FAQs

You may be tempted to take a pregnancy test as soon as you miss your period, but for the most accurate results, you should wait until at least one week after your missed period. A pregnancy test measures the levels of hCG, the pregnancy hormone, in your body. This hormone doubles in amount every 72 hours so you’ll get the best reading by waiting several days after you miss your period.

An ultrasound may sound unnecessary and expensive. But actually, it’s very important to have an ultrasound once you know you’re pregnant because it provides crucial information about your pregnancy. It will tell you how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and if your pregnancy is viable. If you’re considering an abortion, you’ll need to know all of that information to determine which procedure you can choose.

There are several common, early symptoms to look out for if you think you might be pregnant. These include a missed period, tender or swollen breasts, food aversions or cravings, nausea, fatigue, and mood swings. If you experience any of these, especially if you have several of them, it could be an indication you’re pregnant. The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test!

Waterleaf Women’s Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing in Aurora/Naperville areas. We know how unsettling it can feel to think you might be facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer this service for free. We also offer free education and resources to help you learn as much as you can about all of your pregnancy options so you can make an informed decision.

Waterleaf Women’s Center also offers free ultrasounds after a positive pregnancy test. We recommend getting an ultrasound because a pregnancy test can tell you if you’re pregnant, but an ultrasound provides more information you’ll need as you consider your options.

The Illinois’ “Reproductive Health Act” states: “Every individual who becomes pregnant has a fundamental right to continue the pregnancy and give birth or to have an abortion, and to make autonomous decisions about how to exercise that right.” As of June 1, 2022, the Parental Notification Act ended. This means a minor seeking an abortion is no longer required to notify a parent or qualified adult before an abortion can take place.
Learn more.
(as of July 25, 2022)

Yes. Pregnancy doesn’t protect you or the fetus from the sexually-transmitted disease. Often, STDs don’t have noticeable symptoms so it’s important to be tested. It’s important to learn about an STD as early as possible so you can seek treatment, especially as the pregnancy develops.

The abortion pill is an early pregnancy termination drug. It’s divided into two pills; each pill utilizes a different drug. The first pill, Mifepristone, blocks your body’s production of progesterone and causes the pregnancy to stop growing. It is taken at the abortion clinic where the doctor prescribed the abortion. The second pill, Misoprostol, is taken at least 24 hours later and causes contractions so your body can expel the pregnancy. It is taken at home where you will pass the pregnancy.

There are some websites that sell the abortion pill online, but it actually could be illegal to order it off the internet. This is because FDA regulations require a doctor’s prescription. It’s also best to have an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill so you know exactly how far along you are since the abortion pill is only effective through the first nine weeks of pregnancy. You also can guarantee that the dosages are correct and it’s sometimes difficult to discern where the pills are coming from. Abortion in any form is a serious medical procedure and should be prescribed by a doctor in person for your health and safety.

PHYSICAL SIDE EFFECTS

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the expected side effects of the abortion pill method:

• Heavy bleeding, sometimes passing large blood clots
• Severe abdominal cramping or back pain as you expel the fetus
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Fever and Chills lasting more than 24 hours
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

EMOTIONAL SIDE EFFECTS

You need to weigh your decision carefully. Abortion is a permanent and final decision. Some of the emotions women express feeling are:

• Guilt
• Sadness
• Shame
• Loss

Yes. If you’ve taken the first abortion pill (mifepristone) and changed your mind, do not take the second pill (misoprostol). Contact Waterleaf or the Abortion Pill Rescue hotline immediately.

• Waterleaf: 630-360-2256. Call or text confidentially.
• or Abortion Pill Rescue hotline: 877-558-0333 for a medical provider in your area.

Click here to learn more about Abortion Pill Reversal, including our short "how it works" video and more Abortion Pill Reversal FAQs.

Our hope is that from the moment you enter Waterleaf Women’s Center, you feel the love and support you deserve. If you think you may be pregnant, we will provide you a free pregnancy screening that begins with a medical grade pregnancy test.

If you receive a positive pregnancy test result, you will then receive a free ultrasound scan, pregnancy options counseling, STD testing, and information on all of the resources available to you through our dedicated resource center.

All of our services are free, confidential, and provided in a safe and professional environment.

For the most accurate results, it’s recommended that you receive lab-quality pregnancy testing administered by a qualified medical professional. Waterleaf Women’s Center’s pregnancy tests measure for a pregnancy hormone called HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) by testing a urine sample.

During your appointment, you will provide a urine sample and receive your results within minutes. A staff member will then discuss your results with you, go over any questions or concerns you may have, and provide you with information regarding next steps.

Whether you’re planning to carry your pregnancy or are seeking an abortion, an ultrasound scan is an integral piece of your decision-making process. During an appointment at Waterleaf Women’s Center, those who receive a positive pregnancy test result will have immediate access to a free ultrasound scan.

During your ultrasound, a sonographer will move a device called a transducer across the surface of your stomach. This non-invasive and safe process will send low-level ultrasound waves throughout the body to create an image of your pregnancy and give you and our staff insight into your pregnancy status. If necessary, the sonographer may also conduct a transvaginal scan. The sonographer will put you at ease and explain each step of the ultrasound throughout the scan.

A Waterleaf Women’s Center sonographer will then discuss the results with you, including information regarding the viability, age, and location of your pregnancy. This information will give you important insight as you make an informed choice for your future.

Whether or not you will be able to hear a heartbeat during your ultrasound scan depends on how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may still be too early to confirm that your pregnancy is viable, or your pregnancy may have naturally ended. Your Waterleaf Women’s Center sonographer and nurse will answer your questions and recommend next steps.

After the ultrasound, you will have time to discuss your options with the Waterleaf Women’s Center nurse.  Your nurse will answer any questions you have. Your nurse will review all the results of your appointment and inform you of any necessary or recommended follow-up actions.

Anyone who is sexually active should receive routine testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Waterleaf Women’s Center provides no-cost testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea to women and men, as well as referrals for full-panel STD screenings.

Testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is done through a urine test. The process should not be painful and is fully confidential and safe.

Yes, you can bring someone with you to your appointment! It can be helpful to have a friend, partner, or family member with you to ease any anxiety you may have. However, if you do not have anyone to come with you, fear not — you will be greeted and treated with kindness and understanding by the caring staff here at Waterleaf Women’s Center.

No. You do not need insurance at Waterleaf Women’s Center — all of our services are provided at no cost to you. If you’re uninsured, we will help you explore your pregnancy options and refer you to community resources that may help you during and after your pregnancy.