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A positive pregnancy test may make you feel like your life is suddenly out of your control. So, you may have searched “How to Have a Miscarriage” in an attempt to end the pregnancy quickly and privately. 

We imagine that you feel overwhelmed, and perhaps scared. But, before you try to end the pregnancy, you should gather the facts about your pregnancy and the risks of self-induced miscarriage. Today, we will explore all that you need to know. 

What to Know Before Attempting to End a Pregnancy

1. How far along am I?  

It’s important to know how far along you are in your pregnancy. Although you can guess based on your last menstrual period, an ultrasound is the most accurate way to know how far along you are. 

2. Is your pregnancy viable? 

You need to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy located outside of the uterus. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need emergent medical attention. 

You also need to know if the pregnancy is progressing. Miscarriages occur in 10-20% of known pregnancies, often in the first trimester.^[1] So, before ending the pregnancy, you should know if you’re at risk for a natural miscarriage. 

Call Pathway Health Clinic for a free ultrasound at (760) 945-4673. 

What are The Risks of Self-Induced Miscarriage? 

The idea of a self-induced miscarriage may feel convenient and relieving but it can also pose serious threats to your physical health. Some risks could include: 

• Retained pregnancy tissue requiring medical or surgical interventions
• Infection
• Allergic reactions
• Poisoning
• Organ failure
• Death

Is it Safe to Use Herbs to Induce Miscarriage?  

No one should take herbs or home remedies to end a pregnancy. Taking herbs to induce miscarriage could cause severe complications including organ failure,^[2] or even death.^[3] 

Can Stress Cause a Miscarriage? 

Research affirms that stress, exercise, sexual activity, and prolonged use of birth control do not cause miscarriage.^[4] Nonetheless, your mental and emotional wellbeing are extremely important. 

If you find yourself unable to handle stress or are experiencing spiraling thoughts, call Pathway Health Clinic for help and support.

Can Physical Harm Induce a Miscarriage? 

If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and considering harming yourself, please know that you have other options. Inflicting physical harm does not always cause an abortion and can instead threaten your health and your life. Call Pathway Health Clinic to speak confidentially with our kind and compassionate staff. 

What’s The Difference Between Miscarriage and Abortion? 

A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy stops developing on its own before 20 weeks. Miscarriages occur often for reasons outside of a woman’s control.^[5] Healthcare teams help manage a miscarriage, as they evaluate for signs of infection, retained tissue, and other complications. 

During an abortion, a woman intentionally ends a pregnancy by taking prescribed abortion pills, or by undergoing a medical procedure. Abortion availability depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and state laws. 

Do I Need an Abortion if I am Miscarrying? 

If you’re concerned about a miscarriage, you should first seek medical care. Healthcare teams use ultrasounds, blood work (a hormone level called hCG), and a pelvic exam to evaluate for a miscarriage.^[6] If the pregnancy has not progressed or is no longer viable, then you may need other medical interventions, and will not need to end the pregnancy yourself. 

Miscarriage and Abortion Information in Vista, California 

Before trying to end your pregnancy, call us at (760) 945-4673. Our compassionate team wants to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your health and your future. Before trying to end your pregnancy, call us today at (760) 945-4673 to speak with our qualified staff. 

Please be aware that Pathway Health Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
2. Ciganda, C., & Laborde, A. (2003). Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12807304/ 
3. Kelly Johnson-Arbo. (n.d.). Is herbal abortion safe? Poison Control. https://www.poison.org/articles/herbal-abortion
4. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Miscarriage. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage
5. See Source #4.
6. See Source #4.

Morning sickness. The universal pregnancy experience. Perhaps the mere mention of it made your stomach turn. You likely have a lot of questions—the biggest one being, how long will this last?

In this article, we’ll explore how long morning sickness lasts, how to alleviate your symptoms, and what to do in extreme cases. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Morning Sickness?

Morning sickness is a condition that causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It’s very common, affecting up to 70% of women in the first trimester^[1].  

Unfortunately, despite the name, it can occur at any point during the day^[1]. Many women snack or sip ginger ale throughout the day to alleviate their symptoms^[2].

What are the Symptoms of Morning Sickness?

Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are some of the most common symptoms of morning sickness^[1]. Some women describe the feeling of morning sickness as^[1]:

• Hunger pains
• Something stuck in their throat
• Motion sickness or seasickness 
• Reflux or heartburn 

Medical experts aren’t sure what causes morning sickness but believe it’s a combination of changes in^[1]:

• Metabolism
• Blood pressure
• Blood sugar
• Pregnancy hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG)

What Helps With Morning Sickness?

Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate morning sickness at home. Simple diet and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in the world! Doctors suggest that you^[1]:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Step outside for fresh air often and keep rooms well-ventilated.
• Take all vitamins with food.
• Eat a slice of toast or a few crackers first thing in the morning to settle your stomach.
• Drink a carbonated beverage such as Ginger Ale to settle your stomach. 
• Snack on protein-rich food between meals (such as cheese, yogurt, and peanut butter).
• Keep snacks on hand when you leave the house.
• Eat bland foods (such as dry toast, bananas, and applesauce). Avoid spicy, fatty foods.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages.

When Does Morning Sickness Start?

Morning sickness can begin as early as six weeks of pregnancy, with most women experiencing it before nine weeks^[1]. Typically, morning sickness feels the worst around 8 to 10 weeks, but this can vary^[1]. 

How Long Does Morning Sickness Last?

It depends. Usually, morning sickness only lasts for the first trimester, but symptoms can linger into the second trimester. In rare cases, morning sickness can last throughout the entire pregnancy^[1].

On a day-to-day basis, morning sickness should only last for a short time, with occasional vomiting^[1]. However, some women experience a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum. Symptoms include^[1]:

• Nausea that lasts for several hours 
• Inability to keep food or water down
• Vomiting more than three times a day
• Extreme weight loss (10 or more pounds)
• Severe dehydration 

What to Do in Cases of Severe Morning Sickness

While morning sickness is normal, hyperemesis gravidarum should not go untreated. Prolonged nausea and vomiting can keep you from getting the nutrients you need and negatively affect the baby’s birth weight^[1].

Reach out to your doctor right away if you think you may be experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum. You may need to receive medical treatment to replenish your fluids, as well as medication to alleviate the nausea^[1]. 

How Long After Abortion Do Symptoms of Pregnancy Go Away?

Pregnancy symptoms won’t immediately stop after an abortion. One of the main side effects of the abortion pill is nausea, which can be severe^[3]. If you take the wrong dosage, the nausea can last up to a week and you may need medical treatment to stop it^[3]. 

If you’re considering abortion, it’s crucial to get all the facts. Pathway Health Clinic offers abortion information, so you can make the best decision for your health and future! 

Free Pregnancy Services in Vista, CA

Morning sickness is never fun, whether the pregnancy was planned or not. Pathway Health Clinic is here to provide the medical care and support you deserve! We offer:

• Free pregnancy services
• Community resources and referrals
• A safe place to ask questions and process your emotions

Give us a call at (760) 945-4673 or request an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge! 

Please be aware that Pathway Health Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. Morning Sickness: When it Starts, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 5). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16566-morning-sickness-nausea-and-vomiting-of-pregnancy   
2. Morning Sickness. Mayo Clinic. (2022, September 28). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/morning-sickness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375254  
3. Misoprostol (Oral Route). Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 1). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20064805?p=1 

Even if you’re using protection, there’s always a chance that you could get pregnant. Perhaps you’ve turned to Plan B to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. But, what happens if Plan B fails? It’s crucial to understand your options so you can plan your next steps!

Today, we’re discussing Plan B — including how it works, the difference between Plan B and the abortion pill, and what to do if you still get pregnant after taking it. Keep reading to learn more!

How Does Plan B Work?

Plan B is a form of emergency contraception that lowers the risk of pregnancy by preventing or delaying ovulation. It’s often used when women accidentally forget to take their birth control, when their birth control fails (for example, condom slippage or breakage), or if they’ve experienced sexual assault^[1]. It’s important to know that Plan B (and all other forms of emergency contraception) is only intended for backup use, not as a primary method of birth control^[1].

Is Plan B an Abortion Pill? What’s the Difference?

While they seem similar, Plan B and the abortion pill are not the same things. The difference is that Plan B aims to keep you from getting pregnant in the first place, while the abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already begun. 

If you have been sexually active in weeks prior to taking Plan B you may want to take a pregnancy test or even receive an ultrasound just to be certain that you’re not pregnant from a previous sexual encounter.

Can Plan B Cause Miscarriage?

While the goal of Plan B is to prevent pregnancy altogether, it can cause early miscarriage in rare cases^[2]. This happens when the egg has already been fertilized but is prevented from implanting properly in the uterus. The embryo never has the chance to develop into a viable pregnancy and is eventually miscarried.  

How Effective is Plan B? When Can I Take Plan B? 

Plan B is most effective when taken as soon as possible after having unprotected sex. It will continue to reduce the risk of pregnancy for up to 120 hours (5 days)^[1]. 

Does Plan B Have Side Effects?

Common side effects of Plan B include^[1]:

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Cramps or abdominal pain 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Breast tenderness
• Delayed period (up to a week), heavier bleeding during your next period, or bleeding between periods

These side effects should be mild and only last a few days. However, if you experience bleeding or spotting for longer than a week or severe lower abdominal pain three to five weeks after taking Plan B, contact your healthcare provider immediately, as these symptoms can indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy has occurred^[1].

What to Do if Plan B Fails

If your period is delayed for more than three to four weeks, it may be a sign that Plan B has failed^[1]. The next step is to determine whether or not you’re pregnant. Consider scheduling a free pregnancy test and free ultrasound at Pathway Health Clinic! 

If your results come back positive, don’t panic. Our compassionate team is here to help you explore all of your pregnancy options so that you can make an informed and empowered decision! We will do everything we can to equip you to take your next steps with confidence!

Give us a call at (760) 945-4673 or request an appointment online today. All services are confidential and free of charge! 

Please be aware that Pathway Health Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

Sources

1. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730#  
2. Embryocidal Potential of Modern Contraceptives. AAPLOG. (2020, January 15). Retrieved from https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf

It’s an unfortunate fact that if you’re sexually active, you’ve likely been exposed to an STD. You may be thinking about getting tested, but, let’s be real—it can feel embarrassing. However, you should never feel ashamed for taking charge of your health! 

Today, we’re exploring 4 reasons why you need to get tested for STDs. Keep reading to learn more! 

1. Not All STDs Have Symptoms

Many people don’t even realize they have an STD because they don’t experience any symptoms. For example, up to 75% of women with chlamydia are asymptomatic^[1]. It’s very easy for infections to go unnoticed until a partner is diagnosed or if complications arise later on^[2]. 

The sooner you get tested, the better. Certain infections, like HIV, are much easier to treat when caught early. Early intervention can decrease your risk of developing AIDS and other serious conditions^[3]. Additionally, by getting tested and treated, you do your part to keep them from spreading to other people.

2. They’re More Common Than You Think

STDs are quite common, especially among young people. In 2020 alone, more than half of reported STD cases were among teenagers and young adults from ages 15–24^[4]. The CDC estimates that 1 in 5 people has an STI^[5]. If you’re sexually active, there’s a chance you’ve been exposed to an STD at some point, whether you realize it or not.

3. They Can be Transmitted Through Different Forms of Contact

If you’ve never had vaginal intercourse, you may think you’re safe from STDs. However, some STDs can be spread through other forms of contact, such as anal sex, oral sex, or kissing:

• Syphilis^[6]
• Oral herpes^[7]
• Herpes simplex virus (HSV)^[8]
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)^[9]

It’s worth getting tested even if you haven’t had any intimate sexual contact with your partner. This will help prevent any infections from spreading further and allow you both to get the care you need!

4. They Can Cause Lasting Damage to Your Reproductive Health

When left untreated, certain STDs (such as gonorrhea and chlamydia) can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs^[10]. PID is known to increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy and even infertility^[10].

PID can be treated when discovered early, but treatment can’t reverse the damage it’s already done. If you’ve had PID before, you’re at higher risk of getting it again. Additionally, it can return if you get reinfected with an STD.

How Often Should You Get Tested for STDs?

If you’re sexually active, it’s crucial to get tested regularly to protect your health! The CDC recommends that^[11]:

• Sexually active teens and adults (from age 13 onward) should be tested for HIV at least once a year.

• Sexually active women should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia once a year, especially if they have multiple sex partners or a partner (whether past or present) who has tested positive for an STD.

• Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chlamydia, and gonorrhea early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed in some cases. 

STD Testing and Treatment in Vista, CA

Looking for STD testing and treatment in Vista, CA? Look no further than Pathway Health Clinic! We offer confidential no and low-cost STD & STI testing and treatment, no insurance needed! 

Give us a call at (760) 945-4673 or request an appointment online today. 

Sources

1. Patel, C. G., Trivedi, S., & Tao, G. (2018, September). The Proportion of Young Women Tested for Chlamydia Who Had Urogenital Symptoms in Physician Offices. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6823598/  
2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, September 21). Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/symptoms-causes/syc-20351240# 
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022, October 21). Early HIV diagnosis and treatment important for better long-term health outcomes. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/early-hiv-diagnosis-treatment-important-better-long-term-health-outcomes 
4. National Overview of STDs, 2020. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 12). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2020/overview.htm#Disparities 
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 18). Sexually Transmitted Infections Prevalence, Incidence, and Cost Estimates in the United States. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/prevalence-incidence-cost-2020.htm 
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 12). Syphilis – CDC Detailed Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis-detailed.htm# 
7. Oral Herpes. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2021, August 8). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/herpes-hsv1-and-hsv2/oral-herpes# 
8. World Health Organization. (2022, March 10). Herpes simplex virus. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/herpes-simplex-virus# 
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 12). Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm# 
10. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, April 18). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/pid/stdfact-pid.htm# 
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 14). Which STD Tests Should I Get? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htm# 

Finding out you are pregnant can be an overwhelming experience, especially if being pregnant is the last thing you want to be. You may feel like your life is spinning out of control when you see those two lines or a plus sign on the pregnancy test. You may ask yourself, “How can this happen?” “Didn’t I just have my period?”

If you are considering abortion as an option, you may think, “I need to take care of this immediately. I don’t want anyone to find out I’m pregnant”; however, there are important reasons; for your health and safety, you need to have your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional and obtain an ultrasound before you make ANY decision.

Let’s start with a pregnancy test. Medical clinics, like Pathway Health Clinic, use medical-grade pregnancy tests. Those tests are checked daily to ensure they have not expired, and every new box undergoes a control test to ensure the tests are accurate. Although buying a pregnancy test over the counter is common, you don’t know how long that test has been sitting on the shelf and if it’s still accurate. At Pathway Health Clinic, only licensed medical professionals administer and read the pregnancy tests. Sometimes a pregnancy test can show a very faint positive, which may be hard to see. There can be many reasons for this, and a medical professional will cover this with you. Additionally, pregnancy tests left sitting too long while testing can provide unreliable results. Our medical professionals are trained to deal with all of these scenarios.

Let’s move on to the importance of ultrasound. There are three critical reasons that it is in YOUR best interest to have an ultrasound before making ANY decision.

1. Only an ultrasound can give you accurate dating for your pregnancy. An ultrasound determines how far along your pregnancy is. If you are considering abortion as an option, you need to know this information. RU486, the abortion pill, is only approved for use up to 10 weeks (72 days) gestation. If you are past that date and still considering abortion, you will have to undergo a surgical abortion.
2. Only an ultrasound will show if your pregnancy is located in the uterus. Sometimes a pregnancy can implant in the fallopian tube, which is called a tubal ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of the fallopian tube rupturing and causing internal bleeding[1].
3. An ultrasound will show if there is viability (a heartbeat). Approximately 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage[2]. Many miscarriages occur before someone knows that they are pregnant. Depending on when the miscarriage happened, a pregnancy test will still show a positive. Ultrasound will reveal if there is a heartbeat. If you are considering abortion, and it appears you are going to miscarry, at that point, an abortion is not necessary. If we at Pathway, based on ultrasound findings, suspect a miscarriage; we will provide you with miscarriage precautions and advise you to seek medical attention.  

We get it; an unexpected pregnancy can be overwhelming, scary, and emotional. However, the patient care team at Pathway Health Clinic believes that YOUR health and safety are essential and that YOU deserve the most accurate information you can receive.

We believe you are smart and can make your own decisions, we want to give you all the information you need in that decision making process.

Our pregnancy services are always at no cost because your present finances should never get in the way of obtaining medical care.

*Pathway Health Clinic neither refers nor provides abortion services

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[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088

[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298#:~:text=About%2010%20to%2020%20percent,even%20know%20about%20a%20pregnancy.

Your unplanned pregnancy might have you nervous and not knowing what to expect. While you are figuring out your pregnancy options, and possibly putting an abortion plan together you can schedule an appointment for a NO COST pregnancy test to confirm your pregnancy and discuss your options with our licensed medical professionals. The information below can help you by answering some of the most frequently asked questions, women, like you have been searching about in the North County San Diego area.

• Will Pathway Health Clinic tell anyone that I came in for a pregnancy test or information about abortion in California?

We are here for YOU. You do not have to worry about anyone finding out what options you are considering when you make an appointment with us. When you are here your privacy is protected and everything you share with us is completely confidential. Our staff will accommodate your specific needs for privacy and communication from the moment you contact us. We will never call, text, or email you anything without your consent.

• I’m a minor- do I need to have an adult or parent with me if I am considering abortion in  California?

At your appointment, you do NOT need to have an adult, parent, or guardian with you. Again, we are here for YOU. We are able to get you the information you need to assess the situation, make an informed decision, and decide your next steps. However, of course, you can bring someone with you to your appointment if that makes you more comfortable! Even if you are a minor we are still able to offer you a NO COST pregnancy test. At your appointment, you can talk to a licensed medical professional about your pregnancy options- including abortion. We can even accommodate your school schedule if you are a student, so please let us know when making an appointment. We are a safe place for you to gather all the information for your specific situation, so our staff will never pressure you into any decision regarding your pregnancy or abortion.

• Will appointments show up on insurance paperwork that comes in the mail or email?

Our best asset, next to the compassionate and high-quality care we offer, is that all of our services are NO COST to you- meaning we don’t collect insurance information at all. Because of generous supporters in Vista, you have access to medical professionals that are here to help you navigate pregnancy and abortion decisions. We will never contact you without your consent.

We are here for YOU! So, what are you waiting for? You don’t have to do this alone. Our pro-woman services are for every woman facing an unplanned pregnancy who is considering abortion in the North County San Diego area. To have more of your questions answered, make an appointment or call us at 760-945-4673. We are here to help.

No Walk- Ins, Appointments only. Make one Today!

Monday 9 AM- 1 PM

Wednesday 9 AM- 1 PM

Pathway Health Clinic will continue to monitor and refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and our local public health agency to determine the safest course of action for our staff and patients

Pathway Health Clinic, given the worsening situation with the Corona Virus, has decided to suspend normal operations. However, your care is extremely important to us. Please text 760-208-8811 to reach a trained Advocate who will assess your needs, and we will do everything in our power to accommodate you.

Your health and the health of our staff is of utmost importance. 
Thank you for trusting PHC with your care.

We understand the growing concern surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) across our communities. Pathway Health Clinic is passionate about the care we provide our patients at our clinic. As well as our patient’s health and safety outside our clinic.

Standards Set

We want you to know we follow CDC guidelines regarding handwashing and cleaning. You are probably asking yourself what does this mean? The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) set cleaning and sanitation standards for our clinic that we use every day. As always, we provide hand sanitizer and masks for all our patients, visitors, and staff at our clinic. We also, work closely with our staff to ensure anyone who is not feeling well to stay home and rest for the safety and health of our patients, staff, and visitors of the clinic.

Our Services

At Pathway Health Clinic in Vista, California, we are available to offer you a safe place to discuss your unplanned pregnancy options with no-cost services that include all of the pregnancy tests and ultrasounds needed to make an informed decision on your unplanned pregnancy. For instance, your privacy is completely confidential and everything you share with us is private. While here, our staff will accommodate your specific needs for privacy and communication from the moment you contact us. We will never call, text, or email you without your consent.
Call (760)-945-4673  or schedule an appointment online today. We also offer services in English and Spanish.

Pathway Health Clinic will continue to monitor and refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and our local public health agency to determine the safest course of action for our staff and patients.

November 28th 2019- December 1st 2019 we will be closed

Also, we will re open on Monday December 2nd 2019 at 9 AM- 4 PM

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!