How much does it cost to be seen at East County Pregnancy Care Clinic?
All of our services are free of charge. There is absolutely no cost to you.
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What are some indicators/early signs of pregnancy?
The most common indication of pregnancy is missed period(s). One might also experience queasiness, nausea, and vomiting (a.k.a. "Morning Sickness," may happen at any time of day). In addition, breast tenderness, mood swings, dizziness, sensitivity to smells, food cravings, and/or aversions to food all may happen in early pregnancy. The best way to know for sure whether or not you're pregnant is to be tested.
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Is there such a thing as a false negative result from a urine pregnancy test (UPT) and, if so, how common is this occurrence?
A false negative result from a urine pregnancy test means that, even though the UPT shows that you are NOT pregnant, you actually ARE. Pregnancy tests are usually very accurate. Generally speaking, UPTs are accurate about 99% of the time, meaning that out of every 100 women, one woman is likely to obtain an incorrect result. This is typically due to human error and not the test itself. The pregnancy hormone (hCG), which is the hormone that a UPT screens for, takes time to build up to levels that the test can detect. Thus, false negatives are common when a UTP is performed too early.
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Is there such a thing as a false positive result from a urine pregnancy test (UPT) and, if so, how common is this occurrence?
A false positive result from a urine pregnancy test means that, even though the UPT shows that you ARE pregnant, you actually ARE NOT. This is an extremely rare occurrence. Since a UPT screens for hCG, which is known as the pregnancy hormone, it is highly unlikely that you would obtain a positive result from a UPT unless you were in fact pregnant. There are a few unusual circumstances in which this can occur. A positive UPT result almost always means that you are pregnant. The best way to know for sure is to be tested by a medical professional.
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When and why should I visit East County Pregnancy Care Clinic?
If you think you might be pregnant, the first step is to find out for sure by getting tested. We perform urine pregnancy tests that can be verified by our nurse. You should also visit us if you already know that you're pregnant and you are scared or confused. We are here to listen to you, inform and educate you about all of your options, and to encourage you to make the best decision for yourself.
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What is an ultrasound (a.k.a. sonogram)?
An ultrasound machine emits high-frequency sound waves that create echoes that “bounce around” inside of the body. These echoes are then absorbed by the machine and translated into a visual pattern on a monitor, allowing you to see a picture of your baby. Unlike x-rays which use radiation, ultrasounds use sound waves and are considered a safe way to view your baby and possibly see its heartbeat very early in pregnancy.
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Do you perform ultrasounds?
Yes. Clients must schedule an appointment for an evaluation by our nurse. Ultrasounds may be performed the same day or scheduled for another time, depending upon the outcome of the evaluation.
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Can I still come here even if I'm not sure what I'm going to do about my pregnancy?
ABSOLUTELY. The truth is, many women are unsure about their pregnancy regardless of their age, marital status or educational background. You may be flooded with emotions right now. In fact, many women experience intense emotions during pregnancy. The thought of being pregnant can be scary. People might be pressuring you with their opinions about what you should do. Maybe you haven't even told anyone yet. That's what’s great about our clinic. It's a place where you can be true to yourself, say what's on your mind and talk about all that you're feeling with supportive, non-judgmental, female advocates who REALLY care about you.
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What about my parents, my boyfriend, my husband, my friends, my education, my future, my . . . ?
Just as you may be unsure about your pregnancy, your loved ones may also be unsure of how they feel about your pregnancy. Some of the people in your life might not have a very positive reaction to your circumstance, or maybe you haven't told them because you’re afraid of what their reaction might be. At East County Pregnancy Care Clinic you can openly discuss your situation with our advocates. Many people are surprised to discover that hopes and dreams don't need to go unfulfilled due to an unintended pregnancy. Your plans for the future, your relationships, education and career can still move forward.
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Do you offer aid for material needs?
Yes. We can provide you with maternity and baby clothing, diapers, formula, wipes, etc. all free of cost. East County Pregnancy Care Clinic also assists with applications for "Healthy Families" . . . Just call for an appointment.
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