Ultrasounds

When you have a positive pregnancy test at Options for Women, our staff can refer you for a free ultrasound appointment to determine the age of your pregnancy. If you’re considering abortion, you’ll need to know this information to learn about what abortion procedures are available to you at this point in your pregnancy.

Abortion Information

Before you visit an abortion clinic visit Options for Women of Chisago County. Our staff will provide information about abortion procedures and risks so you can make an informed decision about your next steps. Make an appointment today to discuss the abortion methods available to you and get answers to your abortion questions.

Earn While You Learn - Parenting Education Program

Have you ever wished that children came with instructions?  Our  FREE Earn While You Learn parenting education program is full of information, advice, tips and instructions; all you will need to know to reach your full potential as a parent. You will be paired up with a mentor who will support and encourage you as you strive to create the healthiest life for you and your children.

The program meets you where you are whether you want to explore what to expect during your pregnancy and delivery or how to care for your little one in those first precious weeks. Learn developmental milestones, how to cultivate a positive relationship between the parent and child and so much more.

You choose the topics you would like to cover to be more prepared for the journey ahead. As you learn you will also earn “Baby Bucks” which can be redeemed in our “Baby Boutique”.

Practical Fatherhood

Are you a new or expecting father who is nervous about this important role and the impact your influence will have on the life of your child? First of all, congratulations! We want you know that this is the most important “job” you will ever have and we are here to help you succeed. We will pair you up with an experienced father who will share from his personal experience, answer your questions, support and encourage you as you cover topics unique to your situation. You will also earn “Baby Bucks” which can be redeemed in our “Baby Boutique” on material items that will help you to prepare for the arrival of your little one.

FitMoM

“Fit” moms lead by example by demonstrating healthy habits for their children. If you need support, guidance and accountability to become a “fit” mom we can help in several ways.

1. We offer a FREE weekly group exercise class for women who are pregnant or have kiddos up to school age (kids are welcome too). Kelly Neider from Fit Now gym will teach you simple exercises that you can do at home in between classes.
2. We hold quarterly Smoking Cessation Group Classes lead by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who is available for one on one consultation as needed.
3. We give FREE Prenatal Vitamins for expecting and nursing moms.
4. Basic nutrition and cooking classes will be coming soon once our kitchen remodel is complete.

Intentional Living/Goal Coaching

Tired of living a life without focus and direction? We can help you discover how you are wired and what passions you should be pursuing based on your personal assets. We will pair you up with a mentor for support and accountability as you take charge of your life and live with intention. Together you will walk through a “Freedom for Life” workbook and uncover your strengths.

Job Search/Readiness

Want to get paid as you work to complete your GED? Need help locating job training or resources to further your education? Contact us for a referral to CMJTS. We have a computer workstation with internet access for you to use as you complete your studies. We also hold FREE quarterly workplace basics seminars.

Baby Cafe

Come together with other new mothers like yourself for lactation support and encouragement. The kind nurses who serve our community through the Public Health Office will be here weekly to answer your questions and coach you to success. They will also provide private consultations and weigh your baby for you so you can be sure of your success. Interested? Give us a call to find out the day and time of these free sessions.

“Baby” Boutique

Our “Baby” Boutique is stocked with new and gently used baby materials that you can purchase with the “Baby Bucks” you earn by participating in our programs. We have baby equipment, diapers, blankets, bottles, pacifiers, maternity clothes and children’s clothing from newborn baby size all the way up to size 5t. Because we rely on donations our inventory is always changing. We can provide referrals for FREE cribs and Pack-n-Plays too.

Additional Referrals

When you choose to continue your pregnancy, Options for Women of Chisago County can provide you with a list of resources to help you with your situation. Our center partners with many outside community organizations that provide a wide range of services for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. Additional referrals on:

• STD/STI Testing and Treatment Referral
• Workable Solutions
• Financial, Medical & Housing Referrals (subject to availability)

Information Available On…

• Adoption
• Dating & Boundaries
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Birth Control
• Natural Family Planning
• Post Abortion Syndrome
• Other Life Issues

Don’t Panic

Missing your period isn’t always an indication that you are pregnant. As a student, you face many pressures that can impact your female monthly cycle. Lifestyle, stress, exercise, diet and even medication can sometimes make your period late or un-regular. If you’ve missed your period or you’re experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, the most important thing you can do is determine if you really are pregnant before you panic. Make an appointment for a free pregnancy test at Options for Women of Chisago County. Our tests are medical quality, 99.5% accurate and completely free.

Thinking About Abortion?

Every year our center sees women from area high school and college campuses who are considering abortion as a solution to an unplanned pregnancy. If you’re thinking about visiting an abortion clinic, visit Options for Women of Chisago County first. One of our trained lay counselors will talk to you about your situation and provide information about abortion procedures and the other options available to you.

How Do I Tell My Parents?

Telling your parents or loved ones that you’re pregnant can be very overwhelming. You may be worried about breaking the news to them. What will they say? What will they think or do? Maybe you’re determined to find a solution to your pregnancy before they ever find out. So many women have found themselves in this same place…you’re truly not alone. Options for Women understands how stressful and scary telling your parents can be. Our staff is available to talk to you about your situation and provide support and tips for telling your parents you’re pregnant. Let us help.

Want To Stay In School?

The thought of going to school while you’re pregnant can seem overwhelming or even impossible. Are you afraid being pregnant will keep you out of school? Are you considering abortion because you’re worried about facing your peers or managing the classroom pregnant? Before you decide, visit Options for Women of Chisago County. Our lay counselors are available to talk to you about your situation, address your concerns and share what options are available to you at this point in your pregnancy.

Feeling Pressured?

An unexpected pregnancy in high school or college can often bring added pressure from a partner who is worried about his own future or even sometimes from a parent who had different plans for you. No one can decide for you or force you to have an abortion, even if you’re a minor. This decision is yours. If you’re feeling pressured to have an abortion and want someone to talk to, make an appointment to speak with one of our client advocates. You’ll find the care and support you need to make the decision that’s right for you.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms

If you’re sexually active it’s possible to become pregnant.

Here are some common, but not limited to, signs of pregnancy. (Please be aware that there are other medical conditions that can cause these symptoms.)

• Missed Period
• Slight Bleeding
• Swollen/Tender Breasts
• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Nausea/Morning Sickness
• Backaches
• Headaches
• Frequent Urination
• Darkening of Nipples
• Food Cravings or Food Aversions

Make an appointment at Options for Women of Chisago County today for a free pregnancy test. Self-administered tests are done in house. All services are free and confidential.

Already Took A Test At Home?

Even if you’ve taken a pregnancy test at home, we encourage you to still come in to Options for Women. Our self-administered pregnancy tests are medical-quality and may be more accurate than the home test you’ve already taken. If you have a positive test at our center, you may qualify for a free ultrasound to determine more about your pregnancy.

Free Pregnancy Tests

Experiencing pregnancy symptoms doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. If you’re experiencing any signs of pregnancy, it’s important to get an accurate pregnancy test and talk to someone about your situation. Options for Women of Chisago County provides free, self-administered, medical-quality pregnancy tests. Our pregnancy tests are:

• 99.5% accurate
• More sensitive than many over-the-counter tests; and
• Can detect the hCG pregnancy hormone as early as 7 days after conception or 21 to 24 days after the first day of your last period.

Questions to Think About

• What are your symptoms?
• How long have you experienced your symptoms?
• Every woman is different and you may not be pregnant
• Have you taken a pregnancy test?
• Would you like to talk to someone?

Make an appointment with Options for Women of Chisago County for a free pregnancy test. You may qualify for a free ultrasound if your test is positive.

Considering Abortion?

If you think you’re pregnant and you’re considering abortion, it’s important to know how far along you are. This information can help determine what options are available to you. You can estimate how far along you are by counting how many days have passed since the first day of your last period. However, an ultrasound is the most accurate way to date your pregnancy. A free ultrasound is available to clients who have a positive pregnancy test at Options for Women of Chisago County. Make an appointment today