FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

All the services First Place offers are FREE and CONFIDENTIAL. We hope that you are able to find the answers to your questions about pregnancy tests, pregnancy options, and post abortion grief counselling. First Place OPTIONS is not a medical facility and does not make medical referrals. We provide a safe, non-judgemental place for you to take the time to explore your options or work through your feelings.

If you need further information or would like to speak to us about a concern, please contact us.

If I had sex last night and I take a pregnancy test, would I be able to find out if I am pregnant?
No you would not be able to find out if you are pregnant right away. The pregnancy test detects a hormone called hCG. After fertilization the hCG hormone begins to be produced. It takes time for the hCG hormone to become concentrated enough for it to be detected by the pregnancy test kit. By the first day of your missed period, the hormone can usually be detected in a normal pregnancy. First Place OPTIONS offers free, urine-based pregnancy tests that are laboratory quality and can usually detect a pregnancy one day after a missed period. If you would like to make an appointment for a pregnancy test, give us a call or book an appointment.
My period is late and I'm pretty sure the condom broke during sex. I guess that means I'm pregnant?
Not necessarily. If your period is late, you should take a pregnancy test. First Place OPTIONS offers free, laboratroy quality urine pregnancy tests. Alternatively, you can visit your doctor who can provide you with a free pregnancy test. If you do not have a doctor, you can visit a local community health centre or a drop in medical clinic. You can also purchase a pregnancy test at the drug store. Whatever you choose to do or whatever the result of the pregnancy test, we do recommend that all pregnancy test results be confirmed with a medical professional.
I'm taking birth control pills but missed a few last month, could I be pregnant?
Not necessarily. If your period is late you can take a pregnancy test. First Place OPTIONS offers free, laboratroy quality urine pregnancy tests. Birth control pills are hormones that are designed to mimic the natural hormones your body already produces causing your body to believe that it is not the time to be ovulating (producing an egg). Once the levels of these hormones decrease, your body kicks into action to produce an egg. If at the time you missed these pills, you missed them consecutively and were sexually active during that time, you could be pregnant. The best thing to do is to talk to a doctor and have him/her administer you a pregnancy test to be sure.
I did a pregnancy test at home and it was negative. Does that mean that I am definitely NOT pregnant?
Pregnancy tests are designed to detect a hormone called hCG. Initially this hormone is produced in very low quantity and as the pregnancy continues, the hormone increases in your body. hCG levels are highest during the first urination of the day. It is recommended to conduct a pregnancy test first thing in the morning for best results. Also, when a pregnancy test is taken too early, before your first missed period, there may not be enough of the hormone for the pregnancy test to detect. First Place OPTIONS offers free, laboratroy quality urine pregnancy tests that can usually detect a pregnancy one day after your missed period. If you would like to make an appointment for a pregnancy test, contact us to book an appointment. If the pregnancy test was taken after your first missed period and indicated a negative result, it is still best to seek confirmation from a medical professional.
I just found out that I'm pregnant, do I have options?

Yes you do! Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult if you are not sure of your options. Knowing information about all your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion allows you to make an informed decision. At First Place OPTIONS, we can offer a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere for you to share your own unique set of circumstances and your concerns about your options, allowing you to gather information so that you can make an informed decision. All of our services are free and confidential. Contact us to  make an appointment

If I make an appointment with First Place OPTIONS for a pregnancy test or decision aid, can my boyfriend, partner, or support person come with me?
Yes, it is welcomed at First Place OPTIONS and we would be happy to meet with you, your boyfriend, partner, or support person. If it is your boyfriend that comes with you to the appointment, he will also have an opportunity to discuss his questions or concerns regarding the situation. This can give you both the opportunity to discuss some important areas of concern that you may have. All of our services are free and confidential.
The people that I have told I am pregnant are putting a lot of pressure on me to make the decision that is right for them. How do I figure out what is the right choice for me?

This is your choice, and in the end, it is important that it is you that makes it. Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy can be difficult if you are not sure of your options. Knowing information about all your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion allows you to make an informed decision. It is important to remember that your opinion just might be different from the opinion of those that care about you the most. Make sure your decisions in life are yours in the end. Seek out as much information as you can before you make your final decision. Get the facts so you can make a real choice, your choice. At First Place OPTIONS, we can offer a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere for you to share your own unique set of circumstances and your concerns about your options, allowing you to gather information so that you can make an informed decision.

What if I need some support throughout my pregnancy or during my first year of parenting?
First Place OPTIONS offers pregnancy and parenting resources to individuals facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our counsellors will provide you with referrals and information on practical resources in the Ottawa area.
Does it matter how long ago my abortion was to start counselling?

Whether your abortion was last week or 30 years ago, every person and every loss is unique from the mental, emotional, and physical effects to the duration of the bereavement. There is no time frame for when you should begin your healing journey. The purpose of our post abortion grief counselling program is to help you heal and enable you to cope with the decision you made. If you are on our site because you are struggling with grief, now is the time to contact us and start your journey.

I had an abortion and I am having a lot of trouble dealing with my feelings and emotions. I see you offer post abortion support, what does that look like?
Each person experiences the post abortion journey differently, and each person has complex elements that are unique to their own personal story. We offer an eight week, one on one, post abortion grief counselling program. First Place Options has been providing post abortion support to clients for 25 years. You are not alone.