The Risks of Substance Use During Pregnancy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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."

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.

As your baby grows, you may begin to feel a wide range of changes. Shortness of breath and GERD (heartburn), among a long list of other changes, can disrupt your sleep before you have the baby. If you are early in the pregnancy, spikes in the hormone progesterone can cause you to feel drowsy. However, it is known that a lack of sleep is proven to increase the risk of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and longer labors. Pregnant women absolutely need long, restful sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine claims that, “Good sleep [during pregnancy] is one of the best ways to assure a healthy baby.” The Endocrine Society released a statement claiming that pregnant women who sleep less than seven hours per night may have children with developmental delays. Therefore, it is highly recommended that pregnant women get at least eight hours of sleep every night . However, the other changes your body is going through can impede your sleep cycle. Therefore, if you are battling insomnia, consult a doctor.

So, Can You Eat Mushrooms While Pregnant? The contemporary scientific literature of the time says, “Yes.” If you are pregnant or expecting, we can provide information and support at Life Resources of Northern Michigan.