pregnant in College? Know Your Rights as a Pregnant College Student.” University of the People, 2022, https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/know-your-rights-as-a-pregnant-college-student/ .

Cathy Seapy
CEO

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our CEO.

Natural Family Planning

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:07:34 GMT

Natural Family Planning

Hormonal birth control has been the standard pregnancy prevention method for decades, but many women are beginning to search for a non-chemical option. Natural family planning can be a wonderful, chemical-free alternative for pregnancy and family planning.

What is natural family planning?

Women are only fertile for a short time each month. Natural family planning involves learning how to track the symptoms to determine your window of fertility during each cycle. You can then choose to use that window to avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

What are the advantages of natural family planning

There are many advantages to using the natural cycle of your body to prevent pregnancy.

Natural family planning has a 98.2% success rate with consistent and correct use, which is equivalent to oral contraceptive pills.
It does not use chemicals or hormones and has 0 physical side effects.
This method is usable for nearly all women.
This method is accessible and does not require additional input from health care professionals after it is correctly learned and applied.
This method gives you a deeper understanding and appreciation of your own body.
Learning about your body through a natural family planning method will help you recognize warning signs of various illnesses.
Natural family planning involves and informs your partner, which can build closeness and trust in your relationship.
This method can be used to prevent or achieve pregnancy effectively.

Are there any disadvantages?

As with any method of pregnancy prevention, there are some drawbacks.

While natural family planning has a 98.2% success rate with perfect use, it has a 76% success rate with imperfect use.
It does not protect against STI’s.
You will have to use barrier contraceptives or abstain from sex during your fertility window.
Stress, illness, travel, alcohol consumption and other factors can disrupt your symptoms and affect the accuracy of your predictions. However, a health care professional trained in this method may be able to help you navigate these factors.
If you have used an emergency contraceptive pill, you will have to wait two full cycles before you can rely on your symptoms again.
This method requires continued commitment and practice.

How does Natural Family Planning work?

There are multiple different methods to choose. In general, natural family planning methods involve tracking and daily monitoring the symptoms that signal fertility levels throughout your menstrual cycle. These symptoms include body temperature and cervical mucus, as well as other signs depending on the method you choose. If you want to pursue this method, you should find a health care professional to train you in detail for the natural family planning method of your choice.

How We Can Help

This is not a complete explanation of natural family planning. If you would like to learn more about natural family planning, we urge you to find a health care professional to teach you more. If you are currently facing an unplanned pregnancy, we are here for you. Schedule your free and confidential appointment to verify your pregnancy or progress, or give us a call at 530.272.6800 . We would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have during this time.

Links

NHS Staff. “Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness): Your Contraception Guide.” NHS, Crown Copyright, 13 April 2021, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/natural-family-planning/ .

Fertility Education & Training Staff. “Guidelines to charting Your Fertility Cycle.” Fertility Education & Training, 2011, http://www.fertilityet.org.uk/tutorials.html.

CDC Staff. “Contraception.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 November 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm .

Eva Fisher, BSN,RN, FCP

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Traveling While Pregnant

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 19:14:54 GMT

Traveling While Pregnant

With the holidays coming, you may be wondering if your unexpected pregnancy is the end to your travel dreams. The good news is it doesn’t have to be!

Can I travel while pregnant?

The Johns Hopkins Medicine says, “Traveling during pregnancy is normal, and a lot of women do it.” However, always check with your doctor to make sure travel is safe for you.

The easiest and most comfortable time to travel while pregnant is during the second trimester; however, it is typically safe a little after this point as well.

You can also get creative with your travel destinations and transportation. If you don’t want to fly, maybe take a road trip by car or train. If you don’t want to drive or sit for long periods of time, look for beautiful areas within a few hours of home. (You might be surprised by what you find!)

Tips for Traveling Pregnant

Timing: It is best to travel during the second trimester (14-18 weeks) or after morning
sickness has passed but before discomfort begins increasing.
Destination: Avoid areas with risk of malaria such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South
America.
Plan for emergencies: Check your insurance policy and research medical facilities
around your destination (especially if it is rural).
Keep your health a priority: Your body is doing double duty, so make sure to care for it
as you travel. Stay hydrated, carry nourishing snacks, schedule plenty of rest time, and
pack your prenatal vitamins.
Be aware of what you are putting into your body: Food and drink may be produced
differently depending on your location. Make sure to drink and brush your teeth with
clean water (bottled or boiled), and don’t use ice. Cook or peel fruits and vegetables, and
don’t consume unpasteurized dairy or raw meats and fish.
Create a travel health kit with pregnancy specific items. The CDC has a suggested list of
items.
Airplane travel: Request an aisle seat and try to walk around every hour.
Get comfy: bring your favorite pillow, wear comfortable clothes, and consider
compression socks to reduce swelling especially if sitting for an extended amount of time
while traveling.

How can we help?

If you think you are pregnant and want to verify your pregnancy, schedule your free and confidential appointment, or give us a call at 530.272.6800 . We would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have during this time.

Links

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Staff. “Travel During Pregnancy.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Aug. 2020, https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/travel-during-pregnancy .

CDC Staff. “Pregnant Travelers.” CDC, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 28 June 2022, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pregnant-travelers .

Johns Hopkins Medicine Staff. “Traveling while Pregnant or Breastfeeding.” Hopkins Medicine, The John Hopkins University, 2022, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/traveling-while-pregnant-or-breastfeeding .

Eva Fisher, BBSN, RN, FCP

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Exploring the First Trimester: The First 12 Weeks of Pregnancy

Fri, 01 Jul 2022 19:20:47 GMT

Exploring the First Trimester: The First 12 Weeks of Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking adventure for everyone involved. So, whether you or someone you know is pregnant, you might wonder what changes are happening inside a woman’s body. To appease your curiosity, let’s look at how each of us grew in the first 12 weeks of conception.

Fertilization: the first two weeks

A normal pregnancy is 40 weeks and begins from the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP ). Conception, also known as fertilization, usually takes place two weeks after a woman’s LMP during ovulation. Following conception, implantation takes place, and the now fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. This period of development is scientifically known as the germinal stage.

Circulatory system: the third and fourth weeks

After fertilization and implantation, the gestational sac, a spherical structure that provides nutrients, fills with fluid, and envelops the egg. This allows for rapid growth throughout the first weeks of pregnancy and moves us into the embryonic stage. During this stage, the external neural tube, which develops into our brain and spinal cord, closes to become an internal structure. Organs like our eyes and inner ears start to take shape. Limb buds, which appear as small stubs, form to mark our future arms and legs. In addition, the digestive and respiratory systems also start to develop, allowing for our intestines and lungs to grow. Perhaps most notably, around day 16 of conception, the foundation for the circulatory system develops, creating our heart and its blood vessels. This makes the heart the first organ to form in our bodies. At the end of week four of conception, we are one-quarter inch long and the size of a lentil.

Heartbeat: the fifth and sixth weeks

During weeks five and six of conception, our brain divides into the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum. In addition, small indentations marking our nostrils appear on our now developing nose. At the same time, our lips form, and our eyes and ears become more distinct. The limb buds mentioned earlier now develop into paddle-like structures, allowing our arms, legs, fingers, and toes to take shape. What people are surprised to hear is that twenty-two days after conception, our heart begins to function and can be seen on an ultrasound. At this time, the heart begins to beat. After week six of conception, we are now half an inch long and the size of a bean.

Major systems: the seventh and eight weeks

For weeks seven and eight of conception, our facial features, such as eyes, nose, mouth, and ears become more noticeable. This is the same for our fingers and toes, which are webbed yet distinguishable. Our main systems, including the nervous, digestive, and urinary systems, continue to become more complex. Bones, such as our teeth, jaw, nose, and collarbone, also develop quickly, allowing us to bend our elbows. At this stage of pregnancy, our heartbeats can be heard using a Doppler . We are also in constant motion and can even hiccup, although the mother cannot feel this. Our major structures and systems also form, and our shape is now recognizable as a human. By the end of week eight, we are between one and one and a half inches long, appearing around the size of a kumquat.

Final developments: the ninth and twelfth weeks

This period marks the beginning of the fetal stage. At this time, the umbilical cord is visible, and our intestines are in the abdomen. In addition, our internal genitalia start fully developing while the external genitalia begin to form (although ultrasound cannot yet determine sex). A more mature larynx also forms, allowing for vocal cord development. After twelve weeks of conception, we have fully formed (but not fully grown) arms, hands, fingers, legs, feet, toes, earlobes, and eyelids. These various changes allow us to grasp with our hands, open our mouths, sigh, and stretch. Alongside increased movement, our face, hands, and feet can now sense light touches. With our distinguishable fingers, we can also begin developing fingerprints and fingernails. At the end of these twelve weeks, we are now about two and a half inches long and about the size of a plum. For the remainder of the pregnancy, we will continue to develop rapidly, building upon our growth from the first twelve weeks.

How We Can Help

If you believe you’re pregnant and want to verify your pregnancy or progress, we’re here for you. Schedule your free and confidential appointment, or give us a call at 530.272.6800 . We would love to meet with you and answer any questions you may have during this time.

Links

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Fetal Development: The 1st Trimester.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 17 Sept. 2021, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302 . “The First Trimester.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 8 Aug. 2021, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-first-trimester .

Neva Monigatti-Lake M.D.

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

Do I Need an Ultrasound Before I Have an Abortion?

Mon, 30 May 2022 19:25:26 GMT

Do I Need an Ultrasound Before I Have an Abortion?

Maybe you’ve already made up your mind. You want an abortion. So why would someone suggest you have an ultrasound?

There are solid reasons to have an ultrasound before going forward with an abortion. Here are four reasons to consider.

1. Ultrasounds diagnose ectopic pregnancies.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. In an ectopic pregnancy, the egg most often implants in the fallopian tube (a tubal pregnancy), but it can also implant inside the ovary, in the abdominal cavity or on the cervix. Ectopic pregnancies cannot continue. The baby continues to grow in a space not designed for carrying a baby. Continuing the pregnancy could destroy an ovary or a fallopian tube and cause life-threatening blood loss for the mother.

A pregnancy test cannot detect an ectopic pregnancy. The only way to confirm this is with an ultrasound. If you have an ectopic pregnancy and follow through with an abortion procedure, the abortion will not be complete. The baby would continue to grow and pose serious risks to you.

2. Ultrasounds confirm viability.

A viable pregnancy means that there is a heartbeat and the baby is alive. According to the Mayo Clinic , 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can determine if your pregnancy is viable. If the ultrasound doesn’t detect a heartbeat, then you don’t need to endure the health risks of an abortion.

3. Ultrasounds determine gestational age.

The gestational age is how far along in your pregnancy you are. Certain abortion procedures are not recommended for certain stages of pregnancy. It is very important to know exactly how far along you are in your pregnancy before having an abortion.

4. Ultrasounds help you be fully informed.

We want you to be fully informed before making any decision. And having an ultrasound will help you make a fully-informed choice.

At LivingWell, we can provide you with a limited OB ultrasound at no cost to you. We also provide a safe place for you to get all the facts before deciding. Please call us to schedule an appointment. All our services are confidential, and we are committed to serving you with kindness and compassion, no matter what decision you ultimately make.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Is It Too Late? Is The Abortion Pill Reversal Available?

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 19:32:48 GMT

Is It Too Late? Is The Abortion Pill Reversal Available?

An unplanned pregnancy may bring about many natural emotions such as fear, anxiety, and stress. Sometimes, women make a decision to have an abortion before even really thinking about if that is the best choice for them and their baby. But you may be surprised that many women experience instant regret after taking the abortion pill, aka “Plan C,” medical abortion, or chemical abortion.

At LivingWell Medical Clinic , we have known women who changed their minds and felt heartbroken from the decision to abort, which they made out of stress.

If you are reading this and have taken the first pill, and you have changed your mind about having an abortion, it may not be too late to save your baby!

Can I Change My Mind After Taking the Abortion Pill?

According to the American Pregnancy Association : “Yes, you can reverse the abortion pill. The abortion pill reversal (APR) procedure can only occur after the first dose of medical abortion is taken orally and is ineffective after the second set of pills.

The abortion pill reversal process involves a large influx of progesterone into the pregnant woman’s system. This is due to the fact that the first pill blocks progesterone from being absorbed by the womb. The drug blocks where progesterone would normally be absorbed, so an influx of progesterone can outcompete for the available binding spaces.”

Timing is Everything in Reversal

Time is CRUCIAL if you are considering an abortion pill reversal (APR). A woman wishing to reverse the effects of mifepristone must start the APR within 24 hours of taking the pill for the best results . However, the Abortion Pill Rescue Network states that “there have been successful reversals when treatment was starting within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill.”

If you are in this timeframe, the good news is that medical professionals have been able to reverse the effects of the first abortion pill and save 64-68% of pregnancies by using the natural hormone progesterone.

LivingWell Medical Clinic is an abortion pill reversal provider and you can call us right away, any time of the day on our direct APR line at: 530.278.8234 . If you are not in our area, you can call the national APR number at 1.877.558.0333 .

How is the Abortion Pill Reversed?

An abortion pill reversal must take place in a medical clinic, as soon as possible. First, an ultrasound is done to confirm the baby’s heart rate, placement, and how far along the pregnancy is. Your doctor or medical professional will then prescribe progesterone, which may either be taken orally or vaginally.

It is also possible that they may give you the progesterone by intramuscular injection. “The treatment will usually continue through the first trimester of pregnancy,” states the Abortion Pill Rescue Network .

How We Can Help

Our team at LivingWell Medical Clinic is dedicated to helping you as you consider your pregnancy options and your health. Our clinic offers the abortion pill reversal and can help answer any questions you may have.

We understand that some women experience regret after taking the abortion pill, and we are here to provide a safe and non-judgmental place for you if you need someone to talk to and/or if you need help figuring out if an abortion pill reversal (APR) is a viable option for you.

All of our services are free and confidential. Please call us at 530.272.6800 . We’d love to talk through all of your options with you and answer any questions you may have. Schedule an appointment.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

M.D.

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

STI Quiz – Are You At Risk?

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 19:45:55 GMT

STI Quiz – Are You At Risk?

Our online STI quiz can help you determine your risk for infection.

It can be embarrassing, awkward and sort of scary to talk about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It may seem easier to ignore the subject and hope for the best. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 20 million cases of STIs each year in the United States, and about half of these cases are in young people, ages 15 – 24.

Because untreated STIs can cause irreversible damage or even death, we want to help you determine your risk and get the appropriate testing and treatment. With proper treatment, some STIs can be cured and others can be managed.

A good first step is to determine if you are at risk for contracting an STI. Take this STI quiz to see if you are at risk and need to get tested.

STI Quiz

Are you a sexually active woman younger than 25 years of age?
Have you had sex with someone who has been diagnosed with an STI?
Have you touched your sex organs after touching your partner’s sex organs?
Have you exchanged any bodily fluids (semen, vaginal fluids or blood) with someone?
Have you had new or multiple sex partners within the past 12 months?
Have you had vaginal sex within the last 12 months?
Have you had oral sex within the last 12 months?
Have you had anal sex within the last 12 months?
Have you shared injection drug equipment with anyone within the last 12 months?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you are at risk for an STI. We’re here to help you . All of our services are confidential and free. Call us .

We want to take the embarrassment, awkwardness and fear out of the STI conversation.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Abortion Pill Risks

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 20:32:42 GMT

Abortion Pill Risks

The abortion pill has been made out to be a safe, and quick fix to an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. But is it really that easy? Can you really trust that it is safe and will not have adverse effects on you physically short term or even long term?

At LivingWell Medical Clinic , we understand how overwhelming it can be if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and trying to decide what steps you should take next. If you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, it is important to not only know all of your options, but to be informed about each of them before making a decision that will ultimately impact the rest of your life.

In this blog, we will discuss some recent findings that show the abortion pill, or a medical abortion, may not be the quick and easy fix that it is often made out to be.

Pregnancy Dating is Critical

Do you know how far along you are? This should be your first piece of information you confirm before making any decision regarding your pregnancy. You might think you are in the timeframe to still take the abortion pill, as the FDA states you can have a medical abortion to end a pregnancy if it is: “70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period”

Although that seems like a large time frame, recent findings about women in the United States who have a legal abortion are startling:

“a pregnant woman’s risk of death increases 38% every week beyond eight weeks.” ( National Library of Medicine )

If you have just found out you’re pregnant, it is critical that you find out exactly how far along you are before you make a decision regarding your pregnancy, especially with pregnant women’s risk of death increasing due to an abortion over time.

If you have only taken a home pregnancy test, your next step should be to get tested by a third party professional and to schedule an ultrasound for verification. An ultrasound will be able to give you the most accurate pregnancy dating information, so you can make an informed decision about your health and pregnancy.

The Abortion Pill and Adverse Effects on Women

In an article published by the Family Research Council, which appeared on LifeNews.com on April 18, 2019, the thousands of adverse events that resulted in serious complications, hospitalizations and even deaths is something one cannot ignore when considering taking the abortion pill.

These adverse effects were confirmed by the FDA, but often go undiscussed when a woman goes to a medical clinic to obtain the pill for a medical abortion. The pill may seem easy and inexpensive to obtain, but it has shown the outcome is not as easy, or safe for thousands of individuals.

As Patricia Mosely stated:

“The previous report released last year on adverse events of the abortion regimen from 2000-2017 showed 22 deaths. Now, an update to the FDA’s Questions and Answers on Mifeprex states that “As of December 31, 2018, there were reports of 24 deaths of women associated with Mifeprex since the product was approved in September 2000, including two cases of ectopic pregnancy resulting in death; and several cases of severe systemic infection (also called sepsis), including some that were fatal.”

To date, the report now documents nearly 4,200 adverse events, including deaths, hospitalizations and other serious complications.

Just between the years 2012 to 2017, the FDA released a report detailing 1,445 more adverse events from Mifeprex. In total , the number of adverse events from 2000 to 2018 is now 24 deaths, 97 ectopic pregnancies, 1,042 hospitalizations, 599 blood transfusions, and 412 infections (including 69 severe infections), with a total of 4,195 adverse events reported.”

“Normal” Side Effects May Be Signs of Serious Issues

On the FDA’s website, there is a warning for healthcare providers of what to look out for in women who have taken the abortion pill, which is a pill that blocks the hormone progesterone that is necessary for a pregnancy to continue.

These warnings are not normally given to women in a health care clinic or doctors office, leaving many women unaware of the severity of certain side effects. What some women are led to believe as “mild” side effects can actually lead to sepsis, which can be fatal if left untreated.

As stated on the FDA’s website:

“All providers of medical abortion and emergency room healthcare practitioners should investigate the possibility of sepsis in women who are undergoing medical abortion and present with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea and weakness with or without abdominal pain. These symptoms, even without a fever, may indicate a serious infection. Strong consideration should be given to obtaining a complete blood count in these patients. Significant leukocytosis with a marked left shift and hemoconcentration may be indicative of sepsis. This information applies equally to the abortion pill and the approved generic version of the abortion pill.” (What should healthcare providers watch for in women who have taken the abortion pill)

It is important to inform yourself of these possible risks and side effects, as many women who have experienced them shared they were not aware they could happen.

How We Can Help

Our team at LivingWell Medical Clinic is dedicated to helping you as you consider your pregnancy options and your health. While we don’t recommend abortion pill to our clients, we do want you to be informed with all of the facts to make the best decision for you.

At LivingWell Medical Clinic, we provide free pregnancy testing and free limited obstetrical ultrasounds with one of our medical personnel to confirm if your pregnancy is viable or not and how far along you are.

After receiving a lab quality pregnancy test at our clinic our limited obstetrical ultrasound will help determine if your pregnancy is viable or not by confirming its location and then baby cardiac activity, as well as helping you determine how far along you are. These are the first two steps you can take in making an informed decision for your health.

All of our services are free and confidential . Please contact us online or call us at 530.272.6800 . We’d love to talk through all of your options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

Is Plan B the Same Thing as a Medical Abortion?

Sat, 15 May 2021 21:02:32 GMT

Is Plan B the Same Thing as a Medical Abortion?

Maybe you’ve heard of Plan B, the emergency contraceptive or morning after pill, and the term medical abortion or abortion pill, but you aren’t really sure what they are or how they work. Are they the same thing? Are they different? Where do you get it? When do you take it? How does it work after sex?

It’s important to know that they are two different options. Let’s look at some of the most common questions and differences regarding Plan B and a medical abortion.

What Is Plan B?

Plan B is an emergency progestin-only contraceptive intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or after contraception failure, such as a condom breaking. This single-dose pill contains higher levels of the same hormones found in daily contraceptive pills and works in much the same way – by preventing ovulation.

When Would You Consider Taking The Morning After Pill?

You had sex and the condom broke.
You normally use protection, but things got carried away and you didn’t.
You were drinking too much and didn’t use protection.
You are on the pill, but you missed a couple of doses or haven’t been taking it regularly.
You were sexually assaulted.

When Is It Taken?

The Plan B pill is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It must be taken within 72 hours.

Will Plan B Prevent A Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)?

No. Emergency contraception only lowers the risk of becoming pregnant. If you are having unprotected sex, we can offer information and referrals to help you make informed decisions about your sexual health and lower your risk for an STI.

If you think you may have been exposed to an STI, then give us a call at 530.272.6800 immediately. We provide free STI & STD testing and sexual behavior risk assessment and education.

Are There Side Effects?

Some women report side effects similar to those of regular oral birth-control pills: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness.

Does The Morning After Pill Work If You’re Already Pregnant?

No. Plan B works to prevent pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception will not end a pregnancy. If you think you are pregnant, we invite you to come in for a free pregnancy test.

Is Plan B The Same Thing As The Abortion Pill?

No. The abortion pill which is also known as a medical abortion, is given after a pregnancy has begun and a fertilized embryo has attached to the uterus wall. It works by causing the uterus to force out the egg, ending the pregnancy. Emergency contraception is designed to work before pregnancy begins, while a medical abortion terminates an early pregnancy up to 10 weeks gestational age. We invite you to come in for a free ultrasound scan to confirm your pregnancy is 10 weeks or less gestational age. Give us a call today at 530.272.6800 to schedule a free and confidential appointment.

What is a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion uses a combination of pills to end an early pregnancy, so it is considered to a nonsurgical abortion. This procedure is often started at a medical clinic and then finished at home. Typically a doctor will evaluate your medical history and run some lab work before starting the procedure.

The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which causes the embryo to stop growing. The second pill causes your uterus to contract, which creates bleeding and cramping. If the procedure is successful, it will cause the embryo to be dispelled from the uterus.

Potential Side Effects with a Medical Abortion

The pills used for a medical abortion have also been known to create symptoms (besides bleeding and cramping) that may require you to take additional medications because of pain, such as:

Headaches
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever chills
Diarrhea

Sometimes antibiotics are needed if an infection occurs.

There are also physical and emotional side effects that can occur from having a medical abortion. It is important to be aware of the possible symptoms and to make sure you are able to receive medical attention quickly if you experience any.

Some possible physical side effects of the procedure are:

Having a fever for more than 24 hours
Heavy bleeding for a long time
Foul-smelling discharge from your vagina
Digestive issues
Extreme back and/or abdominal pain.

Some possible emotional side effects are:

Guilt
Depression
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (also known as PASS ).

There is also a possibility that the abortion is considered to be incomplete, which means you will still have an on-going pregnancy. If this happens, a surgical abortion may have to be done if you still wish to end the pregnancy.

How We Can Help

Our team at LivingWell Medical Clinic is dedicated to helping you. While we don’t recommend the morning after pill or abortion pill to our clients, we do want you to have all the information to make the best decision for you. If you have other questions about Plan B or medical abortion, please call us at 530.272.6800 and you can text us at 530.802.0858 . We’d love to talk through all of your options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 13:12:59 GMT

Why Do I Need an Ultrasound?

Finding out you are pregnant can bring about a range of emotions– especially if it was unexpected and unplanned. It is not uncommon to feel scared, panicked and unsure of what to do if you are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Before you make any decisions about your pregnancy, it is important to confirm that it is viable and how far along you are.

Knowing these two pieces of information will help you know for sure if you are pregnant and help you make the most informed decisions. In this blog, we will discuss how getting an ultrasound is a very important step in confirming if you are pregnant or not.

Is an at Home Pregnancy Test Enough?

Most at home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate when taken properly. Although this is a way a majority of women find out if they are pregnant or not, it is important to still see a doctor to confirm pregnancy.

As the Mayo Clinic states:

“Although rare, it’s possible to get a positive result from a home pregnancy test when you’re not actually pregnant. This is known as a false-positive. A false-positive might happen if you had a pregnancy loss soon after the fertilized egg attached to your uterine lining (biochemical pregnancy) or you take a pregnancy test too soon after taking a fertility drug that contains HCG. An ectopic pregnancy, menopause or problems with your ovaries also might contribute to misleading test results.”

If you want to be sure your results are accurate, it is important to go to a medical clinic or doctor to confirm with a lab quality urine test and an ultrasound to determine if you are pregnant or not.

Is My Pregnancy Viable?

In addition to confirming you are actually pregnant, seeing a medical professional will help you to find out if your pregnancy is viable or not. The definition of viable is: “capable of living or growing.” Although you may have gotten a positive result at home, that doesn’t mean your pregnancy is actually growing properly.

Viability can be determined as early as six weeks gestational age, and is based on where the pregnancy is actually located. This is found out by getting a first trimester ultrasound, and cannot be determined by a urine test alone. There are typically a few factors a medical professional is looking for when confirming a pregnancy through ultrasound:

Confirming the pregnancy location.

If a fetus is developing outside of the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy . This means the fertilized egg has attached itself to a fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix. An ultrasound is vital in determining the location of the pregnancy, because the fertilized egg can only grow properly in the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy cannot be determined by a urine test or a physical exam– an ultrasound must be done.

It is important to determine pregnancy location because an ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention.

As Healthline states:

“Ectopic pregnancies aren’t safe for the mother. Also, the embryo won’t be able to develop to term. It’s necessary to remove the embryo as soon as possible for the mother’s immediate health and long-term fertility.”

Confirming Cardiac Activity

If the baby is developing inside of the uterus, an ultrasound will then allow you to know if the baby has a heartbeat or not. If the baby does not have a heartbeat, then the pregnancy is not viable as the baby is no longer alive.

Determining your baby’s gestational age.

An ultrasound will be able to tell you how far along you actually are, based on the baby’s size, and a more accurate estimated due date.

Confirming the number of babies present in the uterus.

How We Can Help

If you have only taken a home pregnancy test, your next step should be to get tested by a third party professional and to schedule an ultrasound for verification. At LivingWell Medical Clinic, we provide free pregnancy testing and free limited obstetrical ultrasounds with one of our medical personnel to confirm if your pregnancy is viable or not and how far along you are. After receiving a lab quality pregnancy test at our clinic our limited obstetrical ultrasound will help determine if your pregnancy is viable or not by confirming its location and then baby cardiac activity. We will also be able to help you determine your due date, but we do not determine gender. These are the first two steps you can take in making an informed decision for your health.

To schedule your free and confidential appointment , give us a call today at 530.272.6800 or text us at 530.802.0858 . We are here to help you confirm your pregnancy and answer any questions you may have during this time. We would love to meet you.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 13:18:15 GMT

Pregnancy and the COVID-19 Vaccine

If you or someone you know is currently pregnant, there is a chance you have thought about how the COVID-19 vaccine impacts a pregnant woman. In this blog, you will find information from the CDC and other medical experts to learn more about this new topic. Keep in mind, this is meant to be solely informational. It is best to ask questions and discuss if you should get a vaccine or not with your OBGYN before making any medical decisions.

Current Information for Pregnant Women Considering the COVID-19 Vaccination

Currently, both the CDC and the Independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have released available information to help pregnant women with their decision to either get or deny the COVID-19 vaccine.

Right now, the ACIP suggests that healthcare personnel, other frontline essential workers, and the elderly are a part of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the vaccine, and should be offered the option to receive it first, as they are considered the most vulnerable groups.

EUA is put in place by the CDC when there are limited amounts of a certain vaccine available. “While CDC makes recommendations for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first, each state has its own plan for deciding who will be vaccinated first and how they can receive vaccines. Please contact California Department of Public Health for more information on COVID-19 vaccination.”

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html

If you are currently pregnant and not in one of the following recommended groups, the CDC suggests that you have the CHOICE of whether or not they want to receive the vaccination and should speak with your healthcare provider to help you make that choice.

“People who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated. If they have questions about getting vaccinated, a discussion with a healthcare provider might help them make an informed decision… A conversation between pregnant patients and their clinicians may help them decide whether to get vaccinated with a vaccine that has been authorized for use under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).”

(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html)

Since the COVID-19 vaccine is so new, there is limited data about the safety of the current COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women. As more clinical trials and studies are done, more information will be readily available. Both the CDC and Food and Drug Administration have set up safety monitoring systems to collect information regarding pregnancy and the vaccination. Currently, both of the vaccine manufacturers are monitoring women in the clinical trials who have become pregnant.

Experts from Johns Hopkins Medicine believe that although there is little information available regarding the current vaccine and pregnancy, it should be made available for pregnant women to receive if they choose to.

“While there are many unanswered questions about the vaccines in this population, Johns Hopkins Medicine agrees with and supports the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM).

Pregnant and lactating women who otherwise meet criteria for vaccination should be offered access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
This should be a shared decision among a woman, her care partner(s), and medical provider(s), based on individual risk factors and recognizing a current lack of data about the vaccines’ safety and efficacy during pregnancy and long-term maternal and fetal outcomes.” ( John Hopkins Medicine )

From what they have seen so far, the CDC has stated that the side effects that may occur from the COVID-19 vaccine are the same in both non-pregnant and pregnant women.

“Side effects can occur after receiving either of the two available COVID-19 vaccines, especially after the second dose. These side effects are not expected to be any different for pregnant people than for non-pregnant people. Pregnant people who experience fever following vaccination may be counseled to take acetaminophen because fever has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Acetaminophen may be offered as an option for pregnant women experiencing other post-vaccination symptoms as well.

Some people have experienced allergic reactions after receipt of the vaccine. CDC recommends that all vaccine recipients, including pregnant people, should talk with their healthcare provider if they have a history of severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any other vaccine or injectable therapy (e.g., intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous). Key considerations to inform these discussions include the unknown risks of developing a severe allergic reaction and the benefits of vaccination.” — CDC, Vaccine Side Effects

Another important factor about the current vaccine is that it does not contain a live virus. Experts from Johns Hopkins state:

“The first vaccines to receive emergency use authorization (EUA) are mRNA vaccines. The mRNA vaccines are not live virus vaccines, nor do they use an adjuvant (something that improves the immune response of a vaccine) to enhance vaccine efficacy. These vaccines do not enter the nucleus and do not alter human DNA in vaccine recipients. As a result, mRNA vaccines cannot cause any genetic changes.” ( The COVID-19 Virus and Pregnancy )

Since the two available vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, it cannot give someone COVID-19 after they receive it, which is good to know in your decision-making process. The CDC has also shared that so far, experts believe the mRNA vaccines will not be dangerous to women who are pregnant, based only upon their general knowledge of how these particular vaccines work.

“Based on how mRNA vaccines work, experts believe they are unlikely to pose a specific risk for people who are pregnant. However, the actual risks of mRNA vaccines to the pregnant person and her fetus are unknown because these vaccines have not been studied in pregnant women.”

(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html)

Speak With Your OB-GYN

Experts all agree that the best thing you can do is sit down and talk with your OB-GYN to ask questions about the safety of and your concerns regarding pregnancy and the COVID-19 vaccination. As doctors from Johns Hopkins state:

“The Food and Drug Administration’s EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine states: “If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.” ( The COVID-19 Virus and Pregnancy )

It’s their job to help you, so don’t feel bad asking them about all of your questions and concerns. They want to help you make the best choice for you and your baby regarding the vaccination; don’t hesitate to reach out for help!

Below are some examples of questions you can discuss with your OBGYN. (It is important to ask any other questions you may have regarding vaccination):

What current information is known about the vaccine and pregnancy?
What side effects are possible, both to me and my unborn baby?
How well will it protect me and my unborn baby?
How likely am I to be exposed to COVID-19?

How We Can Help

It’s important to make the most informed choices during your pregnancy for you and your baby. That’s why our team at LivingWell Medical Clinic is dedicated to helping you during this process. Whether you need help finding a good OB-GYN or just need someone to talk to about your pregnancy, we can help. If you have any questions or need support, call us at 530.272.6800 . We would love to meet you!

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

Five Questions You May Have About Adoption

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 13:30:09 GMT

Five Questions You May Have About Adoption

You have your college and career plans laid out. Unexpectedly, you find yourself pregnant. That was not part of the plan until later. Is making an adoption plan a good alternative? Women choosing adoption play an active role in every part of the adoption process as they customize the plan that is right for them. You may have questions about the process. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

When do I have to decide about adoption?

You can decide on adoption at any point during your pregnancy or after the baby is born. The timing of your child’s placement depends on your preference, legal aspects, and the role of the birth-father. Many mothers want their baby placed with the adoptive family directly from the hospital, while others may choose interim care while they consider their adoption decision even if it is a few weeks or months later. Both you and the expectant father have rights. If you disagree about adoption or you no longer have a relationship with your baby’s father, your agency will work with him and/or the courts to determine his rights.

Can I choose the family where my child is placed?

Yes, you can. Most adoption agencies have adoptive couples who have been studied and approved providing you with dozens of parents that you can choose from who are ready to adopt. There are standards that every prospective adoptive family must meet which are set by both the agency and the state where they live.

What will happen at the hospital?

You can decide how things go at the hospital and spend as much time with your baby as you choose. You can see and hold your baby and even choose his/her name. Adoptive parents consider your child as a gift to them and are happy to have you be part of the experience.

How much contact may I have after my child is born?

You choose the level of contact you wish to have with your child. If you choose an open adoption, you will be allowed ongoing visits throughout your child’s life and can keep in touch through phone calls or even visits. If you choose a less open adoption, you can still be kept informed of your child’s development through letters and photo that will be mediated by the adoption agency or a third party. Confidential adoptions are also possible should you prefer not to have any contact with your child.

How much will an adoption cost?

Every state differs in the legal ramifications. In many states, you will not need an attorney and most agencies provide services to you at no cost. If there are legal fees, the adoptive family usually pays those costs. Many adoption agencies can guide you to the resources you need for housing, medical and other assistance, and maternity clothing during your pregnancy.

At LivingWell, we provide hope for you to pursue and accomplish your plans and dreams. We know that the decisions you make about your pregnancy will affect your future as well as your baby’s.

Adoption is a big decision and one that you should think through before making a final decision. Research has shown that pregnant women who make an adoption plan are more likely than single parents to finish school, have better jobs and overall report a high level of satisfaction with their decision for adoption. If you want to talk more about your options for adoption, schedule an appointment today.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

7 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

Wed, 16 Sep 2020 21:23:13 GMT

7 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

There are many different reasons people start relationships. Sometimes they’re lonely. Sometimes they see a chance for something better or they need someone to reassure them. Sometimes they want acceptance by another person.

Often, people stay in unhealthy relationships because they feel they really love the other person, and they hope things will change for the better. Some relationships change with a little work and counseling, but if your partner is unwilling to get outside help or wants you to keep the problems in your relationship a secret that may be a sign that he doesn’t really want to change. Remember, someone who really loves you will treat you with respect, kindness, and patience. He will be honest with you and value your thoughts and feelings. And, of course, he won’t be violent or force sex on you.

7 Warning Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship

When there is a disagreement, you’re always wrong and he’s always right.
You fear bringing up a subject that is important to you because he might get really angry.
He uses alcohol or drugs a lot. After he has been drinking or using, he can’t remember what he said or did to you.
He tries to control your access to money, who you spend time with, where (or whether) you work, how you dress, or how you act.
You feel bad about yourself because he calls you names, makes fun of you, or views you as stupid, ignorant, or incompetent.
He lies to you or cheats on you.
He promises to change but doesn’t.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these signs of an unhealthy relationship, it may be time to stop and think. Is your relationship built on love or are you looking for acceptance, attention, or security? Is your relationship healthy, or just the best you think you can get?

Are you in an unhealthy relationship? LivingWell can provide resources to help you work through your relationship issues. Give us a call today – 530-272-6800 .

Understanding PASS & How You Can Find Healing

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 13:40:25 GMT

Understanding PASS & How You Can Find Healing

Post-abortion stress syndrome (also known as PASS) is something that you may have heard of. It is a condition that is believed to be an extension of PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. While PASS is a condition that is debated by some people, we at H3Helpline have seen thousands of women who are traumatized from their abortion experience. We are a National Helpline for Abortion Recovery . Every day, our phone coaches listen to the pain of women who are struggling with the emotional aftermath of an abortion. This is no longer something that can be debated and ignored. These women aren’t lying nor are they seeking attention. They just simply want to heal. So what is PASS and how can one find healing? These are the questions we are going to answer in today’s blog.

What is PASS?

During the pregnancy process, your body is flooded with hormones that alter your brain chemistry. After receiving an abortion, your brain halts the production of these chemicals, causing a whiplash-like situation that leaves your brain in a state of confusion. This can also be compounded by the feelings leading up to the abortion procedure. The decision to have an abortion is a tremendous decision often surrounded by intense emotions, and these emotions are often handled by everyone differently. With some women or men, they are left with a state of PTSD known as post-abortion stress syndrome or PASS.

Symptoms of PASS?

Every woman’s experience with abortion is a unique story that’s filled with unique circumstances and differing emotions. However, many of these women face similar symptoms that can be seen again and again. Sadly, many women feel like they have to ignore and suppress symptoms of PASS because they fear that those around them will focus on only one aspect of their story: that they had an abortion. We currently live in a time where many mental health issues are openly accepted; we no longer shame those who suffer from depression, self-harm, and eating disorders.

So why do women suffering from post-abortion syndrome feel uneasy coming forward? While we live in an age of mental health acceptance, we also live in a time of extreme political division, and abortion is a hot topic and the focus of many debates. In order to make it so women are comfortable discussing their PASS, we need to set aside our political views and simply lend a compassionate ear and heart to those who are hurting silently.

Some of the common symptoms of PASS are:

Depression & Emotional Numbness

The feeling of being depressed after an abortion is one of the most common symptoms of PASS. You may begin to feel a lack of interest in what was once your biggest passions. You may see yourself preferring to stay home more and more until you’re cut off from society. It may become difficult to get out of bed and or to focus on your work.

As depression starts to affect your daily life, you may find yourself dealing with the fact that you have become numb to all of your emotions. We often hear from women we help that they have tried to suppress their feelings of grief, but what happens instead is that they end up suppressing all of their emotions and find it is difficult to reverse the process, even if they want to.

Feeling Anxious or Guilty Around Other Babies

It’s not uncommon to feel at peace with your decision to receive an abortion and then find yourself feeling anxious or guilty later on down the road. You may find that certain situations, such as seeing a mother or father with a newborn baby or visiting friends who have a baby of their own, can evoke a feeling of regret or anger. You may find yourself at the baby aisle of your favorite store and being overcome with emotions of loss and anxiety.

Anniversary Anxiety

Anniversary anxiety isn’t always the easiest symptom to identify, but it’s a very common symptom. When you think of an anniversary, it’s typically something worth celebration, such as a wedding anniversary. But when it comes to the anniversary of a traumatic event, we tend to try and suppress any negative emotions and pretend that it’s just another day. Unfortunately, our mind doesn’t work like that; whether you realize it or not your subconscious is still processing what happened and can evoke feelings of anxiety without consciously realizing it.

Why PASS Shouldn’t be Ignored

Like many problems in our lives, if we tend to turn a blind eye and ignore them, the problem just continues to grow and becomes even harder to tackle further down the road. I think we have all either seen an episode of Hoarders or maybe seen a clip pop up on Facebook or Instagram TV. It’s easy to shake your head and judge them, but if you listen to them talk, you’ll see that it all started with them ignoring a trauma that occurred in their life.

Now, by no means am I saying that if you ignore post-abortion stress syndrome you will become a hoarder. What I am saying is that if you try to bury your symptoms of PASS, you run the risk of finding yourself buried by it and it can become harder to dig yourself out and deal with the problem head-on.

Why it’s Important to Reach Out Sooner Than Later

It’s human to compartmentalize grief and trauma. The emotional pain after an abortion can be immense and, in many cases, the outcome of suppressing trauma can cause more pain and damage than addressing the actual trauma. That doesn’t mean that addressing your trauma is easy; far from it. But by reaching out for help, you can save yourself from potentially causing more pain for yourself and, in some cases, for those around you as well. So let’s look at some of the risks of suppressing trauma.

Drug & alcohol abuse : When dealing with grief, it’s common to find yourself wanting to escape the real world and lose yourself in drug abuse. Whether it’s the abuse of alcohol, pain killers, or the use of harder drugs, the end result can be permanent damage to your body and/or accidental overdose.

Sexual escape : Another coping mechanism can take the form of using sex to suppress grief or to find a moment of relief from the emotional pain you feel. Using sex as an escape can be common, but it leads to the risk of contracting an STD or STI and may lead to an unplanned pregnancy.

Self-harm : In some cases, we’ve seen others turn to self-harm to find an escape. Causing physical harm to the body will lead to secrecy as you try to hide it from those who care about you and ultimately creates more anxiety. Self-harm also destigmatizes yourself to the fear of suicide and can lead to hospitalization and accidental suicide.

Eating disorders : Eating disorders are often thought of as something that only affects young women, but eating disorders can often arise from traumatic events or out of grief. One such disorder is bulimia, an eating disorder in which you consume large amounts of food and then force yourself to vomit (also known as purging) to remove the excess amount of calories. Anorexia is another common disorder, in which you begin to starve yourself. In other cases, you may find yourself losing control of how much you eat; this is referred to as binge-eating disorder.

All of these conditions can lead to a life of greater depression and anxiety. By ignoring and suppressing your feelings, you can find yourself in a vicious cycle of destructive repetition that just gets worse over time.It’s never easy to seek help, but at the same time, you will never regret doing so. We know it’s not easy. It takes strength and courage, but it’s necessary to begin your healing journey.

How Can I Begin To Heal?

You may feel like you are all alone and that there is no one that could possibly help you during this time, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. You are worthy of happiness, love, healing, and forgiveness. That is the truth, however hard it may be to acknowledge it.

There isn’t a cookie-cutter cure-all way of overcoming post-abortion stress syndrome, just like there isn’t a cookie-cutter way of dealing with PTSD. Every woman’s healing journey is different, but some steps never change.

Step One

The first step may be to call our after abortion helpline ( 866-721-7881 ) and open up, admitting that this is something that you are struggling with. It is safe and confidential. Our phone coaches have been through the pain and also the healing after abortion . You want to be sure that whoever you share your pain with is safe and there is no judgment.

Step Two

The next step is to reach out and get help through a post-abortion weekend retreat, such as Rachel’s Vineyard or Deeper Still . Other choices are checking out a weekly recovery group near you, or reaching out to a nearby pregnancy center that provides post-abortion support or seeing a therapist. Even during these times of COVID-19, these groups are still meeting digitally over Zoom.

HOPE Retreat

It’s important to find healing and hope. It’s just as important to know that you are not alone. It is approximated that one-third of women have an abortion at some point in their life. Which is why LivingWell hosts a Hope Weekend Retreat . During our weekend HOPE Retreat, we get together as a small group of 5-8 women who have experienced the emotional after-effects of going through an abortion. We will process the painful thoughts and emotions like guilt, anger, unforgiveness, regret, and or depression. By doing this together we find hope and healing.

H3Helpline is Here to Help

Few people are told about the pain and stress they will experience as a result of an abortion. At H3Helpline, we understand how difficult this experience can be for you. One of the most important things you can do is to seek out after abortion care and start the healing journey sooner rather than later. Not only will it help you, but you’ll connect with other people who have gone through the same experience as you, allowing you to gain help, support, and understanding from them. Give us a call today at 866-721-7881 to speak with one of our trained phone coaches & get connected to local post-abortion care resources in your area.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

How Is Your Baby Growing – Week by Week?

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 20:09:29 GMT

How Is Your Baby Growing – Week by Week?

You just found out you are pregnant. You might be wondering about the changes inside your body. How is your baby growing and developing?

A normal pregnancy is 40 weeks. The beginning point is the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). An LMP is measurable. Most women do not know when they ovulated, which is your conception date. Your actual conception date or fertilization (when the egg and sperm get together) date is usually two weeks later.

The pregnancy (40) weeks is divided into three trimesters. Each trimester consists of 12-13 weeks.

1st trimester – Weeks 0-13

2nd trimester – Weeks 14-27

3rd trimester – Weeks 28-40

Here is a breakdown of each trimester:

1st trimester – Weeks 1-4:

Fertilization and implantation occur. The gestational sac forms and fills with fluid. At day 10, this tiny little ball is considered an embryo. Around day 16, the heart and great vessels begin to form pumping blood throughout the embryo. The neural tube which will become the brain and spinal cord begins to form. Eyes and ears are forming. Limb buds, which form the arms and legs appear. By the end of week 3, the embryo is ¼ inch long.

1st trimester – Weeks 5-13:

The body systems, such as nervous, digestive and urinary systems develop. The shape of the embryo is recognizable as a human being; facial features become more distinct. The heart beat can now be heard with an instrument called a Doppler. Bones are developing. The embryo moves continuously but cannot be felt by the mother. By week 9-12, the arms and legs have matured, there is increasing movement, eyelids form, as well as fingernails and toenails. At the end of the eleventh week, the baby’s genital organs will start developing. By week 12, your baby may measure 2 ½ inches long!

2nd trimester – Weeks 14-18:

This trimester is a growing trimester. All major organ systems are formed and just need to get bigger. Urine forms and tissue is becoming bone within the arms, legs and around the head. In week 14, the baby’s sex becomes apparent. Sucking motions are noticeable and your baby shows coordinated movements. Fat forms at this point, ears begin to hear and your baby’s length approaches 5 ½ inches.

2nd trimester – Weeks 19-27:

Week 20 is the halfway point! Baby is swallowing, hair is visible and fingerprints and footprints form. By the end of this second trimester, baby knows your voice and may respond to familiar sounds with movement. Lungs are producing a substance called, surfactant, which enables the lungs to inflate and deflate. By now your baby is approximately 9 inches long and may weigh nearly two pounds. As the second trimester ends, all systems are continuing to mature and grow. By week 23 -24, babies who are born at this time, are capable, with intense medical care, to live outside the womb.

3rd Trimester – Weeks 28-35:

By week 29, baby’s bones are completely developed. However, they are not hard, but soft and malleable. Baby’s eyes begin to open and hair on the baby’s head is clearly formed. Your baby is now consistently breathing through its own lungs. The fine hair covering the baby’s body begins to fall off and the pasty white substance covering the body gets thicker. Weight gain occurs at this point, as much as a ½ pound every week until delivery.

3rd Trimester – Weeks 36-40:

During these latest weeks, your uterus is filled with baby. Baby’s punches and kicks can be felt very readily. By week 37, baby begins to turn and position its head down, to prepare for labor and delivery. The placenta is still the main supplier of nutrients and antibodies. Your baby now measures 18-20 inches and may weigh more than 61/2 pounds. Keep in mind, that babies come in different lengths and weights!

Due dates may arrive and depart without delivery. Don’t be alarmed if your baby arrives two weeks early or two weeks late. This is not unusual. Your baby is now ready to meet you!

Links: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/fetal-development/art-20045997?pg=2

http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/adult/pregnancy_and_childbirth/the_second_trimester_85,p01234/

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Can I Smoke Pot When I’m Pregnant?

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:13:31 GMT

Can I Smoke Pot When I’m Pregnant?

Maybe your morning sickness is really bad and you think smoking marijuana will help ease your nausea. Or maybe you are really anxious about becoming a mom or about going through labor and you want to smoke pot to settle your nerves. And now that marijuana is legal both for medicinal and recreational uses in California, you could smoke pot without breaking any laws. But is it a good idea?

Before you consume cannabis in any form during your pregnancy, you should consider these 4 things.

Doctors advise pregnant women not to smoke pot. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should discontinue all marijuana use. [1]
Smoking pot could affect your baby’s brain development. Research in rats suggests that the THC in cannabis crosses the placenta and can cause profound effects on brain development. Babies exposed to marijuana in the womb may have a higher-pitched cry, respond differently to visual stimulation and tremble more than babies not exposed to marijuana. [2]
Exposure to pot during pregnancy could make it harder for your child to succeed in school. Research shows that children who were exposed to pot in the womb demonstrate long-term effects. When they are in school, they have a harder time paying attention, solving problems and remembering things. [3]
You could put your baby at risk for other complications, including low birth-weight, premature birth or even stillbirth (when a baby dies in the womb). Smoking pot increases your exposure to carbon monoxide gas. This affects how much oxygen your baby gets, which affects how much your baby grows. [4]

If you have smoked pot at all during your pregnancy, be honest with your doctor about how often you have used marijuana. If you want to talk about ways to quit, we are here to provide you with information and resources. All of our services are confidential and offered at no cost to you. Feel free to leave a message in the comments below or call us at 530.272.6800 .

[1] http://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Marijuana-Use-During-Pregnancy-and-Lactation

[2] Trezza V, Campolongo P, Cassano T, et al. Effects of perinatal exposure to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the emotional reactivity of the offspring: a longitudinal behavioral study in Wistar rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2008;198(4):529-537. doi:10.1007/s00213-008-1162-3.

[3] Goldschmidt L, Day NL, Richardson GA. Effects of prenatal marijuana exposure on child behavior problems at age 10. Neurotoxicol Teratol. 2000;22(3):325-336.

[4] http://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/marijuana.aspx

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

8 Warning Signs You Might Be Pregnant

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 20:59:21 GMT

8 Warning Signs You Might Be Pregnant

While every woman’s body reacts a little differently, there are some common warning signs you might be pregnant. These signs aren’t a sure-fired signal that a baby is on the way, and there may be other causes for any of these symptoms. In fact, with some of them you may feel like you’re about to begin your period. But, when combined they can be a pretty good indicator that you might be in the early stages of pregnancy. Of course, a pregnancy test and/or an ultrasound is the only fool proof way to know for sure if you’re pregnant. So if you’re experiencing these 8 warning signs, you might want to schedule an appointment at LivingWell for a test just to make sure.

8 Warning Signs You Might Be Pregnant

A Missed Period

This is probably the first sign that triggers the thought that you might be pregnant. If you have consistent periods and miss one, you may even take a test before you notice any of the other symptoms, or at least connect them to a potential pregnancy. And if you’re period is irregular or you aren’t keeping track, you may notice some of the other symptoms before you realize you’re late.

Spotting and/or Cramping

Abdominal cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, and light spotting can be a sign that an embryo has implanted in the uterus. This will happen about a week after conception, and a week before you would normally have your period. These aren’t as common as some other signs, so not having them doesn’t mean that you aren’t pregnant. But if you do experience them, especially in conjunction with other signs, you might want to take a test.

Sore Breasts

You know how your breasts feel before your period? This is kind of like that, only more. This soreness comes as your body changes and starts to prepare for its milk-making role.

Peeing

If you seem to spend more time in the restroom than anywhere else, you might be pregnant. Of course other things can cause this as well, but frequent urination is another sign the body is experiencing the changes of pregnancy. As hormones change, and blood flow through the kidneys increases, so does the need to pee. Unfortunately, you’ll have to get used to this as it probably isn’t going away during your pregnancy.

Bloating

Did you eat a little too much, or did your jeans shrink in the wash? Maybe it’s just your period, or maybe you’re pregnant. If it’s pregnancy, this one can also be tied to your body making changes to support a growing baby by slowing down your digestion so your body gets more nutrients from the food you eat.

Smell

If you start smelling EVERY. LITTLE. THING, things you never noticed before, that’s a sign you might be pregnant. Unfortunately, this sign often leads to the next one.

Nausea

All those smells, that queasy feeling. It’s called morning sickness, but it can happen anytime. The good news, it usually only lasts the first 3 months. For some it can last longer, and some lucky women never experience this one at all.

Food Cravings

It’s not always pickles. But almost all expecting moms will have some craving. Sometimes it’s a favorite food, sometimes one you normally don’t even like. It’s also common for pregnant women to have aversions to foods they typically love. Most of the time, these aversions will keep you from eating food you probably shouldn’t be eating anyway.

Again, each woman is different, and not every woman will experience the same signs. Some will have them all, some only a few. But, if you start experiencing a few of these together, it may be time to pick up the phone and schedule a visit for a free test and consultation with our staff at LivingWell. We’ll confirm if you are pregnant and help you work through your options for your next steps.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

8 Tips for Telling Your Parents You’re Pregnant

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 20:53:28 GMT

8 Tips for Telling Your Parents You’re Pregnant

Maybe this isn’t at all what you’ve planned. Maybe it isn’t at all what you want. Maybe you feel angry or sad or guilty or scared to death – maybe you feel all those things. And now you’re thinking, “How do I tell my parents that I’m pregnant?”

First, we want you to know you aren’t alone. We have met many other teenagers or young adults who were surprised by an unexpected pregnancy. This may seem like an impossible situation, but you will get through this.

One of your greatest fears may be telling your parents. You might be afraid they will be angry or disappointed. Or you might have no idea what to expect at all. We don’t have all those answers for you, and everyone’s situation and relationship with her parents is different. But there are a few things you can do to help the conversation go as smoothly as possible. Here are 8 tips for telling your parents you’re pregnant.

8 Tips For Telling Your Parents You’re Pregnant

The sooner you tell them, the better. It may be tempting to put off the conversation. But the longer you wait to tell them, the harder it will be both for you and for them.
It may be helpful to tell a close friend first. This gives you a little practice for telling your parents. At the very least, you can practice by writing it down in a journal or by saying the words in front of a mirror.
Just say it. Don’t beat around the bush. Don’t scare them by starting out with, “I have bad news.” The more you talk in circles, the more anxious your parents will become. Say it simply and straightforwardly, “I have something difficult to tell you. I know this isn’t what we’d planned, but I’m pregnant.”
Prepare to answer questions. They might ask who the father is, if you used protection, how long you’ve been sexually active or when you got pregnant. Think ahead about what questions they might ask and be ready to answer them.
Anticipate their reaction. Most likely, you can’t be sure how your parents will react to this news. But how have they responded to difficult situations or bad news in the past? Chances are, that might indicate how they will respond to the news that you’re pregnant. If they have ever responded in a violent or abusive way to bad news in the past, you probably don’t want to tell them this news alone. Have another trusted adult present when you tell them.
Give them time. Sometimes the first reaction to shocking news can be hurtful. Try not to take that first reaction personally. Give your parents time to process. Allow them time to feel anger or grief or sadness.
Share your feelings. Tell your parents how you’re feeling. Tell them how frightened you were to tell them this news or how scared you are about the future. Your parents need you to tell them how you’re feeling and what you need from them. You will need help from your parents, so now is a good time to be straightforward and up-front about what you need from them — time to process, love, support, understanding, advice.
Be patient. Words like adoption or abortion might come up. Your parents may have strong opinions right away about what is the best way to respond to this situation. You don’t have to make any decision right away. Take your time and let everyone calm down and get used to the idea before you make any big decisions.

Most parents love their children and want what’s best for them. Most likely, that’s how your parents feel about you. You might be surprised at how well they handle this news. Some parents don’t handle the news well, though. If you find yourself in that situation, don’t think you have to do this alone. We are here to help you.

If you are pregnant and still aren’t sure how you’re going to tell your parents, we’re here for you too. Please contact us, and one of our staff members will help you.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

How Does My Birth Control Work?

Mon, 13 May 2019 21:05:22 GMT

How Does My Birth Control Work?

Maybe you’re already using some form of birth control. Or maybe you’re researching different kinds, trying to decide what’s best for you. So maybe you are wondering – How does birth control work anyway?

Not all methods of birth control work the same way.

Let’s look at the different categories of contraceptives (birth control), how they work, how effective they are and what risks they carry. This is going to be a lot of information, so let’s break it down.

Barrier Methods of Birth Control

These methods create a barrier to prevent the sperm from getting to the egg.

Male condoms
Female condoms
Diaphragms
Cervical caps
Contraceptive sponges
Spermicides

How effective are barrier methods in preventing pregnancy?

For the most part, these methods are considered the least effective at preventing pregnancy.

Type of birth control and percentage of users who have an unintended pregnancy each year

Male condom – 18%

Female condom – 21%

Diaphragm – 12%

Sponge – 24%

Spermicide – 28%

Statistics from CDC.

What are the risks of barrier methods?

Some women have allergic reactions to barrier birth control – vaginal irritation and burning according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Spermicides (including the spermicide in sponges) can increase the risk of HIV. Doctors recommend that sponges, diaphragms and any kind of spermicide are used only in mutually monogamous relationships (you each are having sex only with each other).

Hormonal Methods

These methods use hormones to regulate or stop ovulation (release of an egg) and prevent pregnancy. The hormones can prevent ovulation, thicken the mucus on the cervix – which helps keep the sperm from getting to an egg, or thin the lining of the uterus.

The pill (combined estrogen and progestin)
Progestin-only pill
The patch
Injectable
Vaginal ring
Implantable rod

How effective are hormonal methods?

Type of birth control and percentage of users who have an unintended pregnancy each year

Pills – 9%

Patch – 9%

Injectable – 6%

Vaginal rings – 9%

Implantable rods – .05%

Statistics from CDC.

What are the possible risks of hormonal birth control?

These methods are associated with a small increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Some women complain of headaches, acne, depression, mood changes and breakthrough bleeding. The serious risks are greater in some women than in others, so it is very important to discuss all risks with your doctor before starting any hormonal birth control according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists .

A recent study in Denmark suggests that women who take hormonal forms of birth control can be up to 70% more likely to be on antidepressants. Teenagers who use the combined pill were 80% more likely to be depressed and teenagers using the progestin-only pill were 120% more likely to need antidepressants.

Intrauterine (IUD) Methods

This kind of birth control is inserted into the uterus.

Copper IUD – This releases a small amount of copper into the body. This causes an inflammation that can keep the sperm from getting to the egg and fertilizing it. If the egg does get fertilized, the device in the uterus keeps the fertilized egg from implanting into the lining of the uterus.
Hormonal IUD – This released a progestin hormone that works similarly to the progestin-only pills. It causes the mucus on the cervix to thicken to prevent the sperm from getting to the egg. It thins the lining of the uterus, and it may prevent ovulation. The presence of the IUD in the uterus can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting into the lining of the uterus.

How effective are IUDs?

Type of birth control and percentage of users who have an unintended pregnancy each year

Copper – .8%

Hormonal – .2%

Statistics from CDC.

What are the risks of IUDs?

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Menstrual (period) pain and bleeding may get worse at first. Some women have bleeding between periods, headaches, nausea and depression. The IUD may come out of the uterus. It could tear the wall of the uterus. Some women experience Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which is an infection of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. The risk for ectopic pregnancy increases with an IUD.

That’s a lot of information to digest!

The bottom line —

Not all birth control works the same way.
Not all birth control has the same level of effectiveness.
No birth control is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy.
No birth control is free of risks or side effects. (And, if you’re a teenager, you may be at much greater risk for some of those side effects.)

If you want to talk through your birth control options, LivingWell is here to answer your questions or help you sort through all this information. Give us a call 530-272-6800 to schedule a free and confidential appointment.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Is Using Condoms Practicing Safe Sex?

Wed, 01 May 2019 21:10:01 GMT

Is Using Condoms Practicing Safe Sex?

When most people think of safe sex, they think of condoms or rubbers. Don’t you? But maybe you’re wondering if using a condom is really practicing safe sex. Do they protect you from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?

Condoms and Pregnancy

Most any resource you find states that condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. The problem is that not everyone uses them consistently and correctly.

Condoms and STIs

Specific statistics about the effectiveness of condoms in preventing STIs are difficult to find. Most sources say that when used consistently and correctly, they are highly effective. But we know that they aren’t used consistently and correctly all the time. The pregnancy prevention rate is reduced from 98% to 82% because of user error. So, though they are highly effective at preventing STIs in theory, user error reduces that effectiveness as well. Probably the most important step is the most often overlooked step: a condom must be put on before any sexual contact.

Different types of male condoms offer different levels of STI protection. Latex condom use is 98-99% effective in preventing HIV transmission, when used correctly and consistently. Some STIs, like herpes, syphilis and HPV can be transmitted by sores on areas of the body not covered by a condom. That means even when used completely correctly and consistently, condoms cannot totally prevent transmission of those infections. Remember that STI’s do not always have physical signs.

Counseling and Complimentary Testing

Unless you are in a mutually monogamous relationship and you each have only ever had sex with each other, you may be at risk for an STI. And, any time you have sex, you could become pregnant.

We care about you and want you to enjoy relationships that are healthy physically and emotionally. If you want to talk about reducing your risk for unintended pregnancy or STIs or if you are interested in complimentary testing for pregnancy or STIs, we are here for you. Please call us to set up an appointment.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

Should We Live Together?

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 21:15:16 GMT

Should We Live Together?

Maybe you’ve been dating awhile and you want to try out living together before you take the marriage plunge. Maybe you spend so much time together already that you think moving in together will save some money. Or maybe it’s just what the people you know do – they date, then live together, then think about marriage.

Whatever the reason – you’re wondering if maybe you and your partner should live together.

You aren’t alone. According to a report by the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia, living together, or cohabitation, has increased by more than 1,500% since the 1960’s. Census data from 2012 shows that 7.8 million couples chose to live together before marriage compared to 2.9 million in 1996 .

This is a big decision. And a lot of people have really strong opinions about whether living together is right or wrong. Let’s look at some information and data that can help you decide if living together is the best choice for you.

The Why Matters

According to a study in the Journal of Family Issues 1, couples have very different reasons for living together without being married. Some (18.5%) live together for financial reasons. Some (14.3%) want to test out the relationship. A few (6%) don’t believe in the institution of marriage. Most (61.2%) want to live together so they can spend more time with the person they are dating. The study cited in the Journal of Family Issues1 suggests that when couples live together because of convenience (like financial reasons) or to test out a relationship, the couple is more likely to have relationship problems down the road. In these circumstances, both men and women report more negative interactions, less relationship confidence, more psychological aggression and less dedication to the relationship.

Easy Slide-In, Harder Slide-Out

Researchers call it the “cohabitation effect.”2 It’s easy to slide into living together. The convenience of the decision may not require any huge discussions about the future. And the standards for a live-in partner are not the same as for a husband or wife. But a shared lease, shared furniture, shared pets, or even shared children make getting out of a live-in relationship more challenging than most people imagine when sliding into the arrangement.

Effect on Relationship Success

A study published in 20093 compared married couples and non-married couples who lived together. These researchers found that the unmarried couples who lived together had more arguments and more trouble resolving conflict, were more insecure about their partner’s feelings and had more problems related to future goals. Some studies indicate that couples who live together before marriage are 46% more likely to get divorced.4 After 5 to 7 years, 39% of all couples who live together have broken their relationship, 40% have married (although the marriage might not have lasted) and only 21% are still living together.5

Living Together vs. Marriage

Many studies over the years have shown that marriage offers a lot of physical and health benefits. Married people tend to live longer, have fewer strokes and heart attacks, have a lower risk for depression, are more likely to survive cancer and are more likely to survive a major surgery than those who aren’t married.6 But research indicates that unmarried couples who live together do not enjoy all of those same benefits.7 Marriage is a signal to our brains and our bodies that sends messages of dependability and security. Because cohabitation, or living together, does not have the same commitment level, our brains and bodies don’t receive the same message of security, so our bodies do not respond with the same health benefits.

A Big Decision

Living together is a huge decision and there are more factors to consider than the information we mentioned. If you’re thinking about moving in together and you want to talk to someone about it, we’d love to sit down and listen and help you work through all the pros and cons.

What if you’ve already moved in together and you’re having second thoughts? We’re here for you too.

We care about you and we want to help you have healthy relationships. If we can help you, leave us a comment or give us a call.

1Rhoades, G. K., Stanley, S. M., & Markman, H. J. (2009a). Couples’ reasons for cohabitation associations with individual well-being and relationship quality. Journal of Family Issues, 30(2), 233-258.

2Jay, M. (2012). The downside of cohabiting before marriage. The New York Times, April 14. Accessed at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/15/opinion/sunday/the-downside-of-cohabiting-before-marriage.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

3Hsueh, A. C., Morrison, K. R., & Doss, B. D. (2009). Qualitative reports of problems in cohabiting relationships: comparisons to married and dating relationships. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(2), 236-246.
4 Alfred DeMaris & K. Vaninadha Rao, “Premarital Cohabitation & Subsequent Marital Stability in the U.S.: A Reassessment,” Journal of Marriage and the Family, 54.
5 Lynne N. Casper and Suzanne M. Bianchi, Continuity and Change in the American Family (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2002) Ch. 2.

6 Robert H. Shmerling, MD , “The Health Advantages of Marriage,” Harvard Health Blog, http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-health-advantages-of-marriage-2016113010667 , November 30, 2016.

7 http://www.science20.com/news_articles/living_together_healthy_being_married-129374

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

6 Questions to Ask Before Moving in Together

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 21:20:02 GMT

6 Questions to Ask Before Moving in Together

You’ve been dating for a while. Maybe you’re already spending a few nights a week together. And the topic of moving in together has recently come up. You realize it’s a big step and you’re not sure if you’re ready, but you think you might be.

You’re not alone. Cohabitation, or living together, has increased more than 1,500% since the 1960s according to a survey from the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. Another study from Rutgers University shows that nearly 50% of all couples getting married have already lived together.

This increase may be attributed to several factors from the economy, to the availability of birth control, to changing cultural attitudes about sexuality. Whatever the cause, making the decision to move in together is a big one. One that you should take some time to think over. Here are 6 questions to get you started as you consider the pros and cons.

1 – Why do you want to move in together?

Oftentimes moving in together just happens gradually over time. It wasn’t intentional, there was no real thought put into it. One day you both just realized you were basically living together and decided to give up one of your leases. That’s not the case for you though. You and your partner are talking about it, being intentional and want to make the best decision.

Maybe one of the reasons you are thinking about moving in is you aren’t ready for the commitment of marriage. Maybe you’ve seen the divorce rate. Or maybe you come from a family that has experienced divorce and you know the pain involved, so you don’t want to experience it yourself.

Maybe you are thinking about marriage and think a “test drive” would be good. This is a line we hear from guys more than girls. They say, “You wouldn’t buy a car without taking it out for a test drive. Why would you get married without living together first?” Really, a test drive? So what’s the return policy if the drive doesn’t go well? The problem isn’t just that a “test drive” communicates a total lack of commitment, it’s that studies show that married couples who live together before the wedding are actually more likely to get a divorce than those who don’t. So, if divorce is one of your fears, living together actually increases your chances rather than decreasing them.

2 – Do you have realistic expectations about moving in together?

We know, you’re madly in love and your partner is amazing. They probably are. But once you move in together, you will see another side of them. You just will. Up until now you’ve probably seen them at their best. Hair done, makeup on, clean shaven. But reality hits when you move in together because you can’t always put your best foot forward. You need to talk about it before moving in together and have a plan so you don’t become frustrated when your expectations aren’t met. Things like who’s going to do the dishes, take out the trash, do laundry, clean the toilet.

And it goes beyond household chores. Sure the first few weeks you may love spending all your time together. But eventually you are going to need some personal space. Maybe it’s a time home alone, or a night out with friends. Whatever it is, you need a plan to spend some time apart. This is especially true once you begin to discover each other’s annoying little habits that we all have.

Having some clear expectations going into a situation are better than waiting until feelings are hurt and emotions are running high.

3 – What about the finances?

Splitting rent is a great deal and a way to save some money, but finances are also the #1 source of conflict in most relationships. Setting clear expectations about who’s paying the bills and managing the money is essential. Are you splitting all expenses 50/50 – rent, utilities, groceries, date nights, vacations, or do you have another plan? Whose name is on the lease? Which leads to our next question.

4 – Where will you live when you move in together?

Your place or theirs? That’s usually the question. Maybe yours is bigger, but their rent is cheaper. You have more space, theirs is closer to work or campus. These are all important things, but maybe not the most important.

Having to share “your” space with someone can present challenges. Are you ready to give up half of your space? What happens when your workspace becomes their home office? Sometimes finding a new space is the easiest solution, but that presents its own set of challenges if things don’t work out.

5 – What if things don’t work out?

After all, it was just a test drive, and it just didn’t work. Better now than after we got married. Easy to say, but still painful and not so easy to work out most of the time. The expectations for moving in together are different than marriage, the commitment is lower, and easier to walk away from. Not only is the commitment lower, but usually the standards are also lower when considering someone to move in versus marriage. While that makes it easier to get into a live-in relationship, it doesn’t always make it easier getting out. Remember that new place you got with both of your names on the lease. Which one of you is homeless now? All the things you purchased together, who gets those? And the pets? All of this can lead to an even uglier breakup. And what about kids? We’ll talk about that in the next question. If the relationship doesn’t work out, things can be more heartbreaking after moving in together. We know, none of us ever imagine it could happen to us, but statistics say it is probable.

6 – Are you ready for children?

“Slooooooooow Dooooooooown” is probably what you’re thinking. We get it. You haven’t even talked about where you’re going to live and if you’re thinking about marriage yet. Well, you better add talking about children to the list of things to talk about, especially when you consider that around 20% of women who are cohabitating will get pregnant within the first year of moving in together. Yeah – probably not what you were wanting to hear, but you need to know and talk about it first. It’s a fairly big decision and you’ll want to know if he plans on sticking around or leave you with a baby or facing an abortion alone.

It’s a Big Decision

While on the surface it might seem like an easy decision, maybe even a “no brainer”, moving in together is a big decision. There are many factors to consider beyond the six questions we raise in this post. If this is something you’re considering, we encourage you to take some time to think it through, to weigh the pros and cons and even talk it over with someone who isn’t invested in your relationship. If you need someone to talk with, we’d love to sit down, ask questions, listen and help you work through what is going to be best for you.

If you’ve already made the decision to move in together and are having second thoughts, or are facing an unplanned pregnancy or the possibility of a STD, we’re here for you as well.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

The Five – Syphilis

Sat, 10 Nov 2018 21:29:21 GMT

The Five – Syphilis

“The Five” is a series of blog posts that will look at some of the most common STIs/STDs and give you answers to five of the most important questions you should be asking.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are often not talked about because it can be an awkward topic, and when they are discussed, they are frequently misunderstood. For young adults, they are a big problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of Syphilis in recent years and that right now those rates are higher than they have been in 15 years. In 2014 CDC reported there were 63,450 new cases.

Asking the right questions and getting accurate answers is important. Because the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

The Five – Syphilis

#1 – What is Syphilis and how do you get it?

Syphilis is a common STD that when not treated can cause long-term complications, but is simple to cure when caught and treated correctly. You get Syphilis by coming into direct contact with a Syphilis sore. As with most STDs, that happens by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who is infected. Syphilis sores can be found on the penis, vagina, anus, inside the rectum, and on the lips and inside the mouth. It can also be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her unborn baby.

#2 – What are the symptoms of Syphilis?

Syphilis symptoms are divided into 4 stages.

Primary Stage: During the first stage you may notice a single or multiple sores located where it entered the body. These sores are often round shaped, firm and do not cause pain. The sore can last from 3-6 weeks and will heal regardless of treatment, but the infection is still there and without treatment will move to the next stage.

Secondary Stage: During this stage you may experience rashes and sores in your mouth, vagina, or anus. The rash may show up in a single or multiple places. It can also show up while you are experiencing healing for your primary sore, or may happen several weeks after healing. Additional symptoms that may occur are rashes on your hands or feet, fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms will also go away with or without treatment. But without treatment, your infection will move into the latent or possibly the late stage.

Latent Stage: This stage happens when all of the earlier symptoms disappear. If you didn’t receive treatment, you still have Syphilis in your body and may go years without any symptoms. Most people without treatment don’t develop late stage Syphilis, however if it does occur, it can be 10-30 years after the infection started and can be serious.

Late Stage: During late stage Syphilis you experience difficulty coordinating your muscle activity, have paralysis, numbness, blindness and develop dementia. At this stage, the infection damages your internal organs and can result in death.

#3 – How can I find out if I have Syphilis?

Syphilis is most often diagnosed with a blood test. Sometimes health care providers will also use fluid from a Syphilis sore for testing purposes.

#4 – Is there a cure for Syphilis?

Yes. With the right antibiotics, Syphilis can be cured. However, as the disease develops, the treatment will not undo any of the damage that the infection has already caused. Getting tested and treated early is important.

It is important to note that once you’ve been treated successfully for Syphilis, you are not protected from getting it again. Unless you know that your partner has been tested and treated for Syphilis you are at risk.

#5 – What happens if I don’t get tested and treated if I have Syphilis?

As noted above, most cases of Syphilis move into the latent stage without treatment. However, there is a risk of it moving to the late stage with serious consequences that might include death. For pregnant women, there is also a risk of passing it to your unborn baby which carries the risk of serious health problems such as cataracts, deafness, seizures, and possibly death. To protect the baby, you should be tested for Syphilis during your pregnancy and again at delivery and receive immediate treatment if the test is positive.

As we mentioned earlier, young people are a high-risk group when it comes to STDs like Syphilis. Latex condoms and dental dams used the correct way every time you have sex will lower your risk. However, the only sure-fire way to avoid getting any STD is to not have sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal), until you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

Bottom line, we want you to have all the information you need to make healthy decisions when it comes to sex. You can get more info about Syphilis from the CDC website on STDs.

If you are sexually active and think you might need an appointment for STI/STD testing, we hope to see you. All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. If you have questions about Syphilis, or our services for other STIs/STDs, feel free to leave a message in the comments below.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

The Five – Gonorrhea

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 21:34:51 GMT

The Five – Gonorrhea

“The Five” is a series of blog posts that will look at some of the most common STIs and give you answers to five of the most important questions you should be asking. In this post we consider Gonorrhea.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are often not talked about because it can be an awkward topic, and when they are discussed, they are frequently misunderstood. For young adults, they are a big problem. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there was an average of 251,000 new Gonorrhea cases each year in the past five years in people between the ages of 15-29.

Asking the right questions and getting accurate answers is important. Because the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

The Five – Gonorrhea

#1 – What is Gonorrhea and how do you get it?

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that is passed on through sexual contact. It is also known by slang terms such as “the clap” or “the drip”, and often co-exists with chlamydia another common STI. You can get Gonorrhea by having vaginal, oral or anal sex with a partner who is infected. It is important to note that if your partner is male, you can get infected even if ejaculation doesn’t occur. Finally, if you are pregnant it is important to know that Gonorrhea can be passed along to your baby during childbirth.

#2 – What are the symptoms of Gonorrhea?

For many women and men there aren’t any symptoms that indicate you have an infection. Because of this, not only is it hard to know if you have it, but it makes it virtually impossible to know if your partner might be infected.

For women, if there are symptoms they may resemble the feeling of a mild vaginal or bladder infection. They may experience pain when they urinate, increased vaginal discharge or even bleeding between periods. For men, symptoms can include pain or burning when urinating, a white, yellow or green discharge from the penis, or painful or swollen testicles. And occasionally men and women can experience pain, swelling, discharge or bleeding from the rectum.

#3 – How can I find out if I have Gonorrhea?

The only way to be sure if you have Gonorrhea is to get tested. LivingWell Medical Clinic offers appointments for testing at no cost to our clients, so there’s no reason not to find out.

#4 – Is there a cure for Gonorrhea?

Yes. If you test positive for Gonorrhea, there is medication that can cure the infection. In order for treatment to be successful there are a few things that must happen. You will need to take all of the medication prescribed. You will also need to refrain from sexual contact during the treatment and not have sex for 7 days after the treatment is complete. You will also want your partner to get tested and if needed receive treatment so you don’t become infected again. It is also important to know that it is getting harder to treat Gonorrhea because drug-resistant strains are increasing. So if symptoms continue for more than a few days after treatment, you should be tested again. And keep in mind that just because the treatment was successful and relatively easy the first time doesn’t mean it will be easy to treat in the future. You should avoid risky behavior that can lead to a repeat infection.

#5 – What happens if I don’t get tested and treated if I have Gonorrhea?

If you have Gonorrhea and don’t get proper treatment you are putting your and your future partner’s health at risk. Left untreated Gonorrhea can cause some serious health problems, especially in women. Women who contract Gonorrhea are at a higher risk for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), as well as infertility and possibly an ectopic pregnancy in the future. Untreated Gonorrhea may also increase your chances of contracting HIV according the the CDC.

As we mentioned earlier, young people are a high-risk group when it comes to STIs like Gonorrhea. Latex condoms and dental dams used the correct way every time you have sex will lower your risk. However, the only sure-fire way to avoid getting any STI is to not have sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal), until you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

Bottom line, we want you to have all the information you need to make healthy decisions when it comes to sex. If you are active and think you might need an appointment for a test, we hope to see you. All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. If you have questions about Gonorrhea, our services or other STIs, feel free to leave a message in the comments below.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

The Five – Chlamydia

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 21:38:32 GMT

The Five – Chlamydia

“The Five” is a series of blog posts that will look at some of the most common STIs and give you answers to five of the most important questions you should be asking.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are often not talked about because it can be an awkward topic, and when they are discussed, they are frequently misunderstood. For young adults, they are a big problem. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there was an average of 1,188,085 new cases each year in the past five years in people between the ages of 15-29.

Asking the right questions and getting accurate answers is important. Because the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

The Five – Chlamydia

#1 – What is Chlamydia and how do you get it?

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the United States and infects both men and women. It is passed on through vaginal, oral or anal sex with a partner who has it already. If your partner is male, you can become infected even if he doesn’t ejaculate. And it is important to know that if you’ve had chlamydia in the past and been treated, you can get infected again.

#2 – What are the symptoms of Chlamydia?

When symptoms are present for women, they may include a burning sensation when urinating, an abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, back or abdominal pain, or pain during sex.

Most men with Chlamydia have no symptoms. When men have symptoms, they may include a discharge from the penis, a burning feeling when urinating, burning or itching around the penis opening, and pain and swelling in one or both testicles (although this is less common).

And occasionally men and women can experience pain, swelling, discharge or bleeding from the rectum if there is a rectal infection.

#3 – How can I find out if I have Chlamydia?

The only way to be sure if you have Chlamydia is to get tested. LivingWell Medical Clinic offers appointments for testing at no cost to our clients, so there’s no reason not to find out.

#4 – Is there a cure for Chlamydia?

Yes. If you test positive for Chlamydia, there is medication that can cure the infection. In order for treatment to be successful there are a few things that must happen. You will need to take all of the medication prescribed. You will also need to refrain from sexual contact during the treatment and not have sex for 7 days after the treatment is complete. You will also want your partner to get tested, and if needed, receive treatment so you don’t become infected again. Repeat infection is not unusual, so we recommend you get tested again after 3 months, even if your partner was also treated.

It is important to note that medication can stop the infection, but it can’t undo any permanent damage caused by the disease. And keep in mind that just because the treatment was successful that doesn’t mean that you won’t become re-infected and run the risk of serious and permanent damage. You should avoid risky behavior that can lead to a repeat infection.

#5 – What happens if I don’t get tested and treated if I have Chlamydia?

If you have Chlamydia and don’t get proper treatment you are putting you and your future partner’s health at risk. Left untreated Chlamydia can cause some serious health problems, especially in women. Left untreated, Chlamydia can spread to your uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). A woman who contracts PID is at risk for damage to her reproductive system, which can make it difficult or impossible to become pregnant later in life. PID may cause a dangerous and potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy. Also, if you are pregnant, Chlamydia may make it more likely for you to deliver your baby too early, and it can also be passed on to your baby during birth. This may result in eye infections or pneumonia in a newborn.

As we mentioned earlier, young people are a high-risk group when it comes to STIs like Chlamydia. Latex condoms and dental dams used the correct way every time you have sex will lower your risk. However, the only sure-fire way to avoid getting any STI is to not have sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal), until you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

Bottom line, we want you to have all the information you need to make healthy decisions when it comes to sex. You can get more info about Chlamydia from the CDC. If you are sexually active and think you might need an appointment for a test, we hope to see you. All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. If you have questions about Chlamydia, or our services for other STIs, feel free to leave a message in the comments below.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

The Five – Herpes

Sat, 15 Sep 2018 21:43:00 GMT

The Five – Herpes

“The Five” is a series of blog posts that will look at some of the most common STIs or STDs and give you answers to five of the most important questions you should be asking.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are often not talked about because it can be an awkward topic, and when they are discussed, they are frequently misunderstood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [ https://www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm ] reports that, in 2014 (the most recent report available), 299,000 people made initial doctor’s visits because of genital herpes simplex virus infections. Most people who have the disease mistake the symptoms for other conditions; and therefore, do not know they are infected.

Asking the right questions and getting accurate answers is important. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

The Five – Herpes

#1 – What is herpes and how do you get it?

Genital herpes is an STD, which is caused by two types of viruses: simplex type 1 and simplex type 2. You can get infected by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has the infection.

Fluid in the sores carry the virus, and you can contract the virus by coming into contact with that fluid. You can also get herpes from a partner who does not have visible sores or who may not even know he or she has the virus because the virus can be released through your skin and spread to your partner.

#2 – What are the symptoms of herpes?

Most people who have herpes have no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Many people mistake some of the mild symptoms for another condition – a pimple or an ingrown hair.

Genital herpes sores usually appear as blisters on or around the mouth, the rectum, or the genitals. The blisters break and leave painful sores that could take weeks to heal. This is often referred to as “having an outbreak.” The first outbreak can also include flu-like symptoms: fever, body aches, and swollen glands.

Repeat outbreaks are common, especially during the first year of infection. Repeat outbreaks tend to be shorter and less severe and the number of outbreaks may decrease over the years. However, the virus remains in your body for the rest of your life.

#3 – How can I find out if I have herpes?

Doctors can often diagnose genital herpes by looking at the sores. Medical providers can also take a sample from the sore and test it to confirm the virus. The only way to know for sure is to have an examination and be tested.

#4 – Is there a cure for herpes?

No, there is no cure. But there are medicines that can shorten outbreaks or even prevent them. It is important to talk to a medical professional to learn how to treat symptoms and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other parts of your body (like your eyes) and to other people.

#5 – What happens if I don’t get tested and treated if I have herpes?

Genital herpes can cause very painful sores and can be quite severe in people who have suppressed immune systems.

If you touch the sores and then touch other parts of your body (like your eyes), you can transfer the virus and infect that body part. If you are pregnant, the herpes virus can cause problems for you and your unborn baby. If you have sex with open, bleeding herpes sores, you may have an increased risk for contracting HIV.

Because it is possible to have herpes with no obvious symptoms, sexually active young people are a high-risk group. Using condoms can help lower the risk, but it will not completely eliminate the risk of getting infected. The only way to completely eliminate the risk of getting any STI or STD is to wait until you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

We want you to have all the information you need to make healthy decisions about sex. You can get more information about herpes from the CDC , or you can schedule an appointment with us. All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director (BSN, RN, FCP)

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

The Five – HPV

Sat, 01 Sep 2018 21:46:34 GMT

The Five – HPV

“The Five” is a series of blog posts that will look at some of the most common STIs and give you answers to five of the most important questions you should be asking.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are often not talked about because it can be an awkward topic, and when they are discussed, they are frequently misunderstood. For young adults, they are a big problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are 79 million Americans currently infected with HPV and that about 14 million people become newly infected each year. This makes HPV the most common STI in the US.

Asking the right questions and getting accurate answers is important. Because the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

The Five – HPV

#1 – What is HPV and how do you get it?

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is the most commons STI. It is a viral infection, but it is different than other viral infections such as Herpes or HIV. It is so common that most women and men who are sexually active will get it at some point. There are many different types or strains of the disease, some can cause serious health problems.

As with most STIs, you can get HPV by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has the virus. It can pass from one person to another even when no symptoms are present.

You can lower your chances of getting infected by getting vaccinated, taking preventative measures such as using a latex condom the right way each time you have sex (this can lower your chances, but it can also infect areas not covered by a condom, so it will not give you full protection), or by being in a mutually monogamous, long-term relationship.

#2 – What are the symptoms of HPV?

Often those infected with HPV will have no symptoms. Whether you show symptoms can depend on the type of virus you have. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, some are associated with cervical and other cancers. Many people who get infected will clear it without treatment and have no health problems. The longer the virus is present in the body though, the higher the risk of having health problems.

#3 – How can I find out if I have HPV?

Currently there is no test to find your status, and there are no tests to find HPV in the throat or mouth. There are tests used to screen for HPV related cervical cancer, but these tests are recommended for women aged 30 and over. These screenings are not recommended for men, teens, or women under 30.

Most people who get infected don’t know it and never develop symptoms or health issues. Many find out they have infections when they develop genital warts. Women may also find out when they have an abnormal Pap test result. Others only find out when they have more serious health problems such as cancers.

#4 – Is there a cure for HPV?

There is no cure or treatment for the virus itself. There are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause. There is a vaccine that can lower your chances of getting infected. The vaccine is recommended for boys and girls ages 11-12. Catch up vaccines are recommended for males through age 21 and females through age 26 if not vaccinated when they were younger.

#5 – What happens if I don’t get tested and treated if I have HPV?

There are no tests to find out if you have HPV and there is no treatment for the virus itself. There are treatments for the health problems it can cause such as genital warts, cervical cancer and other HPV- related cancers, such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis or anus.

As we mentioned earlier, young people are a high-risk group when it comes to STIs. Latex condoms and dental dams used the correct way every time you have sex will lower your risk. However, the only sure-fire way to avoid getting any STI is to not have sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal), until you are in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

Bottom line, we want you to have all the information you need to make healthy decisions when it comes to sex. You can get more info about HPV from the CDC website.

If you are sexually active and think you might need an appointment for STI testing, we hope to see you. All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. If you have questions about HPV, or our services for other STIs, feel free to leave a message in the comments below.

Neva Monigatti-Lake

Medical Director

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director.

What Is Plan B?

Sat, 30 Sep 2017 21:50:08 GMT

What Is Plan B?

Maybe you’ve heard of Plan B, the emergency contraceptive or morning after pill, but you aren’t really sure what it is or how it works. Where do you get it? When do you take it? How does it work after sex?

Let’s look at some of the most common questions regarding Plan B.

What is Plan B?

Plan B is an emergency progestin-only contraceptive intended to reduce the chance of pregnancy after unprotected sex or after contraception failure (condom breaks). The single-dose pill contains higher levels of the same hormones found in daily contraceptive pills and works in much the same way – by preventing ovulation

When would you consider taking the morning after pill?

You had sex and the condom broke.
You normally use protection, but things got carried away and you didn’t.
You were drinking too much and didn’t use protection.
You are on the pill, but you missed a couple doses or haven’t been taking it regularly.
You were sexually assaulted.

When is it taken?

The Plan B pill is taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. It must be taken within 72 hours.

Will Plan B prevent a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?

Are there side effects?

Some women report side effects similar to those of regular oral birth-control pills: nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness, and breast tenderness.

Does the morning after pill work if you’re already pregnant?

No. Plan B works to prevent pregnancy. If you are already pregnant, emergency contraception could cause complications. If you think you are pregnant, we invite you to come in for a free pregnancy test.

Is Plan B the same thing as the abortion pill?

No. The abortion pill, RU-486, is given after a fertilized egg has attached to the uterus wall. It works by causing the uterus to force out the egg, ending the pregnancy. Emergency contraception is designed to work before pregnancy begins.

We don’t recommend the morning after pill to our clients, but we do want you to have all the information to make the best decision for you. If you have other questions about Plan B, please call us. We’d love to talk through all of your options with you.

Eva Fisher

Nursing Director (BSN, RN, FCP)

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Nursing Director.

Can I Have Sex While I’m Pregnant?

Sat, 17 Dec 2016 21:58:53 GMT

Can I Have Sex While I’m Pregnant?

As long as a pregnancy is considered “normal,” it is safe to continue having sex in a mutually monogamous relationship up until your water breaks or you deliver your baby. Under certain circumstances, your doctor may advise you to modify your sexual activity or abstain from sex completely, so it is important to receive good pre-natal care from an obstetrician.

Will sex hurt my baby?

Your baby is protected inside the strong muscular walls of the uterus and surrounded by amniotic fluid, so sexual activity will not affect your baby.

Will sex cause a miscarriage?

No, not if you have a normal, low-risk pregnancy. Miscarriages generally happen because the baby is not developing normally.

What about oral or anal sex? Are those safe?

Oral sex while pregnant is safe. Whether you are pregnant or not, it is important to make sure that, if you are receiving oral sex while pregnant, your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Rarely, this can cause an air embolism (a blood vessel blocked by the burst of air), which could be life-threatening for you and the baby. If you have anal sex, it is very important not to follow anal sex with vaginal sex because this could transfer bacteria into the vagina and cause an infection.

Can sex trigger labor?

In a normal, low-risk pregnancy, sex while pregnant will not trigger labor. It may cause mild uterine contractions, but these usually are temporary and harmless. In spite of many DIY labor-inducing tips suggesting that sexual intercourse can trigger labor, studies indicate that having sex at the end of your pregnancy will not induce labor.

How do I protect myself and my baby from sexually transmitted infections or diseases (STIs or STDs)?

If you are not in a mutually monogamous relationship (each of you having sex with only each other) or if your partner may have an STI or STD, you are at risk for an STI or STD. The only way to completely protect yourself and your baby is to abstain from all sexual activity. If you’re pregnant or think you’re pregnant and you have questions, feel free to leave a message in the comments below or call us at 530.272.6800 for an appointment . All of our services are confidential and provided at no cost to you.