Do You Think You Are Pregnant?
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
