Confidential Helpline
(763) 531-9554



Click HERE for
MAP & DIRECTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions
 

If you don’t see your question here, e-mail us or call our Helpline at (763) 531-9554

How do I know if I’m pregnant?
The first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed period. After that many women may feel nausea, fatigue or other symptoms. At RWC we can do a free pregnancy test that is 97-99% accurate. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. 




Is it just a blob of tissue?
To view pictures of the descriptions below, check out this link: http://www.pregnancy.org/pregnancy/...
 
Conception begins on the day a woman’s egg is fertilized by a sperm penetrating it. Within a day, the egg begins to develop rapidly. This one cell contains the complex genetic blueprint for every detail of human development – the child’s sex, hair and eye color, height and skin tone. 

Day 3-4
The fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube into the uterus, where the lining has been prepared for implantation.

Day 10-14
The developing embryo signals its presence through placental chemicals and hormones, preventing the mother from menstruating. 

Day 20
Foundations of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system are already established.

Day 21
The heart begins to beat.

Day 28
The backbone and muscles are forming. Arms, legs, eyes and ears have begun to show.

Day 30
At one month old, the embryo is 10,000 times larger than the original fertilized egg and developing rapidly. 

Day 35
Five fingers can be discerned in the hand.

Day 40
Brain waves can be detected and recorded.

Week 6
The heart has four chambers. 

Week 7
The embryo begins to move spontaneously. The jaw forms, including teeth buds in the gums. 

Week 8
The developing life is now called a fetus- Latin for “young one” or “offspring.” Everything is now present that will be found in a fully developed adult. Muscles and skeleton are developing and the nervous system becomes more responsive.

Week 9
Fingerprints are already evident in the skin. The fetus will curve its fingers around an object place in the palm of its hand.

Week 10
The fetus can squint, swallow and wrinkle its forehead. The fingers and toes are distinct and have nails. Even at this young age, some babies are seen sucking their thumbs!

Week 11
The fetus is about two inches long. Urination occurs. 

Week 12
The fetus now sleeps, awakens and exercises its muscles – turning its head curling its toes and opening and closing its mouth. 

Week 13
Fine hair has begun to grow on the head, and sexual differentiation has become apparent.

Week 16
All the body and facial features are now recognizable. The fetus can blink, grasp and move its mouth. 

Week 18
By this time the woman may feel the fetus moving although he or she has been moving for weeks before this. If an ultrasound is performed at this time, the parents may be told the sex.

Week 20
The fetus may suck its thumb. There is a little chance that a baby could survive outside the woman’s body. 

Week 22
Fetus hears mother’s sounds such as breathing, heartbeat and voice. The first layers of fat are beginning to form. This is the beginning of substantial weight gain for the fetus. 

Week 24
The fetus is 9 inches long form head to rump and weighs about 2 pounds. The fetus can respond to sound form both inside and outside the uterus. The fetus now wakes and sleeps. Almost 8 out of 10 babies born now may survive (with intensive care services).

Week 26
The mouth and lips show more sensitivity. The eyes are partially open and can perceive light.

Week 28
The fetus can open and close its eyes,  cry and respond to sound. Nearly all babies born now will survive (with intensive care services).

Week 30
From this stage on, fetal development centers mostly around growth. 

Week 32
The fetus is about 12 inches from heard to rump and weighs about 4.5 pounds.

Week 34
Muscles tone has now developed and the fetus can turn and lift its head.

Week 36
The fetus can grasp firmly.

Week 38
The baby is full-term and ready to be born. 

- Minnesota Department of Health
- Focus on the Family




I can’t tell my parents, what can I do?
A peer counselor at RWC would love to talk to you about your unplanned pregnancy. All counseling is confidential. We know and understand the difficulty of telling parents or family about an unplanned pregnancy and want to help you in your difficult time. 




How can I get out of this?
You have options for your unplanned pregnancy including adoption, parenting or abortion. Talking to a peer counselor may be the first step in learning more about your options. We can give you information about all three options and you can hear first-hand stories from women who have done all three and what they thought before, during and after their choice. 




What is the abortion pill?
A medical abortion is also known as the RU486 abortion pill. "A drug is given that stops the hormones needed for the fetus to grow. It also causes the placenta to separate from the uterus ending the pregnancy. A second drug is given to expel the fetus and placenta." (MN Dept of Health) Deaths have been reported after using this form of abortion.




What happens during an abortion?
Many risks both physically and emotionally are associated with abortion. More information regarding the procedures and risks are available by contacting RWC. 

Vacuum Aspiration Abortion
This abortion procedure is done from 6 to 14 weeks after last period. The cervix is opened with a dilator. Then a tube is inserted into the uterus and is attached to a suction system that pulls the fetus' body apart and out of the uterus.

Dilation and Evacuation (D & E)
This abortion is done during the second trimester - 13 to 24 weeks after last period. "Because the developing fetus doubles in size between the 11th and 12th week of pregnancy, the body of the fetus is too large to be broken up by suction and will not pass through the suction tubing." (CareNet) The cervix is opened wider than in the first trimester and laminaria is inserted a day or two before the abortion. After opening the cervix, the fetus is pulled apart with forceps and the fetus' skull is crushed to ease removal.

Dilation and Extraction (D & X)
This abortion takes 3 days and is performed from 20 weeks after last period to full-term. The first two days the cervix is dilated and medication is given for cramping. The third day the woman is given medication to start labor. Once labor begins, the abortionist uses ultrasound to locate the baby's legs. Grasping a leg with forceps, the abortionist delivers the baby up to the baby's head. Next, scissors are inserted into the base of the skull to create an opening. A suction catheter is placed into the opening to remove the brain and skull contents. The skull collapses and the baby is removed." (CareNet)

- Minnesota Department of Health
- CareNet




Are there any risks related to abortion?

Physical risks of abortion:
Along with possible side effects of an abortion, such as abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, there are also possible complications. These complications include:

Emotional risks of abortion:
After having an abortion some women experience strong negative emotions. This is often referred to as Post Abortion Trauma (PAT). Symptoms sometimes associated with PAT include:

What happens after an abortion?
An abortion is a permanent decision so making an informed choice is very important. Many women struggle with Post-Abortion Syndrome or Post Abortion Trauma following an abortion. There are many symptoms ranging from depression to anger. If you would like more information on healing after an abortion please contact us. Also, see resources list below...
http://www.everlastinglightministries.org/...
http://www.silentnomoreawareness.org/




I don’t have any money to keep my baby, what can I do?
We have many resources available to you through RWC. In our Footprints program, you can earn ‘mommy money’ to spend in our baby boutique where you can shop for all the essentials your baby will need for free! We also have one time help available through other organizations that may be able to help you with rent or other expenses. 




Why would adoption be a good option?
Many times adoption is the most selfless and loving choice a woman can make in an unplanned pregnancy. RWC works with several adoption agencies that guide you through the adoption to make sure it is the best option for you and your baby. 




Where can I find more information?
Adoption:
http://www.bethany.org

Abortion:
http://www.thinkaboutitonline.com/
http://www.standupgirl.com/

Single Parenting:
http://www.focusonyourchild.com/...

Click HERE to view our TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY POLICY