Pregnancy

“I think I might be pregnant, and I don’t know what to do.” If this is you, we can help. An unplanned pregnancy can cause anxiety and stress. Vida Medical Clinic believes that every woman deserves access to exceptional health care and that is why we provide confidential services free of charge. We also believe that no woman should walk this road alone. We are here and ready to help you.

  • Late or missed period
  • Nausea and/ or vomiting
  • Breast tenderness
  • Fatigue/ being more tired than normal
  • Frequent urination
  • Food aversions/ cravings
  • Mood swings/ changes

Vida Medical Clinic provides free and confidential lab quality pregnancy tests that measure the levels of hCG in your urine. HCG is a hormone that is secreted when you are pregnant. For accurate results, urine should be collected and tested in the clinic by a nurse about a week after your first missed period. Testing before that time may result in a false negative result because the levels of the hCG hormone may not yet be high enough to detect. Testing is quick, easy and the result is immediately interpreted by a nurse. Ultrasounds are performed after a positive test result to confirm the pregnancy. The ultrasound may be performed on the same date as the pregnancy test or scheduled for a later date which is determined by the nurse and your health history.

Vida Medical Clinic offers consultations and evidence-based medical education about your pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services.  Our medical professionals are available to help answer any questions you may have.

Vida Medical Clinic provides free and confidential ultrasounds after a positive pregnancy test result is obtained in our clinic. The ultrasound may be performed on the same date as the pregnancy test or scheduled for a later date which is determined by the nurse and your health history. The ultrasound will be able to determine your approximate due date and whether you have a viable (viable means that your pregnancy is capable of developing normally)  pregnancy. The information obtained through the ultrasound will help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy and moving forward. Registered nurses perform the ultrasound in a private setting. Three main questions will be answered: 1) is there a pregnancy inside the uterus; 2) how far along are you in weeks and days from your last menstrual period and estimated delivery date; 3) is there a heartbeat (versus possible miscarriage). The procedure is not painful.

If you have an unplanned pregnancy, there are many places you can go for financial support.  For example, BadgerCare is a health care coverage program for low-income Wisconsin residents. Forward Service Corporation/ WI Works is a job-based program that provides cash assistance to eligible parents to help them prepare for a career.  WIC is a program that is a specialized nutrition program for women, infants and children.  Leaven stabilizes and empowers people experiencing a financial crisis by providing assistance, referrals and case management.  Vida nurses can provide general information about these programs.  Vida Support Services mentors can provide additional information and advocacy accessing community resources.  

FAQS

A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. The loss of pregnancy during the first 13 weeks (1st trimester) is called early pregnancy loss, miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. Early pregnancy loss is common and happens in about 10% of known pregnancies and usually is the result of random events that are not likely to happen again. Most women who experience a loss go on to have successful pregnancies in the future. Symptoms may include vaginal spotting or bleeding, abdominal cramping, and lower back pain and/or passing of fluids or tissue. A miscarriage should be managed by a medical provider. Vida Medical Clinic cannot manage a potential loss, but we can make referrals to providers who can.

Your Estimated Due Date (EDD) is calculated by the 1st day of your last menstrual period. Ultrasound is often used to confirm the due date.

In most cases, a woman’s egg is fertilized by a man’s sperm in one of her fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg moves through the tube to the lining of the uterus where it implants and starts to grow. An ectopic pregnancy happens when the fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. This is a potential emergency. Symptoms may include severe abdominal pain on one side or radiating to a shoulder, light headedness and/ or dizziness. If you are experiencing these symptoms seek care immediately or call 911. Vida Medical Clinic cannot manage an ectopic pregnancy.

No. You can call and schedule your own appointment. Testing and treatment is confidential and free.

The best time to test is 1 week after your 1st missed period.

At 8-10 weeks into your pregnancy.

After 6 ½ weeks after missing a period.

A summarized medication list will be given to you at your visit at Vida Medical Clinic. It is best to speak with your medical provider before taking any new medications and to address those you currently are taking regularly.

We have Vida Support Services that can help provide you with resources. (See Financial Support tab)

For your health and safety if you are considering an abortion, viability and pregnancy dating should be confirmed by pregnancy test and ultrasound. A viable pregnancy is one that is capable of developing under normal conditions. Accurate information on abortion procedures and risks, as well as STD testing and treatment is important to obtain prior to an abortion. We do not provide or refer for abortions, but our nurses will discuss and answer any questions you may have.

Yes, all of our services are confidential and free.

Yes. We may need to see you for part of your appointment alone, but your support person can be there for most of your appointment.

Check out the information under our Support Services tab. Vida mentors can answer questions and connect you with other support agencies in the area.