Financial Resources for Pregnant Women in Michigan

August 15, 2024

If you’re pregnant and in need of financial support, there are resources for you. The first thing to know is that you’re loved, you’re wanted, and a lot of people want to help support you. At Life Resources of Northern Michigan, we can provide information about family services to support you through this time.

Resources for Pregnant Women in an Immediate Crisis

There are many resources available to you. Foremost, if you are temporarily in need of housing, in our community, there’s New Hope Center in Cadillac, Michigan. This will give you a place to sleep for the time being as you figure the rest of it out.


To secure food, you can access some of the free or low-cost community resources in Cadillac and Big Rapids. If you schedule an appointment with us, we can refer you to the Cadillac Revival Center food pantry, the Manna Pantry of Big Rapids, Project Starburst, the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, and other local resources that can provide free or low-cost supplies for you.


If you need help with material resources for your baby like diapers, blankets, and clothes, Life Resources of Northern Michigan offers a program for maternity and baby items. You can contact us to learn more.

State Assistance for Pregnant Women

There is a myriad of state assistance programs that can provide financial resources for pregnant women. They are mostly run through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). One important program for women is Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). It will provide a stipend for groceries and access to fresh, nutritious food. It’s a lifeline for many mothers and young children, ensuring they have the sustenance they need during critical stages of development.


Beyond WIC, Michigan offers a range of other essential services aimed at alleviating financial strain and promoting stability:


  • Cash Assistance: Provides financial support to eligible individuals and families to help cover basic living expenses.
  • Health Care Coverage: Ensures access to essential health services through Medicaid and other health care programs, offering peace of mind in times of illness or injury.
  • Emergency Relief for Housing and Utilities: Helps during emergencies such as eviction prevention or utility shutoffs, helping to keep families housed and safe.
  • Child Care Assistance: Supports working parents by helping cover the costs of childcare, enabling them to maintain employment and support their families.
  • Disability Assistance: Provides financial support and resources to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can lead dignified and independent lives.
  • Food Assistance: In addition to WIC, other food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) help ensure that families can put nutritious meals on the table, regardless of economic circumstances.

Who Qualifies?

Eligibility for these programs often depends on income level, family size, and specific circumstances. The application process is designed to be accessible, with online portals and local DHHS offices ready to assist applicants in navigating the requirements. It’s also noteworthy that individuals enrolled in more than six credit hours at educational institutions within the state may qualify for certain benefits.

Navigating the System

Applying for government assistance can feel overwhelming, but resources are available to help guide you through the process. Local DHHS offices have dedicated staff who can provide personalized assistance and answer questions about eligibility criteria and required documentation. Additionally, community organizations and non-profits often partner with state agencies to offer support services and ensure that those in need receive the help they deserve.

Long-Term Financial Solutions

Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your perspective), the primary long-term financial solution to all people is working and living within the means of the paycheck. If you find work that you love, or at least work that you don’t hate, it’s a lot easier to maintain motivation. This can be done by exploring your passions and your gifts. What are you good at? What do you like doing? Even if the answer is, “scroll on social media,” that can you give you an indication that you might enjoy work in marketing. If you need help deciding, you might consider taking a career aptitude test. This will recommend careers you might like.


The second half of this is living within the budget. Many people consider this the harder half (author’s note: I definitely do). Try shopping at stores that sell within your price range, limit your online spending, and regularly check your monthly bank statement. There will be lots of personal financing budget advice for you with a quick online search.

Child Support

Your child has two parents. Even if you were never married, you are not legally obligated to incur the total cost of raising a child alone. This is especially true if you’re in a financially strenuous situation. If only one parent is living with the child, the other parent can be legally required to contribute funds to support their child. Child support, which can be attained through a legal process, is an option available to you in the case that you and the father are not married.

How do I emotionally process financial hardship through pregnancy?

We consider it our job to help you understand that you have options and support available to you, even during financial hardship throughout pregnancy and motherhood. The fact of the matter is that there’s a lot of people who want to help, starting with us. Financial resources for pregnant women include local and state assistance.

How Risky Is Abortion?

By Luke Patterson • September 8, 2025
How Risky Is Abortion?

Can You Have Unprotected Sex During Ovulation and Not Get Pregnant?

August 11, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to have unprotected sex during ovulation and not get pregnant, you’re not alone. It's a common and valid question—especially for those trying to understand their fertility, prevent pregnancy, or plan for the future. The truth is, yes, it is possible to have unprotected sex during ovulation and not become pregnant. But it's also important to understand that the risk of pregnancy is significantly higher during this time. Ovulation is when an egg is released from the ovary and is most available for fertilization. Sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for up to five days, which means unprotected sex before, during, or shortly after ovulation can lead to pregnancy. Still, several individual factors can affect fertility, such as: Age Hormonal balance Weight and nutrition Exercise and stress levels Smoking or alcohol use Genetic factors If you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, the safest approach is to avoid unprotected sex altogether. But if you’re simply looking to understand your body better, it’s helpful to learn when pregnancy is most likely—and when it’s less so. At our center we offer free educational resources and a safe place to ask questions about reproductive health, birth control, and fertility. Fertility Rates Throughout the Menstrual Cycle Pregnancy is most likely to occur in the days leading up to and including ovulation. Here's a breakdown of estimated chances of pregnancy based on timing: 3 days before ovulation: 27% 2 days before ovulation: 33% 1 day before ovulation: 41% Day of ovulation: 20% 1 day after ovulation: 8% (Source: FertilityFriend ) If you’re hoping to become pregnant, tracking your ovulation cycle and timing intercourse around these fertile days can increase your chances. However, even during the most fertile window, pregnancy is not guaranteed—and that’s completely normal.  How Age Affects Fertility Fertility naturally decreases with age. According to the British Fertility Society, fertility starts to decline more rapidly after age 32. This means that unprotected sex becomes less likely to result in pregnancy as age increases, but the possibility is still there. Understanding your personal fertility can help guide your decisions. If you have questions about fertility testing or tracking, we’d be happy to help you explore your options.

How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion?

July 21, 2025
If you’re wondering when you might be able to get pregnant again after an abortion, you’re not alone—and your question is completely valid. An abortion ends an existing pregnancy, but it doesn’t change how your reproductive system works going forward. That means if you have unprotected sex after an abortion, you can become pregnant again—sometimes sooner than you might expect. Even while you’re still recovering or experiencing symptoms like bleeding or nausea from elevated hCG levels, ovulation can occur. In fact, some medical literature suggests it’s possible to conceive as soon as five days after the procedure. If you’re not ready to become pregnant right away, it may help to talk with your healthcare provider about birth control options that fit your body and your goals. You’re also always welcome at our center, where we provide a safe space to ask questions, explore your options, and get reliable information—all at no cost to you. Understanding the Difference: Birth Control vs. Abortion It’s easy to feel confused about how birth control and abortion differ, especially when you’re sorting through a lot of information. You need to understand the process of conception first. Here is a simplified explanation: Pregnancy begins when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg, forming a zygote. This single cell carries the full set of DNA from both biological parents. The zygote travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it becomes a blastocyst and implants into the uterine lining. At that point, an amniotic sac begins forming around the embryo. Birth control works by preventing this process from starting—either by stopping ovulation, blocking sperm, or preventing fertilization. Abortion, by contrast, ends a pregnancy that has already begun. It doesn’t stop your body from ovulating in the future, nor does it prevent sperm from reaching the egg or implantation from occurring. That’s why your fertility can return quickly after an abortion, and pregnancy may be possible within just days. Unprotected Sex and Pregnancy Risk Understanding how pregnancy happens can help you make informed decisions. Unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy even when timing doesn’t seem ideal—during your period, after an abortion, or while on birth control. The chance of pregnancy varies based on individual factors like hormone levels, cycle timing, and overall health. However, it is still possible to become pregnant: While using contraception (especially if not used perfectly) During your period or in between cycles From ejaculation near the vaginal opening (even without penetration) Even if you’ve received gender-affirming care, such as testosterone—if you still have a uterus and ovaries, pregnancy can occur So, How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After an Abortion? The short answer: very soon—sometimes in less than a week. Because ovulation can return quickly, it’s important to know that unprotected sex at any time can lead to pregnancy, even shortly after an abortion. If you’re unsure about your fertility, birth control options, or next steps, we're here to help. At our center, you’ll find a judgment-free place to ask questions and get support—whatever you’re facing. All our services are offered at no cost, and you’re welcome here.

Can Twins Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test?

By Luke Patterson • July 8, 2025
It’s a surprising idea—but yes, being pregnant with twins can sometimes cause a false negative result on a urine pregnancy test. This rare situation is linked to something called the hook effect, which can happen when hormone levels are extremely high. Pregnancy tests are typically very accurate. However, when hCG levels exceed 500,000 mIU/mL, it can overwhelm the test, preventing it from detecting the hormone properly. This is more likely to happen in multiple pregnancies, especially if each baby has their own placenta, which can compound hormone levels. If you’ve missed multiple periods, have pregnancy symptoms, or underwent fertility treatments like IVF—but your urine test is still negative—it’s a good idea to follow up with a blood test for confirmation. How Do Pregnancy Tests Work? Pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that rises rapidly during early pregnancy. A nonpregnant woman typically has about 5 mIU/mL of hCG, while pregnancy tests generally detect levels of 20 mIU/mL or higher. Here’s how it works: the test contains antibodies that bind to hCG. If the hormone is present at a detectable level, the test will show a positive result. However, in rare cases—like very high hCG concentrations—the test becomes overwhelmed and fails to register correctly. This is the hook effect. hCG Levels by Week of Pregnancy Here’s a general guideline of hCG levels during pregnancy: Week 3: 5–50 mIU/mL Week 4: 5–426 mIU/mL Week 5: 18–7,340 mIU/mL Week 6: 1,080–56,500 mIU/mL Weeks 7–8: 7,650–229,000 mIU/mL Weeks 9–12: 25,700–288,000 mIU/mL Hook effect range: >500,000 mIU/mL When Can Pregnancy Tests Be Inaccurate? Urine tests are 99% accurate under normal circumstances. But if your hCG levels are unusually high—often 2,500 times higher than the lowest detectable amount—the hook effect can lead to a false negative result. This is most likely to occur late in the first trimester and especially in pregnancies involving multiples. How Does IVF Affect Pregnancy Testing? IVF (in vitro fertilization) increases the chances of a multiple pregnancy. That’s because more than one embryo is often implanted to improve success rates. A 2006 Canadian study shows that about 30% of IVF pregnancies result in multiples, compared to less than 1% of natural pregnancies. This can lead to elevated hCG levels, making inaccurate test results more likely. If you’ve undergone IVF and suspect you're pregnant but your test is negative, it's wise to request a blood test to confirm. So, Can Twins Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test? Yes, although it’s rare, being pregnant with twins can cause a urine pregnancy test to show a false negative especially if the pregnancy results from IVF. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pregnancy but your test results are unclear, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment. We’re here to help provide accurate medical information and compassionate support, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey. Contact us today to speak with a professional or schedule a free appointment.

How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?

By Luke Patterson • June 25, 2025
If you're facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, you may be wondering: How much does the abortion pill cost? The cost of the abortion pill (also called a medication abortion) can vary depending on your location, the provider you choose, and whether or not you have insurance coverage. On average, it can cost up to $800, though in some cases it may be more or less. Before making any decisions, it’s important to gather accurate information about the process, potential risks, and available support. At Life Resources, you can meet with a licensed medical professional to talk through your options in a safe and confidential environment—at no cost to you. What Is the Abortion Pill? The term “abortion pill” actually refers to a two-step medication process used in early pregnancy: Step 1: Mifepristone Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue. It typically takes up to 48 hours for this medication to take effect. If you’ve taken mifepristone and are having second thoughts, you may be able to pursue Abortion Pill Reversal. This treatment involves taking progesterone to try to counteract the effects of mifepristone. According to studies, reversal has a 64-68% success rate , with no known increase in birth defects . If you’re seeking help right away, call the 24/7 hotline at 1-877-558-0333 to speak with someone who can guide you. You can also visit: https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/ Step 2: Misoprostol After mifepristone, a second medication called misoprostol is taken, usually within 24–48 hours. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This s t age often involves: - Heavy bleeding - Blood clots - Cramping - Tissue passing (sometimes described as “lemon-sized”) Side effects may include chills, fever, nausea, or vomiting. If symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever persist beyond 24 hours after taking misoprostol, it’s important to contact a medical provider. Are There Free Resources for Me? Yes—there are completely free services and resources available if you are pregnant and unsure of your next steps. At Life Resources all of our services are provided at no cost and include: - Pregnancy testing - Limited obstetric ultrasounds - Education on your reproductive options - Support resources for new or expectant parents - Referrals for healthcare, housing, food, and more Schedule and appointment today. Our licensed medical professionals will confirm your pregnancy and walk with you through your options with compassion and respect. You are not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this decision without support. So, What’s the Bottom Line? The abortion pill can cost up to $800, depending on where you go and whether insurance is involved. But financial cost isn’t the only factor to consider. Knowing what to expect, understanding your choices, and having caring support can make a huge difference. We’re here to offer medically accurate information, confidential care, and emotional support—at no cost to you. Schedule a free appointment today

Can You Take Benadryl While Pregnant?

By Luke Patterson • June 23, 2025
The FDA categorizes Benadryl as a class B drug during pregnancy, meaning animal studies show it does not cause harm to a fetus. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine used to temporarily relieve symptoms due to hay fever, upper respiratory allergies, or the common cold, such as runny nose and sneezing. However, taking higher than recommended doses can lead to serious heart problems. So, the answer to, “Can you take Benadryl while pregnant?” is “Yes.” Benadryl is considered safe to take while pregnant at normal doses.
Why an Early Ultrasound Matters before taking the abortion pill

Why an Early Ultrasound Matters—Especially Before Taking Abortion Pills

June 12, 2025
When facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Life Resources of Northern Michigan understands - because many of us have been in your shoes.
Understanding Abortion Laws in Michigan

Abortion Laws in Michigan

June 12, 2025
Abortion is legal in Michigan with some restrictions. Know the laws to make informed, confident decisions about reproductive health care.

Brown Discharge While Pregnant

By Luke Patterson • June 9, 2025
The discharge of leukorrhea , clear or white, is a normal, healthy part of being a woman. Occasionally, this discharge is tinged with blood. Blood turns brown as it dries, so most of the time brown discharge is blood. Most of the time, this brown discharge is normal and not a cause for concern. The common causes of brown discharge are implantation bleeding, sex, mucus plugs, or blood. In some cases, brown discharge is considered not normal, such as: infection, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you have questions about brown discharge while pregnant.  An OB-GYN and maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Chicago, Layan Alrahmani , says "The overwhelming majority of pregnant people with brown discharge don't have anything dangerous to be worried about."

Does My Baby Sleep in the Womb?

By Luke Patterson • May 20, 2025
Your baby sleeps 90% to 95% of their time in the womb. Examinations of fetal heart rate indicate normal sleep-wake cycles just like those infants experience out of the womb. During REM sleep, their eyes move back and forth just like an adult’s eyes. Adults most often dream during REM cycles . As infants experience REM cycles, many scientists deduce that infants in the womb can dream.
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