How does an ultrasound work?

Imaging technology is often required to see internal organs and understand what’s happening inside the body. While some imaging technology used in the medical field utilizes radiation, ultrasound scans use harmless, high-frequency sound waves. These waves are sent through the body using a transducer instrument. When the sound waves hit soft tissue or fluid they travel through, but when they hit denser surfaces they send echoes back to the transducer. These echoes are then translated through the computer to create an image of the body part under observation.1

When do I need to get an ultrasound?

It’s suggested to receive routine ultrasounds scans through the pregnancy, with the first ultrasound occuring in the first six to eight weeks. If you are considering abortion and want to fully understand the options available to you, you may want to schedule an ultrasound scan at your local pregnancy center as soon as possible.

Where can I get a free ultrasound scan?

BsideU for Life offers free early pregnancy services, such as lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, education, resources, options counseling, and more! Getting an ultrasound scan is easy and free at BsideU for Life, so schedule your free appointment today!

How much does abortion cost?

Abortion costs can range anywhere from $500 - $3,000 and beyond. The cost will largely depend on where your girlfriend is accessing her abortion and how far along her pregnancy is. Gestational age determines what kind of procedure she’ll have, and whether she’s eligible for the abortion pill. The abortion pill option costs around $500, depending on the provider, and is only available during the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. In comparison, surgical abortions can be accessed throughout the pregnancy and increase in price as the pregnancy grows. In addition to the base cost of an abortion, it’s recommended you also save for other costs that may come up related to necessary pre-abortion screenings like ultrasounds, lab-quality pregnancy testing, and STD testing. It’s important to consider the costs of medications, follow-up appointments, travel and accommodation expenses (if required to access your abortion), and emergency medical care in case of abortion complications.

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves to create images that show what’s happening inside of the human body. In pregnancy, they are used to reveal important details and health conditions about the woman and the fetus. If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, an ultrasound scan is an important step in deciding which pregnancy option is right for you.

Can I avoid paying for an ultrasound at Planned Parenthood?

While you may be able to access an ultrasound scan at Planned Parenthood or another abortion clinic, you will likely have to cover the cost of the scan on top of the other services you will be paying for out-of-pocket. With a positive pregnancy test result at BsideU, you can get some of the answers you are looking for with a no-cost ultrasound scan, provided your pregnancy is far enough along. Doing so may help you avoid all the costs associated with a visit to an abortion provider, especially if you discover you don’t need them, but a visit to your regular OB/GYN instead. Schedule an appointment at BsideU for Life--our clinic provides no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, STI testing, and more to help you make an empowered choice for your pregnancy! Schedule your free appointment today!

Medicaid is a state and federal health insurance program that covers millions of Americans every year. Qualifying individuals include low-income families or, specifically, pregnant women who don’t have medical insurance during their pregnancy. Eligibility for Medicaid differs from state to state, with federal requirements for each. Some states are required to include certain individuals within their Medicaid plan.

Will KY Medicaid Pay for Abortion?

States have different rules regarding insurance coverage for abortion. While some states cover abortion costs, Kentucky does not. Kentucky only meets federal requirements to fund abortion in cases of rape, life endangerment, and incest. Without Medicaid coverage on a large number of abortions in Kentucky, you may wonder about the cost of abortion without insurance coverage. Abortion costs will vary based on the gestational age of your pregnancy. Within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, surgical and chemical abortion typically cost between $500 and $600. If you are over 10 weeks pregnant, a surgical abortion is required, which costs anywhere from $500 to $3,000. Your actual out-of-pocket expense will differ according to the provider’s pricing.

Abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy, either through surgical or chemical means. Abortions are typically obtained when the pregnancy is unwanted for various reasons or, in rare cases, if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest. Abortions may also be obtained if the pregnancy and/or birth will cause significant health issues for the mother.

What is the difference between chemical and surgical abortions?

Chemical abortions, also known as the abortion pill, use a two-step chemical process to end a pregnancy. The process includes blocking progesterone receptors and blocking the production of progesterone, ending the pregnancy. The second step then causes contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue from the womb. The abortion pill can be used through the first nine weeks of gestation and is typically taken at home, or in a two step process of the first pill being taken in a clinic, and the second at home. Surgical abortions are performed in medical settings by abortion providers and can be performed at any point in the pregnancy, depending on the state laws where the abortion is being obtained. The exact surgical procedure will depend on how developed the fetus is. However, each form of surgical abortion uses some form of cervical dilation, followed by fetal extraction, using either forceps or a suction device.

What are the side effects of the abortion pill?

The abortion pill can be accompanied by uncomfortable side effects including... Cramping and pain in the abdomen Unusually heavy bleeding Headaches Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting

Are there any serious risks associated with the abortion pill?

While the abortion pill may come in the form of two seemingly harmless pills, it’s important to be aware of some of the more serious risks you may encounter. These risks might include... Emotional trauma and mental health complications1 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) caused by abortions obtained while infected with Chlamydia2 Complications or issues related to fertility3 Potentially fatal hemorrhaging and/or infections as a result of retained tissue from incomplete abortions

What are the side effects of a surgical abortion?

Surgical abortions might be accompanied by similar side effects to those of the abortion pill, including cramping, pain, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Are there any serious risks associated with the abortion pill?

In addition to the above side effects, surgical abortions can come with serious risks including the following: Damage to the cervix, uterus, and other internal organs, which can result in hemorrhaging and long-term consequences Life-threatening infections due to retained fetal tissue in the womb Mental health complications The spread of existing infections to other parts of the body

What steps should I take before I get an abortion?

One important step in gathering information is getting an ultrasound. Ultrasounds provide valuable information about your health and pregnancy. They also inform what kind of abortion you should consider based on the age and location of your pregnancy. Your friends at BsideU for Life are here to help by providing no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, and options counseling to help you feel empowered and confident as you make the choice that’s best for you!

What Is An Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is usually performed in the first trimester of your pregnancy. It’s an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of your uterus. When an ultrasound is performed, a gel is first placed on your abdomen. A technician uses an instrument called a transducer to rub through the gel. The transducer picks up the echoes of sound waves to create an image and detect a heartbeat.

Are You Actually Pregnant or Have You Had a Miscarriage?

According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 20% and possibly more known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. It’s entirely possible to get a positive test result from a pregnancy test and no longer be pregnant. If you’ve miscarried, your body needs time to expel the pregnancy tissue and hormones. You’ll know if your pregnancy is viable with an ultrasound. The technician can detect a heartbeat and see movement.

What is an Incomplete Abortion?

An incomplete abortion is one of the many risks of both surgical and medical abortion. It happens after terminating a pregnancy when the contents of the uterus are not completely expelled. There are still small parts of the pregnancy left in the womb. If you have an incomplete abortion, you are at an increased risk for infection, so it’s vital to seek medical attention right away. Normally the next step is another abortion procedure to remove what’s left of the pregnancy.

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

Any medication comes with side effects and risks, and the abortion pill is no exception. Common side effects of the abortion pill may include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache. Keep reading to learn more about how the abortion pill works and how it may impact your health.

What Is the Abortion Pill?

The “abortion pill” is a two-drug regimen. Mifepristone is prescribed and taken at the abortion clinic. It causes fetal demise by blocking progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to grow. Misoprostol is taken hours or days after mifepristone at home. It completes the abortion by causing contractions and cramping to expel the fetal tissue. The FDA only approves the abortion pill for terminating early pregnancies. If you are beyond 70 days since your last menstrual period, you are not eligible for the abortion pill.

What is a Pregnancy Test?

Maybe you’re experiencing nausea, a missed period, tender breasts, or moodiness. These are all common symptoms that could point to pregnancy. A pregnancy test is a way to determine if you’re pregnant by measuring how much HCG or human chorionic gonadotropin is in your body. HCG is also known as the pregnancy hormone. This hormone starts to build about ten days after conception.

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

There are multiple types of pregnancy tests, including a urine pregnancy test and a blood pregnancy test. Urine pregnancy tests are more common and easier to take. A urine test can first be taken at home, and again with lab-quality pregnancy testing at a medical center like ours at BsideU For Life.

How Does A Pregnancy Test Work?

Taking a pregnancy test at home is very simple and painless. A pregnancy test checks your urine for hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone produced during pregnancy. At-home pregnancy tests are 99 percent effective and very low in cost. Always follow up on your at-home test with lab-quality pregnancy testing to ensure your results.

FAQ - BsideU For Life

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Do I have to be late for my period before I can take a pregnancy test?

YESIn order to ensure accurate test results, you must first skip or be late for your period before getting a pregnancy test.

How accurate are your pregnancy tests?

99%Our pregnancy tests are 99% accurate.

Can you give me a proof of pregnancy?

YESIf your test comes back positive, we will give you a proof of pregnancy with your estimated due date on it. This proof is accepted by the local Passport office.

Is everyone who comes in guaranteed an ultrasound?

NOThere are factors that determine eligibility for a free ultrasound. Your counselor will ask you a series of questions to determine your eligibility.

Do you offer prenatal care?

NOWe refer to OB/GYN offices who will provide your prenatal care, and the services offered by BsideU are not a substitute for prenatal care.

How much does an abortion cost in Louisville?

Last time we checked the prices, the local clinic charged between $650-$1900, depending on gestational age.

FAQ

Are you a medical clinic?

Yes, BsideU For Life is licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a “Special Health Clinic” authorized to administer pregnancy tests and perform ultrasounds. We also have a nurse manager and a consulting physician as medical director.

Do you perform abortions at your facility?

No, we do not perform or refer for abortions. However, we are prepared to accurately discuss abortion procedures with our clients.

Why is your name ‘BsideU For Life’?

Since we first embarked on this mission in 1988, we’ve assured women and families in crisis “We’ll be beside you.” Our mission is to save not just the life of the unborn child, but to save and empower the lives of the entire family. It’s pregnancy counseling, coupled with on-going life skills training through a faith-based, holistic approach.

In 2017, A Woman’s Choice Resource Center and Necole’s Place were fully integrated. What was once two separate—but connected—ministries have been combined into a cohesive, seamless whole.

It’s called BsideU For Life.

Do I need to make an appointment, or can I just come in?

We encourage appointments. If we are busy, walk-ins may have to wait or be rescheduled. Click here to request an appointment online.

What will I need to bring with me?

You will need to bring a current photo ID. All our services are free – no payment or insurance needed!

How much do you charge for your services?

Nothing! Thanks to our donors, everything is absolutely free.

What are your hours?

Visit our Locations Page to view hours, parking options and directions.

Can I come in if I need maternity clothes or baby items?

Yes, but you will need to schedule an appointment. We do not take walk-ins for help with maternity clothes or baby items.

Appointments for help with baby items are:

Tuesday: 1:00pm-3:15pm
Thursday: 9:00am-11:15am

What type of pregnancy tests do you use?

We administer urine tests.