columbia-pregnancy-center

Abortion Pill Side Effects vs. Complications—How to Tell the Difference

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:41:08 GMT

If you’re considering the abortion pill, it’s important to understand what your body may experience. While some symptoms are expected, others could signal a more serious issue. Knowing the difference between common side effects and potential complications can help you make informed decisions and seek care when needed.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill typically involves two medications; mifepristone and misoprostol, taken to end an early pregnancy. These medications work together to block hormones and cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Common Side Effects

Many women experience side effects after taking the abortion pill. These are expected as your body responds to the medication:

Cramping (often stronger than a typical period)
Vaginal bleeding (can be heavy with clots)
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever or chills (usually within the first 24 hours)
Fatigue

These side effects can vary in intensity. Bleeding may continue for 1–2 weeks or longer in some cases.

Possible Complications (When to Be Concerned)

In some cases, complications can occur and may require medical attention. Watch for these warning signs:

Excessive bleeding (soaking 2 or more pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours)
Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t improve with medication
Fever lasting more than 24 hours or starting days after taking the pill
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
No bleeding at all after taking misoprostol
Signs of ongoing pregnancy (like persistent nausea or breast tenderness)

These symptoms could indicate infection, an incomplete abortion, or an ectopic pregnancy, all of which require prompt medical evaluation.

What If You Change Your Mind?

If you’ve taken the first abortion pill (mifepristone) and are having second thoughts, you still have options. Abortion pill reversal is a process that uses progesterone, a natural hormone, to try to counteract the effects of the first medication.

Timing is critical, and this option is typically most effective when started as soon as possible after taking mifepristone, before the second drug is taken. If this is something you’re considering contact 1-877-558-0333 right away to discuss your situation and next steps.

Support Is Available

At Columbia Pregnancy Center in Columbia, Maryland, you can receive accurate information, pregnancy confirmation, and support in a confidential setting. If you have questions about the abortion pill or want to explore all your options, Columbia Pregnancy Center is here for you.

Every woman’s experience is different. While some symptoms are expected, you should never ignore signs that something may be wrong. Trust your instincts and seek care if you’re concerned.

You deserve clear answers, compassionate support, and care you can trust.

How to Talk to Your Partner About an Unplanned Pregnancy

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:00:18 GMT

How to Talk to Your Partner About an Unplanned Pregnancy

Finding out you’re pregnant unexpectedly can bring a rush of emotions—fear, shock, confusion, or even disbelief. When you’re in a relationship, one of the biggest decisions ahead is how to talk to your partner about the pregnancy .

You are not alone. Many couples face this situation every year, and conversations like this can be healthy, supportive, and even relationship-strengthening.

Columbia Pregnancy Center can help you prepare for the conversation and make sure you feel heard and supported throughout the process.

1. Process Your Feelings First

Before telling your partner, take time to acknowledge your own emotions and needs. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages emotional support and shared decision-making when navigating pregnancy conversations [1].

Ask yourself:

How do I feel about the pregnancy?
What do I need emotionally right now?
What kind of support am I hoping for?

You don’t need to have all the answers first—just understanding your feelings can ease the conversation.

2. Choose the Right Time and Place

A private, calm environment helps both of you feel safe discussing something personal. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that difficult conversations go better when emotional safety and mutual respect are present [3].

Avoid bringing it up during:

An argument
Intense stress
Work or social events
Over text

Instead, try:

“There’s something important we need to talk about. Can we sit down later when we both have time?”

3. Be Honest and Direct

You don’t need the perfect words.

Using “I” statements helps you communicate your feelings without assuming theirs. Healthy communication is key in relationships according to the Office on Women’s Health [5].

Example:

“I just found out I’m pregnant. I’m still processing everything, and I want to talk about it together.”

4. Share Facts — Don’t Assume

It’s okay not to have all the answers. If you haven’t had a medical confirmation yet, Mayo Clinic recommends an evaluation to understand what is happening medically and emotionally [2].

You can discuss:

What you know (test results, upcoming appointments)
What you don’t know yet (ultrasound results, pregnancy viability)
What you’re doing next (seeking information, booking an appointment)

Get clarity before making decisions

We offer medical-grade pregnancy testing and ultrasounds at no cost to confirm how far along you are. Schedule an appointment with us to see if you qualify for an ultrasound.

5. Listen to Their Feelings

Your partner may feel shocked, scared, uncertain, or even supportive. The APA notes that open listening reduces stress and improves decision-making during major life changes [3].

Try:

“I want to hear how you feel too.”

Listening doesn’t mean agreeing—it means understanding.

6. Focus on Teamwork

You don’t have to figure everything out in one conversation. ACOG recommends shared decision-making—working together to decide what’s best [1].

You might say:

“We don’t have to choose anything today. Let’s take this one step at a time.”

7. Seek Support — You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

You may feel pressure to make a quick decision, but you deserve time, space, and accurate information.

Columbia Pregnancy Center provides:

Pregnancy testing
Limited ultrasounds
Options consultations , including parenting , adoption , or abortion information [4]
Community referrals and support

We are here to support you. Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today.

Sources:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). “Shared decision-making in obstetric care.”
Mayo Clinic. “Pregnancy: What to expect in the first trimester.”
American Psychological Association (APA). “Managing stress during major life changes.”
Planned Parenthood. “Pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting.”
Office on Women’s Health (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services). “Healthy relationships and communication.”

Signs of an Incomplete Abortion

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 16:59:46 GMT

Signs of an Incomplete Abortion

An unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, and some women turn to abortion—whether surgical or with abortion pills—without realizing the potential risks. One serious complication is an incomplete abortion , when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after the procedure.

At Columbia Pregnancy Center in Columbia, Maryland , we want women to have accurate information about their health, so they can recognize warning signs and know where to find support.

What Is an Incomplete Abortion?

An incomplete abortion happens when not all pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus. This can occur after a chemical abortion (abortion pills) or a surgical abortion. When tissue remains, it can lead to infection, heavy bleeding, or other serious medical issues.

Common Signs of an Incomplete Abortion

If you or someone you know has recently had an abortion, watch for these warning signs :

Heavy or prolonged bleeding – soaking through more than two pads an hour, or heavy bleeding that lasts for days.
Severe abdominal or pelvic pain – cramping that worsens or doesn’t go away.
Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms – possible signs of infection.
Foul-smelling vaginal discharge – may indicate uterine infection.
Ongoing pregnancy symptoms – nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue that continues after the abortion.

Why It’s Important to Seek Help Immediately

Ignoring symptoms of an incomplete abortion can put your health at risk. Complications may include:

Severe infection (sepsis)
Hemorrhaging (dangerous blood loss)
Future fertility issues
Life-threatening conditions if untreated

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away.

I’m Pregnant and Scared—Where Can I Turn for Help?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 18:55:36 GMT

I’m Pregnant and Scared—Where Can I Turn for Help?

Finding out you might be pregnant when you weren’t expecting it can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re feeling scared, alone, or unsure of what to do next. These feelings are completely normal—but you don’t have to go through this by yourself. At Columbia Pregnancy Center in Columbia, Maryland , we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Take a Breath—You’re Not Alone

The first thing to know is that you are not the only one facing this situation. Many women face an unplanned pregnancy, and it’s okay to feel scared. Taking a deep breath and giving yourself space to process is an important first step.

Confirm Your Pregnancy with a Reliable Test

Before making any decisions, it’s important to confirm whether or not you are actually pregnant. At-home pregnancy tests are a starting point, but professional testing and ultrasound can give you accurate results and important details about your pregnancy.

At Columbia Pregnancy Center , we offer:

Free pregnancy testing
Free limited ultrasounds (to confirm how far along you are and if th e pregnancy is viable)

These services are always confidential and provided in a safe, caring environment.

Talk to Someone You Trust

Keeping your fears bottled up can make the situation feel even heavier. Consider talking with a close friend, trusted family member, or mentor. Having support around you can bring comfort. And remember—you can also come to us. Our trained staff is here to listen without judgment.

You deserve a place where you can ask questions freely, talk through your fears, and explore your options without pressure.

Understand Your Options

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, you’ll want to take time to consider your choices. At Columbia Pregnancy Center , we’ll walk through each option with you, including:

Parenting – Learning what resources are available to help you raise your child
Adoption – Exploring different adoption plans and how they work
Abortion – Understanding procedures, risks, and Maryland sta te laws

Knowledge is power. We’re here to make sure you have the information you need to make the best decision for your future.

Care for Your Emotional Health

Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are natural when life takes an unexpected turn. Your emotional health matters, too. At Columbia Pregnancy Center , we provide a safe place to talk through your feelings, connect with resources, and find hope.

You Are Not Alone

Right now, fear may feel like it’s taking over. But remember—you are stronger than you think, and you don’t have to face this journey by yourself. At Columbia Pregnancy Center in Columbia, Maryland , caring people are ready to support you with compassion, truth, and hope.

Take the Next Step

If you think you might be pregnant and don’t know where to turn, Columbia Pregnancy Center is here for you . Call us today at (410) 730-3223 , or schedule your free and confidential appointment online. You don’t have to face this alone—we’re here to help.

Abortion Laws in Maryland

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:55:56 GMT

Abortion Laws in Maryland

Understanding Abortion Laws in Maryland

Navigating reproductive health care can feel overwhelming, especially as laws and regulations vary from state to state. In Maryland, 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. Columbia Pregnancy Center in Columbia, Maryland, provides information on abortion and free ultrasound services to confirm a viable pregnancy for individuals considering abortion .

Current Abortion Laws in Maryland

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

A bortion is not restricted by gestational age. There are no specific limits based on the duration of pregnancy under Maryland law.
Parental notice is required for a minor’s abortion. However, a provider may waive this requirement if it is not in the minor’s best interest.
State Medicaid covers abortion care. Maryland’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.
Maryland law provides protections from harassment and physical harm for individuals entering abortion clinics.
The state has a shield law to protect aborti on 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 before abortion in Columbia, Maryland. 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, Columbia Pregnancy Center 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.

Pregnancy Calculator

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 08:58:26 GMT

Use our pregnancy calculator to calculate your due date based on the date of your last menstrual period. This is not a diagnosis. The calculations that are provided are estimates based on averages.

PREGNANCY CONCEPTION CALCULATOR

When did I conceive? Are you pregnant but not sure exactly when you conceived? Ultrasound is the most accurate way to confirm a viable pregnancy. Ultrasound exams provide images and include various measurements of your pregnancy that can help estimate how far along you are and your approximate conception date.

We provide a free limited obstetric ultrasound to confirm pregnancy. This method of determining your conception date can be more accurate than date-based pregnancy calculator, especially for women with irregular periods or women who don’t know their last menstrual period date.

DID YOU GET A POSITIVE TEST? HERE’S WHAT TO DO NEXT.

Speak to someone about your pregnancy. We provide free pregnancy services and resources in Columbia, Maryland. Pregnancy comes with a rush of thoughts and feelings. No matter your situation, our caring team is here to help! Schedule an appointment to learn more about your pregnancy.

The Best Plan I Never Made – Monika’s Walk Into Motherhood

Wed, 26 May 2021 06:41:50 GMT

We make plans and God laughs. Isn’t that the saying?

The beautiful baby you see here was not planned.

Mom had an inkling that she was pregnant and took the home test. Surprise – she was just about two weeks along – and she first turned to her brother for help. He offered to pay his sister to get an abortion – “not just pay for the abortion, but actually pay me to abort the pregnancy”, Monika relayed to us.

Mom was scared but she did not want an abortion. She needed help and went to the Internet . There, she found the Center and, along with it — a group of women to walk with her into motherhood.

“I discovered the Pregnancy Center when I Googled ‘counseling for pregnant women’. My baby’s dad was suffering from his own serious challenges and had been admitted to the hospital. I was lost as to what to do or where to turn for help,” Monika remembers.

From the parking lot of the Center, she called and spoke with one of our client advocates, who welcomed her to come inside. “She listened to my story for a long time, and referred me to counseling,” which Monika attended for free with the Center’s volunteer, licensed clinical social worker.

She also was invited to the Mom-to-Mom support group and started participating in the Center’s Earn While You Learn program, where Monika gained childbirth, pregnancy, and parenting knowledge (as well as points to spend on baby stuff)!

“After that first day, I returned to the Center just about twice a week until the day Izzy was born; earning points and creating relationships and finding confidence in myself and my upcoming future as a momma.”

“Many times, I have reached out to [client advocates] Kelli, Megan, and [breastfeeding consultant] Betty for help, (especially with nursing questions), and have always received prompt and encouraging responses.”

In addition to the emotional support and community Monika has found, she says that the clothes, diapers, layette (and so many other things) have taken such weight off of her shoulders and aided her in the beginnings of her journey with Izzy.

“The Center was, and still is, my comfort zone – where I feel safe and supported.”

Monika and Izzy are incredible, beautiful people who have filled the Center – and the other moms here – with hope and joy. We are blessed.

The power of this one thing, to change (save) lives

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 06:37:38 GMT

It’s a Tuesday or Wednesday morning and the door to the Center keeps opening. In they come – with their babies and strollers and their stories in tow. They are gathering for their weekly Mom-to-Mom Support Group.

One of our moms exclaims proudly that she is going to get her driver’s license, to which the rest of the group responds with cheers. Tears are shared over a driver’s license, although everyone in that room understands the show of emotion is about so much more than being allowed to operate a car.

When the Center launched support groups for moms (in English and Spanish) we were trying to get women to eat better and come hear about nutrition during pregnancy. “We never expected the results – or that these groups would become an integral part of so many woman’s walk through motherhood, through life,” says Nancy Vawter, Executive Director. “I think that we all – me, the women leading the groups, the women in the groups – are in awe of the connections forged and the power of the relationships to change lives.”

Megan, who leads the Mom-to-Mom support group on Tuesdays, shared this:

“I think the moms support groups do exactly that – support the moms with what all of us need: the knowledge that we are not alone in our trials. We talk about normal things in the support group, mothering, caring for our children, practical ideas for all aspects of parenting and single parenting. The Center addresses the physical and material needs of families and each person can speak one-on-one with their client counselor, but there is something special about sharing ideas, fears and joys in a group of other people facing similar challenges. The sharing of both the good and bad with other women helps them see other ways of doing things and builds self-confidence. It’s also a time of building friendships as the women grow close to each other and grow concerned about each other’s challenges. As I have facilitated the group over this last year, I have gained a profound respect for the courage of these young women to have their babies and strive to make a better life for those little ones, sometimes in the face of huge obstacles.”

In 2020, the Center will continue our support groups including bringing more workshops and presentations of import to our moms. Additionally, we are launching a dad-to-dad mentorship program.

If you are interested in getting involved or donating to help broaden the groups’ scope and reach, please email nancy.vawter@columbia-pregnancy.org . You can donate online at: https://www.columbia-babies.org .