Frequently Asked Questions
PREGNANCY
The most common indication is a missed period. Some people think they had a period even if it was light spotting. You can be pregnant and have a very mild period. Other indications of pregnancy are tender breasts, nausea, cramping, increased fatigue, and frequent urination.
We recommend you come to take a test the 1st day after you miss your cycle. Testing earlier can sometimes lead to a false negative because pregnancy hormone levels may not yet be high enough to detect. If you receive a negative result but continue to experience symptoms, we recommend a retest within two weeks.
Pregnancy tests are easy, and painless. Parkate uses a lab grade FDA approved urine hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) test. They are 99% accurate. There are a variety of over-the-counter and professional quality tests. We use a highly sensitive test that can detect hCG at very low levels when pregnancy is in the earliest stages.
A trusted Resource Coordinator is available to help you navigate transportation, job, or housing challenges. Parkgate also provides a mentorship program that can follow you as soon as you find out you're pregnant and for as long as you need.
A baby develops during an approximate 40-week time period. During that time, the baby develops in stages:
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22 days after fertilization, a baby’s heart begins to circulate his or her own blood.
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6 weeks after fertilization your baby’s eyes and eye lids, nose, mouth, and tongue can be seen.
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10 weeks after fertilization your baby can make bodily movements.
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After week 19-21, your baby can hear. During this time you should begin to feel movement.
The baby will continue to develop and grow throughout the remaining weeks until it is ready to be born.
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Abortion
We do not offer, recommend or refer for abortions or abortifacients, but are committed to offering accurate information about abortion procedures and risks.
Medical abortion—often called the “abortion pill”—actually involves two separate medications taken at different times. The first blocks the hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy, and the second, taken later at home, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. If you’re considering a medical abortion, it’s important to have an ultrasound first. It can confirm that the pregnancy is located in the uterus and not an ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy—conditions where taking abortion pills is not medically safe.
There are a few different types of surgical abortions, and the method used usually depends on how far along the pregnancy is. Each one is designed to remove the pregnancy from the uterus, and like any medical procedure, there can be risks such as infection, bleeding, or reactions to medications.
If you're considering an abortion, please click here to book an appointment to discuss your options.
Complications and risks with abortions include
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Hemorrhage (from cervical or vaginal laceration or from infection)
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Failure of the procedure resulting in retained tissue
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Damage to the uterus with a perforation
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Infection, including sepsis
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Death
Some studies have also shown an increased risk for breast cancer in women undergoing an elective termination of pregnancy.
Two or more abortions increase a woman’s risk of future preterm birth up to 93%. One abortion increases a woman’s risk of preterm birth by at least 30%.
The process used in surgical abortion forcibly pushes open the opening of the womb, called the cervix. This procedure can damage or weaken the tissues of her cervix, making it much harder for her to be able to carry another baby to term. In addition, scraping out the uterus and placenta can cause a long lasting chronic infection in the womb that can also lead to premature delivery.
Overall, women with an abortion history experience an 81% increased risk for mental health problems.
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Abortion is the elective termination of a pregnancy. There are several reasons why it is a good idea to have an ultrasound if you are considering abortion. A limited obstetrical ultrasound can rule out a miscarriage, tubal pregnancy or blighted ovum (empty egg).
On average, an ultrasound cost $200-$300, but we offer you one for no cost. Members of our community care for you and your health and have paid it forward. If you would like to have a free ultrasound, request an appointment today.
No, we do not perform abortions but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come see us first to make sure you have a viable (uterine) pregnancy. You will be welcomed in a safe, non-judgmental environment to discuss your circumstances and options.
If you decide to continue your pregnancy, we will connect you with our One-by-One Mentor Program. When facing an unplanned pregnancy with lots of questions, it helps to have support. Your mentor will be available to offer assistance and guidance with all those next decisions. In addition, we have a Resource Coordinator who can walk you through transportation, job, or housing challenges.
Parkgate is here for women who have made the decision to terminate a pregnancy. We often find that women have carried this secret for many years without telling anyone.
Based on cumulative data from the two primary sources of U.S. abortion statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Guttmacher Institute) about one in four women will have an abortion by age 45, 44 percent of women who had abortions in the U.S. had at least one previous abortion, and nearly two-thirds of women having abortions say they are Christians, It is such a beautiful sight to see these women put down the heavy weight they have been carrying and walk in forgiveness.
There are 7-8 weeks of meetings and fellowship with a memorial service at the last meeting. It is both healing and uplifting. These groups have been small in number and are strictly confidential. We realize there are so many reasons women choose abortion and want to help them if they feel stuck.
Parkgate offers post-abortive counseling to women who are trying to heal. Our facilitators have walked through abortion healing themselves and long to see women healed. Opie Hurst, of Hope Family Ministries, 2754 Mattox St., Tupelo, MS 662.842.4673, is a licensed counselor who leads men through abortion healing as well.
If you are interested in learning more, you can text our 24/7 Help Line at 662.231.6002 or schedule an appointment online.
We offer one-on-one abortion recovery counseling for anyone experiencing emotional pain related to a past abortion, no matter how long ago it occurred. Whether it was recent or many years in the past, your experience and emotions still matter.
Our counseling provides a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to talk through what you’re feeling—such as guilt, grief, regret, or confusion—with a trained counselor. Our counselor has personally experienced an abortion, has found healing, and is committed to walking alongside other women as they process their own experiences and move toward healing at their own pace.
STDS
An STD is a sexually transmitted disease, also known as a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
STDs and STIs are very common. Millions of new infections occur every year in the United States.
STDs are passed from one person to another through sexual activity including vaginal, oral, and anal sex. They can also be passed from one person to another through intimate physical contact, including hand-to-genital touching, though this is not very common.
Bacterial Vaginosis – BV is not an STD, but can cause the chances of contracting an STD higher. Any woman can get bacterial vaginosis, so it is important to check with your doctor if you think you may have BV.
STDs don’t always cause symptoms or may only cause mild symptoms, so it is possible to have an infection and not know it. That is why it is important to get tested if you are having sex.
If you are diagnosed with an STD, know that all can be treated with medicine and some can be cured entirely.
STDs are preventable. The CDC recommends abstinence as the number one preventative method against an STD.
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Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be easily cured. If left untreated, chlamydia can make it difficult for a woman to get pregnant.
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Also called The Silent STD, The Clam, The Gooey Stuff
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Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. Gonorrhea can cause very serious complications when not treated, but can be cured with the right medication.
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Also called The Clap, The Drip or The Morning Drip, The Dose
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Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation.
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Genital herpes is a common STD, and most people with genital herpes infection do not know they have it.
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Also called The Blisters, The Gift That Keeps On Giving
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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People who have STDs are more likely to get HIV, when compared to people who do not have STDs.
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HIV/AIDS can also be easily spread through sexual contact
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Also called High-Five, High-V
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Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented with vaccines.
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Also called Genital Warts
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
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Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can lead to serious consequences including infertility.
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Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can have very serious complications when left untreated, but it is simple to cure with the right treatment.
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Also called The Pox, Syph
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Most people who have trichomoniasis do not have any symptoms.
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Some STDs can affect pregnancy and even cause infertility. If you are worried you have an STD or you are worried about the affects of a current or previous STD, please contact your doctor.
If you are a minor, and living in Lee County, call 662-841-9096 to make an appointment at the Health Department (532 S. Church St. Tupelo, MS 38804).
For counties outside of Lee, click here to find your county’s health department.
parenting
From labor & delivery to life with a growing baby—plus life skills and relationship classes—we’re here to support you every step of the way. Check out our parenting class page for more information or text Beth at 662-985-6181. While we encourage a support person to attend classes with you, they must be 18 years or older unless it's the father of the baby.
If you’re interested in joining a class and want additional information, text Beth at 662.985.6181.
Yes—our classes are open to both moms and dads. We believe both parents play an important role, so we offer support, education, and encouragement for each of you as you prepare for and care for your child.
You are not alone. Most of the men we talk to are concerned about becoming a dad. It’s important that you are heard too. You can make an appointment for yourself to meet with our Fatherhood Director, David. Text 662.985.6145 to schedule an appointment.
As the biological father of the baby, you have a say in what decision is made in an unplanned pregnancy. Many women feel more empowered to make a healthy choice when the Dad is supportive, so don’t give up your place in this choice.
For more information on your options as the father, you can text 662.985.6145 to ask your questions and be informed.
GENERAL FAQS
Upon arrival, you enter through the front entrance or use the private entrance located at the back of the clinic. You will see signs along the drive way directing you to the private parking for clients.
At your first appointment, you will come in and meet with a team member to fill out minimal paperwork. All of your information is confidential. We cannot even confirm your visit to family members. Your visit is completely free of charge, so no payment information is needed.
You will be greeted by our counselors who will do a quick assessment of your situation and concerns, then do a pregnancy test.
Your positive pregnancy test and medical evaluation will determine a free, same-day ultrasound or whether we will schedule one at a later date.
Traditionally, an ultrasound alone is $200-$300 at a women’s clinic or hospital. But at Parkgate, all services (including ultrasound) are free of charge and offered by community members who want you to know you are not alone.
We can see you even though you are under 18, and, as with all our clients, everything is completely confidential.
We want you to be comfortable to talk through any concerns you have and hear any medical information. Sometimes having someone hear that information is good support for you. However, if you feel pressure from someone who wants to come, it is your choice as to whether they accompany you.
You will not feel alone at your appointment. We will be with you every step of the way.
It may be easiest for you to come without your other children, you are welcome to bring them if needed. Sometimes childcare is not available and we completely understand.
Yes. We cannot share your information or that you are a client at Parkgate Health Services with anyone.
You do not need to bring anything! No insurance, ID, or payment is taken as all services are completely free.
Yes. Upon medical observation at your appointment and a positive pregnancy test, we can give you a proof of pregnancy to file for Medicaid.
If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 911 immediately.
To report sex trafficking online, go to humantraffickinghotline.org to report and find resources for help. You can also call 1.888.373.7888 (24/7 hotline) or email nhtrc@polarisproject.org.
If you or someone you know has been rescued or escaped from sex trafficking, you are not alone. Please go to transformationgarden.net for help, hope, and healing.
