PREGNANCY TESTS

If you think you may be pregnant, you can take a simple test using a blood sample or urine sample to find out. The blood test can be taken as early as 8-10 days after ovulation and the urine test can be taken as early as 12-14 days after ovulation. Both types of tests are looking for the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotopin). This hormone assists in the production of progesterone and helps maintain the pregnancy. Your body begins to produce hCG the moment a fertilized egg is implanted into the uterus. From there, the levels of hCG in your blood will double every 2-3 days.

The blood test will need to be performed at your doctor's office or at the hospital. A small sample of blood will be drawn and tested for hCG, the hormone present in large quantities during pregnancy. There are two types of blood tests, the qualitative hCG test and the quantitative hCG test. The qualitative hCG test will only give you a negative or positive result. The quantitative hCG test will actually measure the amount of hCG that is present in your blood. If your hCG level is over 5 mIU on either type of blood test, you are pregnant.

The urine test can be performed at home or at your doctor's office. Many women prefer to do this one at home. The tests can be bought over-the-counter at your local drugstore or super market. The tests are very simple and straightforward. All they require is a urine sample. Within a few minutes, you will have a result. It is possible to get a false negative if you have tested to early. It is unlike to get a false positive, unless you have received an injection of hCG recently. Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and will logically test positive earlier than others. An average woman will produce about 25 mIU/ml of hCG at 10 days after ovulation. Here is a list of some of the most popular tests and their sensitivity to hCG.

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A POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST

Finding out that you are pregnant can be one of the greatest feelings, or one of the scariest. For those women who were planning their pregnancy, a positive pregnancy test is a dream come true, especially for those who had a difficult time conceiving. It may even seem hard to believe if you have been trying for a while. Many women will take several pregnancy tests before they are convinced that they are truly pregnant. They just cannot believe that it has finally happened. The day they have been waiting for finally came! For those women who were not planning their pregnancy, a positive test can create a wide range of emotions. Some women are pleasantly surprised, while most others are upset and scared. Your life has just suddenly changed and this type of change may not have been in your immediate plans. Take time to make the correct decision for you, your baby and your situation.

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SYMPTOMS OF EARLY PREGNANCY

There are several symptoms that you may be experiencing around the time that your pregnancy is confirmed. Some women experience all of the symptoms, while others experience very few or none. You may experience one or more of the following:

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HOW TO COPE WITH MORNING SICKNESS

Morning sickness is one of the most common complaints during early pregnancy. Unlike the name denotes, it can strike at any time during the day or night. It usually occurs during the first trimester and then disappears by the fourth month. If you are experiencing excessive nausea and vomiting, call your doctor. Unfortunately medication is not safe to take during pregnancy and there is not much else you can do to stop the nausea. Here are some helpful hints to try to control your morning sickness:

• Eat a few crackers or a slice of bread before you get out of bed in the morning.
• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. This will help keep your blood sugar regulated and can help with controlling nausea.
• Eat a diet high in protein. This will help keep your stomach full. Protein is slow to digest.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat crackers before you take your prenatal vitamins or other supplements.
• Try not to stand up quickly.
• Take Vitamin B6 supplements (or make sure they are included in your prenatal vitamins).
• Ginger can alleviate nausea (ginger tea, ginger supplements, ginger ale).
• Avoid greasy foods.

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WARNING SIGNS

You should always be aware of your body and how you are feeling. It is common to experience many unpleasant symptoms throughout the course of pregnancy. Some symptoms can be dangerous and may be an indication of a threatened pregnancy. Here are some of the warning signs to watch for. If you experience ANY of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

• Bleeding, especially if it is heavy or bright red
• Severe cramping, especially if it is one-sided
• Intense pelvic pain
• Regular contractions (can feel like your abdomen is tightening at regular intervals)
• Excessive nausea or vomiting
• Excessive swelling
• Severe headaches
• Fever
• Sudden faintness
• Dull backache
• Passing blood clots or tissue
• Rupture of membranes
• You have not felt your baby move recently

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DUE DATES

Your due date can be calculated by adding 40 weeks to the first day of your last period or by adding 38 weeks to your date of ovulation. Your pregnancy is considered to be 40 weeks long, even though you are truly not even pregnant during the first two weeks. You are already considered two weeks pregnant when you conceive. Check out our due date calculator to find out your estimated due date.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOCTOR

One of the first things you will need to do once you have found out that you are pregnant is to decide on your doctor. Some women will stay with their family practitioner. Others will see an obstetrician or a midwife. Who you see depends on personal preference and whether or not your pregnancy is considered high-risk. If you are high risk (if you have a certain medical condition, have had problems with previous pregnancies or are carrying multiples), you may want to see an obstetrician. He will be the most qualified to handle any complications that may arise. Midwives are becoming a popular choice for many pregnant women. If you plan on having a natural birth, then a midwife may be a good choice for you.

Regardless of your decision on who to see, you will need to schedule your first pre-natal visit as soon as you find out you are pregnant. It is important to talk to a doctor immediately so that you can be assessed for pregnancy risks and be given advice and information to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and delivery.

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PREGNANCY - WEEK BY WEEK

Pregnancy can be a very exciting time in your life. Both your body and your developing baby will experience continual changes during the next nine months. Visit our pregnancy week by week guide for a fun look at how your baby is growing!

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PRENATAL TESTS

There are several tests available that your doctor may recommend that screens for fetal disease or abnormalities. Some doctors have most of their patients go through the various tests, while other doctors are more selective and only test certain women who are at an increased risk for problems. Here is a list of the most common tests your doctor may recommend:

Ultrasound- Ultrasound is a commonly used procedure in pregnant women. It is painless and non-invasive. The only bad part about this test is the requirement to have a full bladder. This test can provide information about the sex of your baby, if you are carrying multiples, if your baby is malformed, if your baby has a regular heartbeat and the condition of your uterus, cervix and the placenta. It can also help determine the cause of any questionable bleeding.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Test- AFP is a simple blood test designed to determine whether or not you are at risk for carrying a child with neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities. It is performed between the 15th and the 17th week. It does not tell you if you are carrying a child with an abnormality, however it does tell you if you are at risk for carrying a child with an abnormality. Because of this, there is an incredibly high rate of false positives. About 1 out of 40 women who are given positive results, actually delivers a baby with a defect. Usually, if your AFP test comes back positive, other tests are recommended to investigate further.

Amniocentesis- In this test, a sample of amniotic fluid is tested for the presence of disease, neural tube defects or chromosomal abnormalities. Amniocentesis is performed around the 15th week. This test can put your baby and your pregnancy at risk. Discuss all of these risks with your doctor before consenting to the procedure.

Chorionic villus sampling In this test, a sample of chorionic villus tissue (tissue that will develop into the placenta) is taken to provide information about the baby's genetic makeup. It can help determine if the baby has a certain disease or chromosomal abnormality. This test is done around the 10th week. There are risks involved with this test. Discuss any concerns you may be having with your doctor.

If any of these tests provide you with a grim diagnosis, you will need to think about your options. You and your partner will need to decide if you are strong enough emotionally and stable enough financially to have a baby with a severe defect. Make sure you are well-informed about the diagnosis before you make a final decision. Some couples will terminate the pregnancy if there is a severe birth defect or if the baby will die at birth. This is a very serious decision to take the time to make the right choice for you and your baby.

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CHILDBIRTH CLASSES

There are all sorts of childbirth classes available to the public. Your doctor's office or local hospital should be able to refer you to any available classes in your area. When most people think of childbirth classes, they automatically think of a class that will teach you how to breathe fast and furious in order to forget the pains of labor. Not all classes are about breathing techniques. Each type of class teaches different techniques. However, all classes should teach you about your pregnancy, your developing baby and prepare you for labor, in addition to teaching you how to deal with the pains of labor.

Childbirth classes are not for everyone. If you go talk to several women, you will find that some of them found the classes to be very helpful, while others thought it was a complete waste of time. It is up to you and your partner to decide if these classes are right for you.

• Here is a brief explanation of the the three most common types of classes that are available:

Lamaze- You have probably heard of this one. It is one of the most popular childbirth classes. This is the stereotypical class that teaches you the different breathing techniques. These techniques are believed to help take a woman's mind off of the labor pains.
You can find out more about Lamaze at http://www.lamaze-childbirth.com.

The Bradley Method- This method emphasizes the importance of natural childbirth. If you are planning on having an epidural or some other form of pain medication, this class is not for you. It also incorporates an active role in the delivery for the husband. This is ideal for home deliveries. You can find out more about this class at http://www.bradleybirth.com.

International Childbirth Education Assoc. (ICEA)- This organization provides certified instructors to teach their own methods of childbirth. There is no one set method for ICEA. It is all about individual preferences of the instructor. Talk to the instructor and find out their views and feelings before you sign up for one of their classes.
You can find out more about ICEA classes at http://www.icea.org.

If you do decide to take childbirth classes, make sure that the instructor is certified to teach the course.

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NUTRITION

It is important to eat well-balanced meals during your pregnancy to ensure that your body gets enough of what it needs for your baby to develop properly. This does not mean that you have to go on a diet and watch everything that you eat. Just make sure that you have included all of the major food groups in your meals. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists have set forth some basic guidelines for pregnant women. They recommend that you eat the following foods daily:

Most women gain between 22-34 pounds during their pregnancy. If you are carrying multiples, you will need to gain between 35-45 pounds. In order to gain the proper amount of weight, you need to add about 300-500 calories extra per day to what you ate prior to conceiving. That should equal out to about 2300-2500 calories total per day. If you were underweight when you conceived, you may need to put on a little bit more weight than the average woman. If you were overweight when you conceived, you may need to gain a little less than the average woman. Your doctor can help you determine your ideal weight range during pregnancy.

If you have not started taking prenatal vitamins, start now. Prenatal vitamins are specifically designed to give pregnant women the correct amount of vitamins and minerals that they need to sustain a healthy pregnancy. Follow the directions on the bottle for the recommended dosages. Never overdose yourself on vitamins. It can harm you and your baby. Your doctor may also want you to take iron supplements. Iron is important in the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body and to your developing baby. Some women can become anemic during pregnancy, meaning that their red blood cell levels become low. Iron will help to correct this problem. Talk to your doctor to see if iron supplements are needed for your pregnancy.

Herbs are becoming very popular in the prevention and treatment of various ailments. They are safe to take before you get pregnant and while you are trying to conceive, but should be avoided once you are pregnant. Certain herbs can cause your uterus to contract and potentially cause you to go into preterm labor. You should avoid all herbs. Listed below are the herbs that can be the most dangerous to a pregnant woman:

• Black Cohosh Root
• Cayenne
• Chaste tree berry (Vitex)
• Cumin
• DHEA
• Dong quai
• Echinacea
• Ginseng
• Goldenseal
• Kava kava
• Licorice
• Saw palmetto

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EXERCISE

Exercise can be perfectly safe during pregnancy, if done in moderation. It can be very beneficial to your health and reduce the amount of aches and pains that you experience during your pregnancy. Another great benefit of regular exercise is that you will handle labor and delivery much easier and your recovery time will be shorter. Excessive exercise can be dangerous to your pregnancy. It can raise your body temperature to an unsafe level for your baby. High-impact exercises can pose a threat to your baby also. It also raises your body temperature, but also poses a high risk for injury and subsequent miscarriage. Talk to your doctor about your exercise routine to be sure it is safe to continue during your pregnancy.

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MEDICATION

Most over-the-counter and prescription medications should be avoided during pregnancy. It is not wise to take any medications unless absolutely necessary. If you are on a prescription drug to treat a medical condition, talk to your doctor to discuss the risks it may impose on your pregnancy. You will have to weigh all the pros and cons and decide if the benefits outweigh the risks.

For pain, Tylenol is generally safe, if used in moderation. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or pain relievers containing aspirin (Excedrin) or NSAIDS (Aleve) should be avoided during pregnancy.

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THINGS TO AVOID WHILE YOU'RE PREGNANT

There are some things that you should avoid when you are pregnant. Common sense will help tell you what you should or should not be doing. Listed below are some common activities and substances that should be avoided.

• Strenuous exercise
• Heavy lifting
• Hot tubs
• Saunas
• High-impact sports
• Lying on your back for extended periods of time (this can decrease blood flow to your baby)
• Undercooked meats (poses risk for toxoplasmosis and other parasites)
• Radiation (x-rays, for example)
• Chemicals
• Unnecessary medications, both over-the-counter and prescription

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SEX & PREGNANCY

Many couples worry whether or not sex is safe during pregnancy. For most women, sex is perfectly safe and very important for your relationship with your partner. In some cases, your doctor may tell you to refrain from sex if it has caused a problem for you in past pregnancies. Otherwise, you can carry on a normal sex life right up until the time that you deliver. Many women are concerned that intercourse can cause miscarriage. You want to avoid rough or deep-penetrating sex, anal sex or the use of vibrators while you are pregnant. These can potentially pose a risk to an embryo that did not implant as strongly as it should have. Men will sometimes worry that the baby might get "poked" or be able to see what is going on. That is not true. Your baby has no idea what is happening. So just relax, get creative and have fun!

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CATS & PREGNANCY

Cat owners are often told by their doctors that they will need to get rid of their cats during their pregnancy because of the risk of exposure to toxoplasmosis. You do not need to get rid of your cat! Just take some simple precautions and you should be fine.

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite. Common sources of infection are undercooked meats, cats, unwashed fruits and vegetables, or in soil contaminated by animal feces. The only way that you can contract toxoplasmosis from your cat is through direct contact with its feces. Most people never have direct contact with the feces! To eliminate the risk of exposure to this parasite, you should use gloves when cleaning the litter box or while gardening in an area that is frequented by cats. Wash your hands thoroughly when you are finished. Once the organism is shed in the feces, it takes 24 hours for it to become active and able to infect you. This can be completely avoided if the litter box is changed daily. If you are still worried, have someone else clean your litter box for you. Another way to reduce your risk is to avoid undercooked meats. If you are used to ordering your steak rare, start ordering it well done until your baby is born. Make sure to wash all fresh fruits and vegetables well. Keep your hands washed. This will reduce your risk also.

A simple blood test can tell if you have been exposed to toxoplasmosis. The test looks for antibodies that are produced by your immune system to protect you from this particular parasite. If you are exposed to toxoplasmosis while you are pregnant, your chances for birth defects are minimal. Symptoms of exposure are similar to the flu. Toxoplasmosis is treatable.

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HIGH RISK PREGNANCY

A high risk pregnancy is any pregnancy that is at risk at any point during the nine months. You can be considered high risk for many reasons. A number of medical conditions can put your pregnancy at risk. Age can put you at risk. Listed below are the most common reasons why women are labeled as "high risk".

Discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with your doctor at your first prenatal visit so that measures can be taken to reduce your risk of complications.

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MULTIPLES

The incidence of multiples is quickly on the rise. The widespread use of fertility drugs is the number one reason why. Some women are excited to find out that they are carrying multiples. They can get their childbearing duty out of the way in one pregnancy. Most women, however, are apprehensive about carrying multiples. One baby can be scary enough, especially to a first-time mom. Twins or triplets can be downright terrifying. Many women worry if they are strong enough emotionally and stable enough financially to carry such a large burden. A recent study concluded that for each child born in a multiple pregnancy, an additional 15% of income would be spent.

There are two types of twins, fraternal and identical. Fraternal twins result when two separate eggs are fertilized. They do not necessarily look alike. This is the most common form of twins with the use of fertility drugs. Identical twins result when one egg is fertilized and splits into two eggs. These twins will look alike. When you are dealing with triplets, quadruplets or more, your result is usually fraternal. Many eggs were fertilized in this instance. It is possible, yet rare, to have identical triplets.

If you are pregnant with multiples you will experience a heightened level of pregnancy symptoms, more fetal movement and you will gain weight much faster. Your hCG levels will be much higher than normal. Most multiple pregnancies do not make it to term. The more babies you are carrying, the more likely it is that you will deliver early. You will be considered high risk and will need to discuss your options to minimize your risks with your doctor.

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TEEN PREGNANCY

The teen years are difficult to cope with. It can be even more difficult if you find yourself pregnant. It can be a very frightening feeling finding out that you are pregnant at such a young age. How are you going to finish school? What will your parents and friends say? How will you be able to afford a baby? A million questions will be running through your mind. You may feel frustrated and alone, wondering why this had to happen to you. You are not alone. There are many other women your age in the same situation. There are schools designed for pregnant teens so that you can finish your education. There are many support groups both online and in your community that can offer help and emotional support to get you through this tough time.

One decision you are going to have to face sooner or later is how to tell your parents and friends. It can be hard to predict how your friends will react to your news. If they are your real friends, they should stick by your side and support you. If not, then maybe they just are not old enough to really understand what you are going through. Give them some time to digest the news. They may realize their mistake and come back to support you. Telling your parents can be scariest part of the entire pregnancy. Many teens are afraid of how their parents will react. You may be pleasantly surprised by their reaction. They are not going to shut you out in your time of need. Give them a chance. They may be upset initially, but if they care for you, they will support you.

• Click on one of the links below to find support or information on teen pregnancy:

Planned Parenthood - teenwire.com
Selected Links on Teen Pregnancy
Teen.com
Teen Central

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PREGNANT & LESBIAN

Being pregnant and lesbian can be challenging at times. There may be some people who will not support your situation. Ignore them. Feel proud in your decision and your readiness to start a family with your partner. Be sure to choose a doctor who is sympathetic to your situation. You want a doctor that will make you and your partner feel welcome. Check out the following websites for some helpful information on pregnancy and parenting for lesbians:

Lesbian Moms Online Guide
Gay-Lesbian-Bi Single Parent Links

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OPTIONS FOR AN UNPLANNED PREGNANCY

An unplanned pregnancy can be very frightening, especially if you are single. You plan out your life and try to live accordingly, when all of a sudden, a life-changing event has occurred. You became pregnant. Now what? It seems that your dreams have vanished and that your life has suddenly fallen apart. If you are single, many thoughts will be running through your head such as, How will I be able to afford it? Can I take care of a child by myself? What will my friends and family say? You need to do some serious thinking and decide what your best options are for your situation.

You will need to think about your financial situation. Are you financially stable enough to support a child? If you feel you are not, there are many state agencies that can assist you with the costs of pregnancy, birth and childcare. Contact your local Human Services Department. You can find their number in the government section of the phone book.

You will need to discuss the pregnancy with the father. What are his feelings? Is he going to help with the costs? If he is a responsible adult, he should help you without question. Some men do not react positively at first to the news, so be aware. Wait for him to settle down then take the time to make the right decisions for you and your baby.

What will your friends and family say? Many single women are afraid to tell anyone the news. You are not sure how they will react. It is much worse to keep it a secret than it is to tell people the truth. The longer you wait to share the news, the harder it gets so try to tell those closest to you early on in your pregnancy. If they truly care about you, they will offer you their love and support. You may be pleasantly surprised at how supportive everyone is.

Are you emotionally ready for a baby? This is one of the hardest and most important questions you will have to ask yourself. If you feel that you are not, there are other options, such as adoption or abortion. However, abortion should only be used as a last resort, when there is absolutely no other option.

Adoption is a loving choice to make for your baby. There are many couples out there that are waiting to adopt. Giving up your child for adoption is not an irresponsible decision. You do it because you want the best for your baby. There are many organizations that can assist you with all aspects of your pregnancy. They will help you financially, give you emotional support and some will even provide a home for you until the baby is born. You can find such organizations in the phone book, online, through state governments and religious organizations.

Abortion is a very controversial issue. However, to be fair, all options must be presented, no matter how controversial or grave they may seem. Some women consider the option of abortion when they feel there is no other choice or when the baby is completely unwanted. Abortion should only be considered as a last resort, if there are no other options, including adoption. Never use it as a form of birth control. Repeated abortions can cause uterine and cervical scarring and can lead to health problems and infertility. If you do decide to abort the pregnancy, it is best if you do it before you are 8 weeks along. Many states will not allow abortion once you are past 12 weeks.

Just because this pregnancy was unplanned, do not assume that it is going to ruin your life. Many women find that a baby can actually enhance their life, even if they are single. A baby can create a tremendous amount of joy in a woman's life. It can give you motivation to be more successful and to become a better person. Getting pregnant may not be as bad as you think. In fact, it will probably be the most joyous and special event of your life!

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