Lovejoy Surgicenter

A Guide to Caring for Your Pregnant Wife

Pregnancy doesn’t just take a toll on an expectant mother—it can also be an overwhelming experience for her partner. As a woman’s body undergoes a series of hormonal and physical changes, she will begin to rely on her partner to help comfort her and prepare for the arrival of the baby. Here are a few ways for men to care for their wives:

Attend Prenatal Visits
A baby’s heartbeat is detectable by ultrasound anywhere between the seventh and 12th week of pregnancy. In addition, the baby’s head, arms, hands, and feet will be visible throughout the second trimester. Some couples are even able to learn the sex of the baby during a second trimester ultrasound. One way for men to comfort their wives is by attending ultrasound appointments and sharing these significant moments with their partners.

Help Plan for the Baby
Just like expectant mothers, soon-to-be fathers should also watch tapes, research on the Internet, and read books about childhood development and parenting. Couples can also go to child birthing classes together to help understand what will be expected of them during and after delivery. The more prepared a couple feels for the birthing process, the more relaxed and comfortable they will feel when the time actually arrives.

Encourage Her to Relax
Stress is harmful to both an expectant mother and her developing baby. A man can help his expectant wife relax by taking on a portion of household chores, joining in on relaxation exercises, and encouraging her to get enough rest each night. It’s also important for men to avoid stating any negative thoughts or feelings during the process, as this can influence the level of stress that expectant mothers experience.

Lovejoy Surgicenter of Portland provides women with a variety of family planning services, including contraception, Plan B, and abortions. We offer a confidential and supportive environment for women to make decisions about their reproductive health. Call us at (503) 715-3509 to schedule a visit. 

Signs that You Might Be Pregnant

The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test at your doctor’s office or a reproductive health clinic. However, there are some early indicators of pregnancy that you should be aware of, whether you’re trying to conceive or not. If you notice any of the following signs and you’ve missed your period, schedule an appointment at a clinic.

Fatigue
Although feeling tired from time to time is common, excessive, unexplainable fatigue could be a sign of pregnancy. If you experience fatigue and there is a chance that you could be pregnant, avoid fighting it with extra coffee. Instead, get plenty of rest.

Cramping
While cramping often indicates that you’re about to get your period, it could also mean that a fertilized egg is attaching to your uterine wall. The cramping is caused by the stretching of the uterus, which is preparing for the baby.

Breast Soreness
When you become pregnant, your hormone levels fluctuate. Breast tissue is particularly susceptible to the effects of changing hormone levels. Once an egg is fertilized, your body releases excessive amounts of progesterone and hCG. This results in swelling of the breast tissue, causing soreness.

Spotting
Though it might seem counterintuitive, light spotting can actually be a sign of pregnancy. Not every woman will experience spotting with pregnancy, and those that do often mistake it as a lighter period. If you do notice this issue, take a pregnancy test just to be sure.

Food Aversion
An aversion to certain foods, particularly those with strong odors, is a common sign of early pregnancy. As your levels of beta-hCG hormone rise, you may find yourself gagging at red meat or other foods. Be aware of your food triggers and do your best to avoid them.

Lovejoy Surgicenter has been serving the women of the Portland area for more than 35 years. We provide reproductive healthcare services, including emergency contraception and abortion. Please call us today at (503) 715-3509 to schedule your appointment and ask us about our family planning services.

Correcting Common Myths about Abortion

Abortion has long been a controversial topic, and some common myths regarding it have contributed to the controversy. If you’re considering having an abortion, schedule a consultation with a reproductive healthcare provider to discuss the procedure. Become an informed patient by asking your doctor all of your questions. Keep reading to learn more about abortion and the truth behind some of the most common myths.

The Procedure is Unsafe
When performed by a qualified healthcare professional at a reproductive health clinic, abortion is a very safe procedure. Annually, about 1.3 million women in the U.S. have an abortion, less than one percent of whom experience significant complications. In fact, this procedure is about 10 times safer than giving birth to a child.

It Raises the Risk of Breast Cancer
The myth that abortion increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer was spread by anti-abortion advocates. There is no scientific evidence that this is true. In fact, scientific evidence has dispelled this myth.

It Causes Mental Distress
One of the most misleading myths about abortion is that it always causes mental anguish or other psychological trauma. While every woman is unique and will experience the procedure in different ways, there is no scientific evidence that demonstrates a causative relationship between abortion and negative psychological reactions. However, it is possible for some women to experience sadness and grief; these responses tend to be associated with additional factors, such as a history of mental health issues, a history of poor self-esteem, and a lack of social support.

It Causes Infertility
You may have heard the myth that if you have an abortion, you will struggle to become pregnant again or increase your risk of a miscarriage. In fact, this myth has been debunked by numerous scientific studies. Women who undergo abortions can carry a healthy pregnancy to term.

The compassionate healthcare professionals of Lovejoy Surgicenter understand the many emotional aspects of family planning. If you have any questions about abortion, birth control, and other reproductive health issues, please call our Portland abortion clinic at (503) 715-3509. We offer expert patient care in a friendly, comfortable environment.

What Is the Difference between Plan B and Abortion?

Plan B One Step is a type of emergency birth control commonly known as a “morning after” pill. It is not intended as a long-term form of birth control; instead, it is taken up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex. There are a lot of misconceptions about Plan B and abortion. Many people assume that the morning after pill induces abortion because it is taken after sex. In fact, Plan B is an effective method of preventing pregnancy.

Plan B contains levonorgestrel, which is a progestin hormone. This hormone works by preventing ovulation and blocking the fertilization of an egg. It can also prevent a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall. In contrast, an abortion is a procedure to terminate a pregnancy that has already been established.

If you’ve had unprotected sex and wish to prevent pregnancy, take emergency birth control as soon as possible. You can call Lovejoy Surgicenter of Portland at (503) 715-3509 to obtain Plan B, or simply walk into our practice with no appointment needed.

IUD vs. Oral Contraceptives: Which Birth Control Method Is Right for You?

For those seeking to prevent unwanted pregnancies, there are a wealth of options available. Talk to a healthcare provider at a clinic to discuss which choice best suits your needs. Many women choose oral contraceptives or intrauterine devices (IUDs) for the effective prevention of pregnancy. Keep reading for an explanation of these two popular birth control methods and a comparison of their effectiveness and safety.

IUD Basics

An IUD is a small, plastic T-shaped device that is inserted into the uterus. Once inserted, a plastic string extends from the device into your vagina, which allows you to make sure it is still in place, and allows your doctor to remove the device when needed. There are two types of IUDs: hormonal and copper. The hormonal device prevents pregnancy by interfering with fertilization, while the copper IUD prevents pregnancy by causing sperm death.

Oral Contraception Basics

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, are among the most commonly used methods of preventing pregnancy. These pills are taken once daily, and work by preventing the eggs from leaving the ovaries and thickening the cervical mucus to prevent sperm mobility. Some birth control pills contain two hormones, estrogen and progestin, while others contain only progestin.

Effectiveness

Both of these methods are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Some estimates claim that the birth control pill is about 92% effective. Pills are more effective if you remember to take them at the same time every day. Fewer than eight women out of every 1,000 will become pregnant while using an IUD. The hormonal IUD is effective for five years, at which point you’ll need a replacement, and the copper IUD is effective for 12 years.

Safety

Pills and IUDs are considered to be quite safe for most women; however, you should talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have and medications you may take. For example, if you have blood-clotting problems, you may be better off using the IUD instead of the pill. Similarly, those with a history of pelvic infections should choose the pill instead.

Learn more about preventing pregnancy with various birth control methods. Talk to a healthcare provider at Lovejoy Surgicenter today to discuss your unique needs. Schedule an appointment at our Portland practice by calling (503) 715-3509.