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Empowering Resolutions to Keep Your Year On Track
We all know how easy it is to make New Year’s resolutions—and how quickly they can fizzle out. Change feels hard, habits are stubborn, and life often gets in the way. But the truth is, resolutions aren’t about perfection—they’re about intention. By setting thoughtful, meaningful goals and breaking them into small, achievable steps, you can create real momentum and make this year one of growth, balance, and personal care. 5 Easy Resolutions and Advice for Your Year The new yea

First Step Women's Center
Jan 192 min read


Navigating an Unexpected Pregnancy Around the Holidays
Being pregnant around the holidays can bring about mixed emotions. Although this season can be merry and bright, it can also be complex. The complex feelings can grow, especially if you’re facing a pregnancy decision or navigating life with a new pregnancy that wasn’t originally part of your plans. The thought of a full calendar, tricky family dynamics, or perceived expectations might leave you fearful or overwhelmed. Here are a few guidelines to help you navigate this holid

First Step Women's Center
Dec 16, 20252 min read


Help! My Friend Thinks She’s Pregnant.
It’s a common phone call around here. We get that you can feel just as lost as someone you know who is facing an unplanned pregnancy. You want to do and say the right thing, but sometimes, it’s hard to know what that is. So before anyone starts making a plan, let’s start with what not to do. Don’t Panic Saw that one coming, didn’t you? She needs you to be calm because that may be the last thing she’s feeling. If she hasn’t had a pregnancy confirmation yet (a diagnostic ob

First Step Women's Center
Nov 4, 20252 min read


How Do I Know If I Have Chlamydia or Gonorrhea? What Are the Most Common Symptoms?
Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, with more than 90 million cases reported each year globally, and more than half of those cases occur in women. Gonorrhea is also very common. However, many people unknowingly spread gonorrhea because 50% of women will not experience any symptoms at all. What are the most common symptoms of chlamydia? While chlamydia is treatable with antibiotics, many women never experience any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to get tested if yo

First Step Women's Center
Oct 28, 20252 min read


Where can I get proof of pregnancy for free?
A drugstore pregnancy test is convenient, but unless the test is negative, you’ll need proof of pregnancy to verify viability (if the...

First Step Women's Center
Sep 15, 20252 min read


Back to School Checklist for Women On Campus
Starting college can be an exciting time in your life, with many networking and career growth opportunities. However, college safety is...

First Step Women's Center
Aug 22, 20253 min read


Can Ordering Abortion Pills Online Increase My Risk of Complications?
With information and access just a click away, women facing an unexpected pregnancy often feel overwhelmed and pressured to make quick...

First Step Women's Center
Jul 16, 20254 min read


7 Sexual Health Myths-BUSTED
When it comes to sexual health, no question is off-limits—especially when it can help protect you. We understand that some topics can...

First Step Women's Center
Jun 26, 20254 min read


When Plan A & Plan B Fail, What’s Your Plan C?
The world teaches that if we follow the rules, everything will fall into place; however, that is often not the reality we...

First Step Women's Center
May 20, 20253 min read


When Is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test? Why Timing and Factors Impact Results
Finding out if you’re pregnant can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if it's unexpected. You may feel a rush of excitement,...

First Step Women's Center
Apr 14, 20253 min read


The 3 C's of Abortion: Cytotec, Complications, and Pregnancy Confirmation
If you or someone you care about is facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. With so much information (and...

First Step Women's Center
Mar 5, 20252 min read


From Abortion to Parenting- Scott's Story
Most days begin like any other, but there are the rare, trajectory-defining ones that split our lives into a before and after. The words...

First Step Women's Center
Feb 5, 20254 min read


Adoption: An Empowering Pregnancy Choice in Springfield, IL
An unexpected pregnancy can be one of the many reasons why life gets complicated. Perhaps this is not the right time for you to start a...

First Step Women's Center
Jan 17, 20253 min read


5 Reasons Why Online Due Date Calculators Aren't As Effective As An Ultrasound in Springfield, IL
Few things in life can trigger a flood of emotions like double lines on a home pregnancy test—whether planned or unplanned. If you are...

First Step Women's Center
Dec 16, 20243 min read


Period vs. Pregnancy
Let’s be honest: it can be hard to tell if you’re pregnant when some period symptoms are similar to pregnancy symptoms. If you think you...

First Step Women's Center
Nov 13, 20242 min read


Oral Contraceptives: Side Effects & Pregnancy Risks You Need to Know
“Rates of unintended pregnancies are particularly high in young women, a finding that may be associated with their tendency not to use...

First Step Women's Center
Oct 16, 20242 min read


Can an STD Go Away on Its Own?
Perhaps you’ve hooked up with someone whose sexual health you’re uncertain about, and you don’t know how to ask them, or you can’t ask them. To make matters worse, you think you may be pregnant. If you know how many people your partner has slept with, you can use a sexual exposure calculator to help you determine your exposure level. However, regardless of your exposure, if you think you have an STD and are wondering if it will go away on its own, it depends on the STD. Thi

First Step Women's Center
Sep 17, 20244 min read


Strong Women Empower Strong Women
We’ve all heard this quote or seen the meme in a dozen different forms on Instagram. It may not be anything new, but it doesn’t make it...

First Step Women's Center
Aug 14, 20242 min read


Considering the abortion pill? 5 reasons to start here before visiting a CVS or Planned Parenthood
As a woman, few things feel more overwhelming than navigating an unexpected pregnancy. And in today's world, there is the added pressure...

First Step Women's Center
Jul 11, 20243 min read


What to Expect After Taking the Abortion Pill
When it comes to women's reproductive health, few topics evoke more complex emotions and debate than abortion. The medical abortion...

First Step Women's Center
Jun 12, 20242 min read
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