The most common indication is a missed period. Some people think they had a period even if it was light spotting. You can be pregnant and have a very mild period. Other indications of pregnancy are tender breasts, nausea, cramping, increased fatigue, and frequent urination.
Our lab-grade, FDA approved pregnancy tests are 99% accurate and can detect pregnancy 3-4 days after conception. It is best to come back and retest after a negative test in 2 weeks if you are still having symptoms.
Pregnancy tests are easy, and painless. Parkgate uses a laboratory urine hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) test. They are 99% accurate. There are a variety of over-the-counter and professional quality tests. We use a highly sensitive test that can detect hCG at very low levels when pregnancy is in the earliest stages.
If you choose to keep your baby, you have a few choices, and we can help you decide which is best for you.
For example, if you choose parenting as your route, we offer parenting classes for Moms and Dads alike.
If you decide to go the route of adoption, we are here to help you through the process. Want to learn more about adoption? Call or text our 24/7 Help Line at 662.231.6002 to talk with a team member about your options.
A baby develops during an approximate 40-week time period. During that time, the baby develops in stages:
– 22 days after fertilization, a baby’s heart begins to circulate his or her own blood.
– 6 weeks after fertilization your baby’s eyes and eye lids, nose, mouth, and tongue can be seen.
– 10 weeks after fertilization your baby can make bodily movements.
– After week 19-21, your baby can hear. During this time you should begin to feel movement.
The baby will continue to develop and grow throughout the remaining weeks until it is ready to be born.
This is your choice, but we are here to help you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your future. While Parkgate does not refer or perform abortions, we are an unbiased (we have nothing to gain either way) service. All our services are provided by community members who want to help people exactly like you!
Spontaneous abortion occurs when your body naturally ends a pregnancy, otherwise known as miscarriage. This happens up to 1 out of 4 pregnancies, often times in the first trimester.
Medical abortion, or the “abortion pill” is a prescription drug that is taken at the doctor’s office and again at home. It is not advised in a pregnancy outside of 9 weeks. If you’re considering a medical abortion, having an ultrasound helps confirm how many weeks pregnant you are and rules out other complications (ectopic and molar pregnancies). The abortion pill requires follow up to your doctor. If you are on blood thinners or certain steroids, use an IUD, have certain medical conditions, or allergy to certain medications, you are not a good candidate for a medical abortion. Parkgate has medical staff and licensed counselors to help you weigh alternative options and talk through future impact on your life.
Surgical abortion – there are several types of surgical abortions. Each one works differently and brings different risks. It is important to know how many weeks pregnant you are. We offer ultrasound at no charge to determine exactly how far along you are.
Click here to book an appointment today.
Complications and risks with abortions include
– Hemorrhage (from cervical or vaginal laceration or from infection)
– Failure of the procedure resulting in retained tissue
– Damage to the uterus with a perforation
– Infection, including sepsis
– Death
Some studies have also shown an increased risk for breast cancer in women undergoing an elective termination of pregnancy.
Two or more abortions increase a woman’s risk of future preterm birth up to 93%. One abortion increases a woman’s risk of preterm birth by at least 30%.
The process used in surgical abortion forcibly pushes open the opening of the womb, called the cervix. This procedure can damage or weaken the tissues of her cervix, making it much harder for her to be able to carry another baby to term. In addition, scraping out the uterus and placenta can cause a long lasting chronic infection in the womb that can also lead to premature delivery.
Overall, women with an abortion history experience an 81% increased risk for mental health problems.
Abortion is the elective termination of a pregnancy. There are several reasons why it is a good idea to have an ultrasound if you are considering abortion. A limited obstetrical ultrasound can rule out a miscarriage, tubal pregnancy or blighted ovum (empty egg).
On average, an ultrasound cost $200-$300, but we offer you one for no cost. Members of our community care for you and your health and have paid it forward. If you would like to have a free ultrasound, request an appointment today.
No, we do not perform abortions but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come see us first to make sure you have a viable (uterine) pregnancy. You also need to know how far along you are because different abortion procedures are performed based on that medical information. We offer this at no charge and with no judgment.
If you decide to continue your pregnancy, we will connect you with our One-to-One Mentor Program. When facing an unplanned pregnancy with lots of questions, it helps to have support. Your mentor will be available to offer assistance and guidance with all those next decisions.
Parkgate is here for women who have made the decision to terminate a pregnancy. We often find that women have carried this secret for many years without telling anyone.
Based on cumulative data from the two primary sources of U.S. abortion statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Guttmacher Institute) about one in four women will have an abortion by age 45, 44 percent of women who had abortions in the U.S. had at least one previous abortion, and nearly two-thirds of women having abortions say they are Christians, It is such a beautiful sight to see these women put down the heavy weight they have been carrying and walk in forgiveness.
There are 7-8 weeks of meetings and fellowship with a memorial service at the last meeting. It is both healing and uplifting. These groups have been small in number and are strictly confidential. We realize there are so many reasons women choose abortion and want to help them if they feel stuck.
Jessica Roy, Parkgate’s Development Director, Tiffany Phillips, LPC-S,NCC, of Counseling for a Cause, and Anne Reed, Staff writer for AFA Journal, have been facilitators in abortion recovery for years. They have walked through abortion healing themselves and long to see women healed. Opie Hurst, of Hope Family Ministries, 2754 Mattox St. Tupelo, MS (662) 842-4673, is a licensed counselor that leads men through abortion healing as well.
If you are interested in learning more, you can text our 24/7 Help Line 662-231-6002 or schedule an appointment online.
Before you have an abortion, it is critical to be tested for STDs. Any abortion procedure (including medical abortion) increases the risk of transmitting bacteria from outside the body or from the vagina to the cervix. It is especially important to get tested for Chlamydia, the most common STD in the US, because symptoms rarely show up.
An STD is a sexually transmitted disease, also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
STDs and STIs are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.
STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They can also be passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact, including hand-to-genital touching, though this is not very common.
Bacterial Vaginosis – BV is not an STD, but can cause the chances of contracting an STD higher. Any woman can get bacterial vaginosis, so it is important to check with your doctor if you think you may have BV.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex.
If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely.
STDs are preventable. If you have sex, know how to protect yourself and your sexual partner from STDs. The CDC recommends a few options including abstinence, vaccination, mutual monogamy, reduced number of sexual partners, and condoms.
Learn more about your options here.
- Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be easily cured. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
- Also called The Silent STD, The Clam, The Gooey Stuff
- Gonorrhea
- Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can cause very serious complications when not treated, but can be cured with the right medication.
- Also called The Clap, The Drip or The Morning Drip, The Dose
- Hepatitis
- Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
- Herpes
- Genital herpes is a common STD, and most people with genital herpes infection do not know they have it.
- Also called The Blisters, The Gift That Keeps On Giving
- HIV/AIDS & STDs
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- People who have STDs are more likely to get HIV, when compared to people who do not have STDs.
- HIV/AIDS can also be easily spread through sexual contact
- Also called High-Five, High-V
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented with vaccines.
- Also called Genital Warts
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can lead to serious consequences including infertility.
- Syphilis
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can have very serious complications when left untreated, but it is simple to cure with the right treatment.
- Also called The Pox, Syph
- Trichomoniasis
- Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms.
- Other STDs
- Chancroid, scabies, and more.
Some STDs can affect pregnancy and even cause infertility. If you are worried you have an STD or you are worried about the affects of a current or previous STD, please contact your doctor.
If you are a minor, and living in Lee County, call 662-841-9096 to make an appointment at the Health Department (532 S. Church St. Tupelo, MS 38804).
For counties outside of Lee, click here to find your county’s health department.
We offer a 9-week parenting class taught by Tanya Robertson and Virginia McCallum covering Prenatal Care, Breastfeeding, Labor & Delivery, Sleep & Swaddle, Mother/ Baby care, Nurse-night emergencies, and Training Up a Child.
New Moms and their partners get to shop each week in our Baby Boutique. At the end of the 9 weeks, Tanya and Virginia give the best baby showers for the new moms!
Recently, groups from The Orchard in Tupelo, MS and Christ Church in New Albany, MS have provided car seats for them to bring their baby home from the hospital.
These relationships don’t often end with that last meeting. They keep in touch and support these new Moms whenever they can. We are so grateful for these devoted volunteers who make this possible.
Parenting classes for new Moms & Dads are offered quarterly. If you are interested in attending one of these classes, please contact us by texting or calling 662.231.6002 to speak with a team member.
We plan to offer classes for men too! Contact us for more information.
The father of the baby is the most influential person along with the mother. This program will be all-male, men mentoring men.
You are not alone. Most of the men we talk to are concerned about becoming a dad. It’s important that you are heard too.
You can make an appointment for yourself to meet with a counselor. Text our 24/7 Help Line at 662-231-6002 or request an appointment online.
As the biological father of the baby, you have a say in what decision is made in an unplanned pregnancy. Many women feel more empowered to make a healthy choice when the Dad is supportive, so don’t give up your place in this choice.
For more information on your options as the father, you can text or call our 24/7 Help Line at 662.231.6002 to ask your questions and be informed.
Having a baby is just one step. We will offer a Fatherhood program starting this fall that will help you work through each step along the way, married or not. This includes your finances, your job, and your future.
The father of the baby has just as much a role in the decision-making process as the mother.
If neither of you are able to care for a child right now, giving someone else that opportunity could be a huge blessing.
Helping you be informed about adoption as an option in an unplanned pregnancy is what we are here for. We have many resources that take the uncertainty out of this decision. If you are interested in finding out more about these resources, text or call our 24/7 Help Line at 662.231.6002 to speak with a team member.
Upon arrival, you enter through the front entrance or use the private entrance located at the back of the clinic. You will see signs along the drive way directing you to the private parking for clients.
At your first appointment, you will come in and meet with a team member to fill out minimal paperwork. All of your information is confidential. We cannot even confirm your visit to family members. Your visit is completely free of charge, so no payment information is needed.
You will be greeted by our counselors who will do a quick assessment of your situation and concerns, then do a pregnancy test.
Your positive pregnancy test and medical evaluation will determine a free, same-day ultrasound or whether we will schedule one at a later date.
Traditionally, an ultrasound alone is $200-$300 at a women’s clinic or hospital. But at Parkgate, all services (including ultrasound) are free of charge and offered by community members who want you to know you are not alone.
We can see you even though you are under 18, and, as with all our clients, everything is completely confidential.
We want you to be comfortable to talk through any concerns you have and hear any medical information. Sometimes having someone hear that information is good support for you. However, if you feel pressure from someone who wants to come, it is your choice as to whether they accompany you.
You will not feel alone at your appointment. We will be with you every step of the way.
It may be easiest for you to come without your other children, you are welcome to bring them if needed. Sometimes childcare is not available and we completely understand.
Yes. We cannot share your information or that you are a client at Parkgate Health Services with anyone.
Please bring your photo ID. If you do not have one, we will snap your picture just for our records.
No insurance or payment is taken as all services are completely free.
Yes. Upon medical observation at your appointment and a positive pregnancy test, we can give you a proof of pregnancy to file for Medicaid.
No one should feel pressure to have sex. It’s important you feel heard and never pressured.
This can be a sign of an unhealthy relationship. You can text our 24/7 Help Line at 662-231-6002 for more support and information. We are here for you.
If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 911 immediately.
To report sex trafficking online, go to humantraffickinghotline.org to report and find resources for help. You can also call 1-888-373-7888 (24/7 hotline) or email [email protected].
If you or someone you know has been rescued or escaped from sex trafficking, you are not alone. Please go to transformationgarden.net for help, hope, and healing.
