Discovering you’re pregnant when you weren’t expecting can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. A flood of questions may rush in. What do I do? Who can I talk to? How will this change my life? In moments like these, having a strong support system can make all the difference. The people around you—family, friends, a partner, or trusted mentors—can provide clarity, encouragement, and resources to help you navigate your options. Why Support Systems Matter It’s easy to feel isolated during an unexpected pregnancy with high stress and emotions. However, decisions made in isolation can be overwhelming and may lead to regret. Having a support system allows you to process your emotions, ask questions, and consider your next steps with a clear mind. Those who care about you can offer reassurance and help you explore the emotional, physical, and practical aspects of your decision. Avoiding Pressure and Outside Influence Unfortunately, some women experience pressure from their partner, family members, or even friends to make a decision they aren’t comfortable with. A healthy support system respects your right to make an informed choice without coercion. If you’re feeling pressured, it’s essential to reach out to someone who will listen, not dictate. Support should come from those who uplift and empower you, not those who push you into a choice based on their preferences. Seeking Reliable Information It’s crucial to have access to accurate medical information about abortion, its risks, and its alternatives. A strong support system can help you connect with organizations (such as Collage ) that offer factual, judgment-free care. You can also seek help from professional counselors or a mentor, but ultimately, surrounding yourself with people who prioritize your well-being can bring insight and peace of mind to your decision-making process. We’re Here For You At Collage, we understand how important support is when considering your options. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, abortion information, and more so you can make an informed choice. Even if you don’t feel you have a support system in your life, you have one with us. Reach out today to learn more about how we’re here for you.

If you’re thinking about abortion, an ultrasound is a crucial step to gather essential information about your pregnancy. It provides key details that can help determine which options are available to you and ensures your health and safety as you make this important decision. At Collage , we offer free limited OB ultrasounds to give you the clarity and support you need, as well as more information on your pregnancy options. Ultrasounds During Pregnancy An ultrasound is a diagnostic tool that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your body. These images provide vital insights into your pregnancy, helping you make an informed decision. Here are three critical pieces of information an ultrasound can reveal: 1. The Location of Your Pregnancy An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious condition that cannot result in a live birth and requires immediate medical attention to avoid a life-threatening situation. Even if you’re considering abortion, identifying an ectopic pregnancy through ultrasound is essential to protect your health. 2. How Far Along You Are (Gestational Age) Understanding how far along you are is critical for determining which abortion options you can access. For example, the abortion pill is FDA-approved only for pregnancies up to ten weeks gestation. If your pregnancy is further along, a surgical abortion would be the alternative option available, depending on the circumstances. Period-tracking apps can estimate gestational age, but they lack the accuracy of an ultrasound, which can precisely date your pregnancy. 3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing Not all pregnancies continue as expected—approximately 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can detect if a miscarriage has occurred so you can follow up with the appropriate care plan. Protect Your Health As you can see, an ultrasound is an essential step in protecting your health and understanding your options. You deserve to make an informed and confident decision and the free limited OB ultrasounds Collage provides will help you to do just that. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. Our care and support are designed to help you through this crucial time. Let us be a source of strength for you.

Following the 2024 election, many people have questions about Nebraska's abortion laws and whether the state has enacted a complete ban. Abortion is not entirely banned in Nebraska. A proposed measure to add abortion to the state constitution failed during the 2024 election, while a separate measure that enshrined the current 12-week ban passed. What is the Law? The state currently allows abortion up to 12 weeks but with specific exceptions for certain circumstances. These exceptions include: Cases of rape or incest. Medical emergencies where the life of the mother is at risk or where continuing the pregnancy would result in irreversible physical harm. The legislation aims to balance restrictions with considerations for the health and safety of women under exceptional circumstances. What Does This Mean for Women in Nebraska? For women facing an unexpected pregnancy, Nebraska’s current abortion laws mean you have to be aware of the status of your pregnancy, especially for those who may not meet the legal exceptions. It’s important to seek timely medical confirmation of your pregnancy to understand your options. If you are unsure about how far along you are or have concerns about your pregnancy, seeking an ultrasound and professional advice can help clarify your situation and determine your next steps. Looking for Pregnancy Support? If you’re navigating an unexpected pregnancy and need support, Collage is here to help. We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and information on your options in a compassionate and confidential environment. Our team is dedicated to empowering women by providing accurate information and resources tailored to your needs. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you medical-based details on this option and others. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact Collage today to schedule your appointment and get the support you need during this time. * All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

Sharing the news of an unexpected pregnancy with your family can feel overwhelming. You might be navigating a whirlwind of emotions—fear, uncertainty, or even guilt—while wondering how your loved ones will react.

When an unexpected pregnancy leads you to consider abortion, it can be hard to know where to start or what’s necessary. However, before making a decision, you can take three essential steps to ensure your health and safety.

Identifying the signs of complications from an incomplete abortion is crucial to preventing further issues. You must proactively seek medical attention at the first indication that something isn’t right. Explore the warning signs of an incomplete abortion below. If you have any questions or concerns, consider scheduling a no-cost appointment with one of our licensed medical professionals today. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below after an abortion, please contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. What is an Incomplete Abortion? An incomplete abortion, also known as " retained products of conception " (RPOC), occurs when fetal or placental tissue remains in the uterus after an elective abortion or miscarriage. If not properly treated, this condition can result in serious complications, including severe infection and heavy bleeding. It’s essential to monitor your health closely and seek medical care if you notice any warning signs of an incomplete abortion. What To Look For Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of an incomplete abortion. Heavy bleeding or blood clots after pregnancy could indicate a problem. Heavy bleeding can be described as soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row. Other symptoms to be aware of include: Fever. Hypomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstrual periods). Infection. Pelvic pain. What To Do If you suspect an incomplete abortion, it's vital to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis, often including a transvaginal ultrasound. Treatment options for an incomplete abortion may include medication or surgery. Your health is the top priority, and it's essential to trust your instincts. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to visit your local emergency room. Free Pregnancy Services If you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, you can find many resources at Collage. We provide no-cost pregnancy services to help you feel equipped to navigate your situation. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment so you can protect your health and get critical details about your pregnancy. Make a free appointment to talk with one of our team today.

When considering an abortion, it's essential to acknowledge both your physical and mental health. While you may already be familiar with the physical risks of abortion, understanding the mental health effects is equally important. An abortion can bring a range of emotions , from relief to guilt, loss, and sadness, and it's crucial to recognize and address these feelings. Every woman's experience is unique, and the emotional impact can vary widely. Acknowledging your mental health is an essential step in caring for yourself during this time. We’ill explore the potential mental health effects of abortion and provide resources to help you manage your emotional well-being. Feeling Pressure A study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons reported that 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into getting one. Of these women, many reported negative mental health outcomes afterward, including feelings of: Worthlessness Being unworthy of love Low self-esteem Anxiety Shame Guilt Regret Self-hatred What this means is feeling pressured to make your decision is one of the most significant risk factors for experiencing negative mental health outcomes. You can prioritize your health by making sure this decision is yours. Other Risk Factors Another thing to look out for when you’re considering abortion is any risk factors that would make you susceptible to mental health issues. Some of these pre-existing factors that can contribute to an issue after an abortion include: Having a history of prior mental illness Having moral or religious beliefs that conflict with abortion Having a maternal desire to have children now or in the future Mental Health Risks Study findings also show abortion is associated with higher rates of various mental health issues, including: Anxiety Depression Substance use Traumatic symptoms Sleep disorders Get Support You don’t have to go through an unexpected pregnancy alone. Collage provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and more to help you feel equipped. We also offer after-abortion support for women who’ve undergone an abortion procedure. You can find healing and support through us. Reach out to us to request a no-cost and confidential appointment today. *All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

We understand the decision concerning abortion is complex and personal. Knowing the different types of abortion procedures is essential for making informed decisions about your health. In this blog, we'll cover the various methods available to help you gather information about your situation. Learning about these procedures can help you better protect your health and make the right choice for you. Medical Abortion A medical abortion is the process of using drugs to end a pregnancy. Commonly referred to as the “abortion pill,” a medical abortion actually uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone. 24-48 hours later, you would then take misoprostol to cause uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy from the vagina. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation (how far along you are). These drugs are typically prescribed at a clinic and taken at home. If you have a medical abortion, you will have vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. You may also experience fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. The risks of medical abortion include: Infection Digestive system discomfort Heavy, prolonged bleeding Fever An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure fails) An incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion) Surgical Abortion A surgical abortion uses a combination of drugs, medical instruments, suction/vacuuming, or forceps to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic setting or hospital later in pregnancy. You will likely spend a few hours afterward in a recovery room to check for excessive bleeding and complications. The risks of a surgical abortion include: Infection Damage to the cervix Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to absent, painful periods or future infertility) Perforation of the uterus Before Seeking An Abortion It’s crucial to get informed not only about the risks abortion can pose to your health but also detailed information about your pregnancy and status. There are a variety of circumstances where you might not be eligible for an abortion. At Collage, we offer free and confidential pregnancy services, such as lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds, because we believe you deserve to have access to the information you need to protect your health. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. Make an appointment today.