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Have you
missed your period? Do you think you might be pregnant? For
some, being pregnant would be a joyous occasion - for others,
the thought of being pregnant might bring feelings of fear
and anxiety. If the thought of being pregnant brings
you joy, we’re happy for you, too! If, however, you’re
feeling anxious or uncertain about what you should do if you
are pregnant, you’ve come to the right place! We
have some information we believe will help you through
the decision making process.
The first
step is to be sure you are pregnant! You may have missed
your period for reasons other than pregnancy, so don’t
assume that you are pregnant simply because you’re a
few days late. You can miss your period for many reasons
- some are physical, others are emotional. Some physical
reasons include a major change in diet/exercise, or a thyroid
condition. Some medications can also affect your menstrual
cycle, especially birth control pills or injections (DepoProvera).
You can also miss your period if you are under a great deal
of stress, or are feeling anxious or worried. Depression can
also affect your menstrual cycle.
While
home pregnancy tests are very accurate (when performed according
to the manufacturer’s guidelines) they can also be very
costly. If you would like a free urine pregnancy test, there
are centers all over the United States that will provide one
for you at no cost. If you’d prefer to do the test
in the privacy of your own home, then do so soon!
We suggest
that you use a first morning urine specimen when doing your
test - even if the manufacturer tells you that isn’t
necessary. We’ve used many different kinds of tests over
the years, and have found that it is very helpful
to use a first morning urine specimen. First morning
urine is more concentrated, and is more likely to have a sufficient
quantity of hCG present than a urine specimen taken at any
other time of day.
Once you
know for sure whether or not you’re pregnant, then it’s
time to think about what you should do. You need to know
that you have plenty of time to make a decision - you don’t
have to make a choice quickly. Abortion is legal in the
United States during the full nine months of pregnancy - there
will never be a time when you won’t be able to make that
choice. It may be more difficult to find a doctor willing
to perform an abortion in the third trimester, but there are
doctors who will do it - for the right price.
There
are people all over America who will want to help you through
this time. The centers that offer free pregnancy tests
are also available for counseling and support. If you
need help, contact the center closest to where you live. Remember
that YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
We encourage
you to consider all your options before you do anything. And,
when you make your choice, be sure it’s a decision you
can live with for the rest of your life.
Over the
last 15 years, we’ve talked with women from many different
backgrounds - each with unique situations - all needing
individual care. You, too, are a unique individual, and
we want to help meet your special needs.
If
you’ll click here and complete this worksheet, we’ll
do our best to answer your specific questions and concerns. Rest
assured that we respect your need for, and right to privacy
and confidentiality.
Web site
with additional information:
www.pregnancycenters.org
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