My Birth Control Failed: What Do I Do?

If your birth control failed, and you’ve learned you’re pregnant, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. This likely wasn’t part of the plan, and you might wonder what’s coming next.

Remember, you have options available to you and you don’t have to walk through this alone. After taking a medical-grade pregnancy test, there are several steps you can take to move forward and make a thoughtful decision.

Receive an Ultrasound

After taking a pregnancy test, you’ll want to verify important pregnancy details by receiving an ultrasound. Why an ultrasound? This simple diagnostic exam reveals key information such as:

Viability: It is estimated that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, so you’ll want to ensure your pregnancy is viable—growing and has healthy cardiac activity.
Gestational age: The gestational age of your pregnancy tells you how far along you are. You can use this information to determine which options you may be eligible for.
Location of pregnancy: Knowing the location of your pregnancy is crucial. Sometimes, an ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants in a location other than the uterus. This is dangerous and always requires medical treatment.

Soundview can provide you access to free ultrasounds performed by on-site independent medical professionals.

Understand Your Options

Now is the time to receive options information for your unplanned pregnancy. You have three: abortion, adoption, and parenting.

Abortion is a medical procedure with side effects and risks you should be aware of. Adoption and parenting, while challenging at times, allow you to carry your child to term and influence their life in a positive way.

You may also be interested in services like options education. Soundview Pregnancy Services offers this service and others at no charge to you.