04 Oct What Are My Second-Trimester Pregnancy Options?
Have an unexpected pregnancy? Some women don’t discover they’re pregnant until their second trimester. If this applies to you, you may wonder about your pregnancy options.
In New Jersey, abortion is legal with few restrictions. The procedure must be performed in a state-licensed hospital or ambulatory care facility if you are past 14 weeks’ gestation. You also have two other pregnancy options: adoption and parenting.
Abortion
The second trimester begins at 13 weeks’ gestation, so you are not eligible for a medical abortion (often referred to as the “abortion pill”). This procedure uses mifepristone and misoprostol to end the pregnancy and is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks’ gestation.
If you choose abortion, you will have a surgical abortion procedure, the most common being D & E (dilation and evacuation). A provider may use surgical instruments or suctioning to remove the fetus. A natural dilator called laminaria may be used to open the cervix before this procedure.
You will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but serious risks may also occur. The chances of these risks increase if the procedure is performed incorrectly or you are further along:
- Incomplete abortion (pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus)
- Uterine perforation
- Infection
- Injury to the cervix
- Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like fever or prolonged bleeding. You deserve the support you need, so don’t delay.
What Are My Other Options?
You may feel like abortion is your only pregnancy option, but this isn’t the case. Parenting and adoption are also available. Both can be difficult, but they often bring great rewards.
Parent with Confidence
Doubt may fill your mind about parenting. How will you provide for a child? Do you have the resources and support you need? You are likely more capable than you think, and help is available.
Consider the assistance you need, such as housing, material resources like clothing and food, and medical care. Many hurdles may seemingly exist, but we can help you overcome them. Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center offers various services like parenting classes, prenatal care referrals, and support groups.
We’ll stand by your side during this time.
Learn About Adoption
Adoption can be an empowering choice. Knowing the child will be loved and cared for will likely bring the peace and reassurance you need.
You have multiple adoption plans to choose from, including open adoption, semi-open adoption, and closed adoption. Each plan offers a different level of contact, from forming a full relationship with the adoptive family to remaining anonymous. You have control over the process and will not be pressured to make a specific decision.
Our center can educate you on adoption and provide referrals for this option.
No-Cost, Confidential Services
We’ll help you weigh your options and provide the nonjudgmental, compassionate environment you need.
Contact us today to request an appointment at one of our four locations.