When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Whether you're seeking information for yourself or someone you care about, understanding the current legal landscape can support informed and confident decision-making. Open Arms in Northridge, California, provides information on abortion and free ultrasound services to confirm a viable pregnancy.

Learn about abortion laws in California. Get facts, not pressure. Free, confidential support in Northridge. Schedule your appointment today.

A Window into the Miracle of Life Pregnancy is an incredible journey, filled with excitement, anticipation, and plenty of questions. One of the most special moments for expecting parents is seeing their baby for the first time. Thanks to modern technology, ultrasounds provide a real-time view of the developing baby, helping to monitor both maternal and fetal health throughout pregnancy. If you’re curious about how ultrasounds work and what they reveal, this guide will walk you through the science behind them, the different types available, and what to expect during your appointment. What Is an Ultrasound?1 An ultrasound, or sonogram, is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. During pregnancy, ultrasounds allow healthcare providers to visualize the developing baby, track growth, detect abnormalities, and monitor the well-being of both mother and baby. Unlike X-rays, which use radiation, ultrasounds rely on sound waves, making them a safe, non-invasive, and widely used method for monitoring pregnancy. Types of Pregnancy Ultrasounds Different types of ultrasounds serve unique purposes throughout pregnancy: 1. Transabdominal Ultrasound This is the most common type of ultrasound. A technician applies a gel to the abdomen and moves a handheld device (transducer) over the belly to capture images of the baby. This method is typically used after the first trimester, once the baby is large enough to be seen through the abdominal wall. 2. Transvaginal Ultrasound Used early in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, this ultrasound provides a clearer image when the baby is still very small. A small transducer is inserted into the vagina to get a closer view of the uterus. It’s often used to confirm pregnancy, detect ectopic pregnancies, or monitor early fetal development. 3. 3D and 4D Ultrasounds These advanced ultrasounds provide a detailed, three-dimensional image (3D) or real-time video (4D) of the baby. These ultrasounds are usually more for entertainment and bonding purposes. When Are Ultrasounds Performed? Ultrasounds are conducted at different stages of pregnancy to monitor both mother and baby’s health. Here’s a general timeline: First Trimester (6-13 Weeks) Confirms pregnancy Detects heartbeat Estimates gestational age and due date Checks for multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) Assesses early fetal development and position Second Trimester (14-26 Weeks) The anatomy scan (usually at 18-22 weeks) examines the baby’s organs, limbs, and spine Measures growth and development Can reveal the baby’s sex if desired Third Trimester (27-40 Weeks) Checks the baby’s growth and position (head-down, breech or transverse) Monitors placenta health and amniotic fluid levels Conducted if there are concerns about the baby’s movements or heart rate What Can an Ultrasound Reveal? Ultrasounds provide vital insights into pregnancy, including: ✔ Fetal Heartbeat – Verifies that there is fetal cardiac activity which can be visualized at 5 weeks 5 days after the last menstrual period. ✔ Gestational Age – Helps estimate due dates based on baby’s size. ✔ Fetal Growth & Development – Tracks the baby’s growth and development. ✔ Multiple Pregnancies – Identifies if you're expecting twins, triplets, or more. ✔ Baby’s Position – Determines if your baby is head-down for delivery. ✔ Placenta & Amniotic Fluid – Ensures proper function and healthy levels. ✔ Baby’s Sex – Can often be identified around 18-20 weeks. Source: Professional, C. C. M. (2025, March 19). Ultrasound in pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy

Discovering that you're pregnant can be a thrilling and emotional experience. However, before you’ve even confirmed your pregnancy with a test, your body may start giving you subtle (or not-so-subtle) signs. Every woman’s experience is unique—some may notice multiple symptoms, while others have just a few. The key is to tune in to your body's changes and recognize the early signals. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common early pregnancy symptoms and help you understand what to expect during the first few weeks after conception. 1. Missed Period One of the most obvious early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is regular, missing a period is often the first indication that something is different. However, some women still experience light spotting or implantation bleeding, which can be mistaken for a period. If your period is late, taking a pregnancy test is the best indicator that you may be pregnant. 2. Morning Sickness Despite its name, morning sickness can strike at any time of the day. Nausea and vomiting typically begin around the 6th week of pregnancy and may last through the first trimester. While some women experience only mild nausea, others deal with more severe symptoms. Certain smells and foods may trigger queasiness, making daily activities more challenging. 3. Fatigue Feeling unusually tired? Fatigue is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. Rising progesterone levels, along with your body’s increased effort to support the pregnancy, can leave you feeling exhausted. If you find yourself needing extra naps or struggling to stay awake, this could be an early pregnancy indicator. 4. Tender and Swollen Breasts Changes in your breasts are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. You may notice your breasts feel tender, swollen, or heavier than usual. The areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may also darken and enlarge due to hormonal changes as your body prepares for breastfeeding. 5. Frequent Urination Are you making more trips to the bathroom? Pregnancy increases blood flow and fluid production, which increases the workload of your kidneys. As your uterus expands, it puts added pressure on your bladder. This leads to frequent urination, even in the early stages of pregnancy. If you find yourself waking up at night to use the restroom more often, it could be a sign. 6. Mood Swings Hormonal fluctuations can cause significant emotional changes. Many women experience mood swings, ranging from irritability to unexpected tears or increased sensitivity. These emotional shifts can be triggered by hormonal surges, fatigue, or even the excitement and anxiety of early pregnancy. 7. Food Cravings or Aversions Sudden cravings for specific foods? A newfound aversion to your favorite dishes? These changes in appetite are common in early pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations may lead you to crave unusual food combinations or develop strong dislikes for foods you once enjoyed. 8. Bloating and Constipation If you feel unusually bloated, hormones could be to blame. Increased progesterone slows down digestion, leading to bloating and constipation. 9. Headaches Hormonal shifts can sometimes trigger headaches or migraines during early pregnancy. These headaches may range from mild to severe and can be accompanied by dizziness or lightheadedness. Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and managing stress can help reduce their intensity. 10. Light Spotting or Implantation Bleeding Some women experience light spotting when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, known as implantation bleeding. This typically occurs 6-12 days after conception and may appear as pinkish or brownish discharge. It’s often lighter than a period and short-lived. 11. Changes in Cervical Mucus Noticing an increase in discharge? Early in pregnancy, cervical mucus production increases, often appearing clear, sticky, or creamy. This mucus may become thicker as the pregnancy progresses, helping to protect the uterus from infections. 12. Heightened Sense of Smell If certain scents suddenly seem overwhelmingly strong or trigger nausea, it may be an early pregnancy symptom. A heightened sense of smell is common in the first trimester and can contribute to morning sickness or food aversions. Final Thoughts Early pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman, and some may experience few or no symptoms at all. Recognizing these early signs can help you better understand your body’s changes and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, it may be time to take the next step in confirming your pregnancy. Here at Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we offer free and confidential clinical pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds. Schedule your free appointment today by calling or texting us at (818) 626 - 9400. Source: Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853

February 14, 2025 There are a couple of websites where you can order the abortion pill online. And while it seems simple enough to just fill out a form and chat with someone online, it’s important to first determine a few things. How far along are you in your pregnancy? Is there any possibility that you may have miscarried? After a miscarriage, the pregnancy hormone will continue to be present for days and can cause a pregnancy test to read as positive even though a pregnancy may have already ended on its own.1 In this instance, there would be no need for the abortion pill. Although it’s challenging to find the exact price of purchasing the abortion pill online, GoodRx lists $600 as the average cost.2 But before placing an order online, there is some important information to know. Knowing When You Got Pregnant Why does it matter how far along you are in your pregnancy (the gestational age)? According to the FDA, you are only eligible to take the abortion pill 70 days or less from the first day of your last menstrual period.3 Are you confident you know the date your pregnancy began? We find that many women that come to Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic do not have regular monthly cycles or they don’t remember when their last period was. We can conduct an ultrasound exam that will confirm if you have a viable pregnancy, along with precise dating. For your safety, here at Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we offer free pregnancy confirmation and options consultation. Knowing If You’ve Miscarried Believe it or not, the Mayo Clinic says that up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. Some estimate that the number could be even higher due to more women miscarrying before knowing they are pregnant.4 You could receive a positive result on an at-home pregnancy test days or even weeks after miscarrying because it takes your body a while to realize it’s no longer pregnant.1 How do you tell if you’ve already miscarried? Once again, ultrasound can answer this question. An ultrasound will confirm the number of days you’ve been pregnant and whether or not you may have miscarried. The ultrasound will also verify the location of the pregnancy. Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus and are extremely dangerous. The abortion pill will not fix this type of pregnancy. Where to get a No-Cost Ultrasound At Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we do not provide the abortion pill but we do provide free clinical pregnancy testing and confirmation ultrasounds because we believe every woman should have access to the information they need to make a fully informed choice. Request An Appointment Text us at (818) 626 - 9400 or request an appointment online. We want you to be fully informed about your health and pregnancy before you decide to order the abortion pill. We can discuss your pregnancy concerns and questions at that time. All services are free and confidential. 1 Butts, S. F., Guo, W., Cary, M. S., Chung, K., Takacs, P., Sammel, M. D., & Barnhart, K. T. (2013). Predicting the decline in human chorionic gonadotropin in a resolving pregnancy of unknown location. Obstetrics and gynecology, 122(2 Pt 1), 337–343. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0b013e31829c6ed6 2 Mph, C. G. (2024, August 27). How much does the abortion pill cost? GoodRx. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/abortion/medication-abortion-pill-cost 3 Research, C. F. D. E. A. (2025, February 11). Questions and answers on Mifepristone for medical termination of pregnancy through ten weeks gestation. U.S. Food And Drug Administration.https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients- and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy- through-ten-weeks-gestation 4 Miscarriage - Symptoms and causes. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms- causes/syc-20354298

If you’re young or if your pregnancy is unexpected, one of the most difficult things for many is telling your parents. The thought of their reaction, what they might say, and how they’ll handle the news can be pretty stressful. It’s completely normal to feel nervous but remember that no matter how daunting this conversation seems, your parents may surprise you with their support and understanding. In this blog, we’ll discuss some tips for telling your parents that you’re pregnant, from preparing for the conversation to handling their reactions. 1. Take Time to Reflect and Prepare Yourself Before telling your parents, it’s important to reflect on your feelings and prepare yourself for the conversation. Take some time to understand what this pregnancy means for you. Are you ready for it? Have you thought about your options (keeping the baby, adoption, or abortion)? Being clear about your own thoughts and emotions will help you approach the conversation with confidence and clarity. Know What You Want to Say: Think about how you want to frame the conversation. Are you going to tell them the details right away, or would you prefer to ease into it with a simple, direct statement? Preparing your thoughts will help you communicate clearly. It can be helpful to write down what you are feeling and thinking and you can refer to what you have written when you have the conversation. Anticipate Their Reaction: While you can’t control how they’ll respond, it’s helpful to prepare for various reactions. Some parents may be shocked or upset at first, while others may surprise you with support. Being mentally prepared for different responses can help you stay calm. 2. Choose the Right Time and Setting Timing and location are key when delivering important news. Choose a time when your parents are not distracted, stressed, or preoccupied with other matters. If possible, try to avoid telling them in the middle of a hectic situation. The setting should be private and comfortable. You want to ensure that you’re able to have an honest and uninterrupted conversation. A quiet, calm space can help both you and your parents stay focused on the conversation. 3. Be Honest and Direct Honesty is crucial when you tell your parents that you’re pregnant, so be as direct as possible. You can start by saying something like, “I have something really important to tell you,” or “I’ve been feeling a lot of emotions lately, and I need to share something with you.” Once you’ve got their attention, tell them the news clearly. Saying something like, “I’m pregnant,” may seem simple, but it’s effective. After that, be prepared to share details about how you’re feeling, what you plan to do next, and any support you may need from them. 4. Remain Calm and Be Patient No matter what your parents’ initial reaction is, try to remain calm. Remember, you will be getting their first reaction to the news. They haven’t had time to process the news so it will likely take them some time, and they may need space to understand the situation. They may have questions, concerns, or feelings they need to express, and that’s okay. Give them time to digest the news and don’t be discouraged if they don’t immediately react the way you hope. If they react with anger, confusion, or sadness, try to avoid arguments or hurtful words. They will need time to think about what they feel. Feel like you need additional guidance on how to approach this important conversation? We can help. Our case managers can provide you with the resources you need to think through your options and share the news with loved ones. Schedule your free appointment today by calling or texting us at (818) 626 - 9400. .

Before we talk about side effects, let’s first go over what a surgical abortion is. While you likely know that it’s the process of ending a pregnancy, many don’t understand what happens during a medical abortion. The Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic does not perform or refer for abortion. We’re here to help you understand the procedure and all of your pregnancy options. Surgical abortions involve surgical removal of the fetus from the uterus. There are several types of surgical abortions each varying based on the stage of the pregnancy. Regardless of the stage of the pregnancy, a surgical abortion will entail some form of dilation of the cervix to give the abortion provider access to the pregnancy and provide a way for the pregnancy to pass from the uterus. The fetus will either be removed through suction or scraping. WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS OF ABORTION? When considering any medical procedure, it’s important to do some research on the potential side effects and risks you might experience. The same can be said about abortion. Whether you’re looking into abortion as an option for your pregnancy, researching for a friend, or you have a confirmed appointment for an abortion, gaining knowledge about the procedure is an important step in making an informed decision. Although serious physical complications are infrequent in early abortions, they do increase with later abortions 1 These side effects and risks include: HEAVY BLEEDING 2 Although bleeding after an abortion is normal, there is a risk of severe bleeding which is known as hemorrhaging. This severe bleeding can occur due to cervical tears, retained tissue, punctures in the uterus, or the uterus failing to contract after being emptied. Depending on the cause of the hemorrhage, a scraping of the uterus (D&C) or other surgical procedure may need to be done to stop the bleeding. The scarring that can occur from sharp curettage (D&C) may lead to infertility. Though rare, if these subsequent procedures do not stop the hemorrhage, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be required to stop the bleeding. INCOMPLETE ABORTION 3 When fetal tissue remains in the uterus after an abortion is over, this is referred to as an incomplete abortion. It can cause severe bleeding and infection, and a D&C may be required to remove any remaining fetal tissue. INFECTION 4 Insertion of instruments during the procedure or retained fetal tissue may lead to infection. Although infrequent, whole body infection, or sepsis, may occur and can be life-threatening. Pelvic infection can lead to the scarring of pelvic organs which could create complications such as infertility and increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. 5 ANESTHESIA COMPLICATION 6 Known risks of certain anesthesia include heart complications, convulsions, anaphylactic shock (which can be life-threatening). I’M PREGNANT — WHAT DO I DO? Are you experiencing an unplanned pregnancy? You’re not alone. In fact, many women experience unintended pregnancies each year. While it’s normal to feel worried or scared, remember that you have options. Here at Open Arms, we’re passionate about guiding women through unplanned pregnancies by providing clinical pregnancy testing, an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, resources, options education, and much more. Contact us today. 1.1 Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgata, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M.D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Comprehensive abortion care (pp.135-92). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444313031 1.2 Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgata, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M.D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Surgical complications: Prevention and management (pp. 224-51). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444313031 2.1 Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgata, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M.D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Surgical complication: Prevention and management. (pp.243-44). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444313031 2.2 Smikle C, Yarrarrapu SNS, Khetarpal S. Asherman Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Jun 27]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL):StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448088/ 2.3 Cleveland Clinic. (2022, January 8). Asherman’s Syndrome: What is it, symptoms & treatment. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16561-ashermans-syndrome 3 Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgata, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M.D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Surgical complications: Prevention and management. (pp.228-32). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444313031 4 Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgata, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M.D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Surgical complications: Prevention and management. (pp.234-39). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444313031 5 Stevenson MM, Radcliffe KW. Preventing pelvic infection after abortion. Int J STD AIDS. 1995 Sep-Oct;6(5):305-12. doi:10.1177/095646249500600501. PMID: 8547409. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8547409/ 6.1 Paul, E. S. Lichtenberg, L. Borgata, D. A. Grimes, P. G. Stubblefield, & M.D. Creinin (Eds.), 2009. Medical abortion in early pregnancy in Management of unintended and abnormal pregnancy: Pain management (pp.95-97). Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781444313031 6.2 Charles Tacquard, Toshiaki Iba, Jerrold H. Levy; Perioperative Anaphylaxis. Anesthesiology 2023; 138:100–110 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/ALN.0000000000004419

The mental health effects of abortion can impact your life in various ways. Numerous published studies show that abortion is associated with elevated mental-health risk.1 For instance, a meta-analysis of 22 published studies, which together included 877,181 participants, found that compared to women who carried a pregnancy to term, women who had an abortion had an 81% increased risk of mental-health problems, including the following:2 Anxiety disorders Major depression Alcohol abuse Marijuana abuse Suicide attempts Each woman's emotional response is unique, and the mental health effects of abortion may surface years after the procedure. It's important for your long-term wellbeing to be fully informed prior to having an abortion. Likewise, it's important to seek care and support afterward. We provide personalized, compassionate after-abortion support in Northridge, California, serving clients throughout the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles. We do not provide or refer for abortion services. If you’re contemplating an abortion or have already experienced one, we are here for you. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help. 1 Bellieni CV, Buonocore G. Abortion and subsequent mental health: Review of the literature. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2013 Jul;67(5):301-10 (reviewing 30 studies). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23859662/; Sullins DP. Abortion, substance abuse and mental health in early adulthood: Thirteen-year longitudinal evidence from the United States. SAGE Open Med. 2016 Sep 23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27781096/. 2 Coleman P. K. (2011). Abortion and mental health: quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009. The British journal of psychiatry: the journal of mental science, 199(3), 180–186. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230.

Learn about the Top 3 Side Effects of Abortion and how we can help in in Northridge, California. We proudly serve patients throughout the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles.