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. Bella 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.

Symptoms

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

Pregnancy testing

Bella 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.

Bella 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.

Ultrasounds

Bella 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.

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. 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.

Financial support

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. Bella nurses can provide general information about these programs. Bella Support Services mentors can provide additional information and advocacy accessing community resources.

Support Services

Bella Support Services is ready and available to assist you at every point along the journey. Services range from material support to childbirth education to pregnancy education to lactation support.

How do I know if I am having a miscarriage?

A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. The loss of pregnancy during the first trimester is called early pregnancy loss, miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Most women who experience a loss have successful pregnancies in the future. Symptoms may include vaginal spotting, abdominal cramping, and lower back pain and/or passing of fluids or tissue. A miscarriage should be managed by a medical provider. Bella Medical Clinic makes referrals to providers.

Can Bella give me a due date?

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.

When do I need to see a doctor?

At 8-10 weeks into your pregnancy.

When can I have an ultrasound?

After 6 ½ weeks after missing a period.

What can I do if I can't afford a baby?

We have Bella Support Services that can help provide you with resources.

Learn more

Is a visit to your clinic confidential?

Yes, all of our services are confidential and free.

How do I know if I am having an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy

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. Bella Medical Clinic cannot manage an ectopic pregnancy.

Can someone come with me to my appointment?

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.

If I am under the age of 18, do I need my parent’s permission to come into the clinic?

No. You can call 920-231-6006 and schedule your own appointment. Testing and treatment is confidential and free.

How early can I have a positive pregnancy test?

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

What medications can I take?

A summarized medication list will be given to you at your visit at Bella 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.

What do I need to do before I get an abortion?

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.

What is available to me if I parent?

Bella offers mentoring, educational classes, material support, community connections, and more to parents. Bella mentors can answer questions and connect you with other support agencies in the area.