No matter what your feelings are about this pregnancy, you have probably experienced some sort of fear also. Having a baby is a big change, and may hold lots of unknowns. However, we would like to clear up some of those unknowns by helping you to understand what is happening with your body and what you can expect in the coming months.

When your baby was conceived, the egg and sperm united to form a single cell called a zygote. This tiny new cell, smaller than a grain of salt, contains all the genetic information for every detail of this new life – hair and eye color, fingerprints, physical appearance, gender, height, etc. This new life is called an embryo and will soon implant in the uterus where he or she will receive nourishment from the mother. For more information about the growth and development of your baby see Pregnancy ~ The First Nine Months.

This embryo may be tiny, but when you become pregnant, your body will be experiencing many big changes. Only 5-7 days after conception, pregnancy hormones start showing up. Some women will experience obvious early pregnancy symptoms; however, others may not. Here are some of the common signs of pregnancy:

• Missed Period
• Nausea (often called "morning sickness")
• Breast changes (feelings of tenderness, fullness, or tingling)
• Frequent urination
• Feeling tired
• Dizziness

Please remember that some of the pregnancy symptoms can be related to normal menstruation or even to stress. The best way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test! So if you think you may be pregnant, please come in for a visit at The Center---we provide free, medical-grade urine tests, as well as caring and confidential peer counseling so you can learn about all the options, choices, and help available to you. Click here for more information about our services. [Back to top]

What Are My Options?

If you do find yourself with an unexpected pregnancy you have three different options. Click on any option to learn more:

• Carrying to term and parenting
• Carrying to term and placing for adoption
• Terminating by abortion

• Are your pregnancy test free? 
   --Yes! All our services are completely free.

• How accurate are your pregnancy tests? 
   -- Our pregnancy tests are medical-grade urine tests that measure the pregnancy hormone hCG. They are 99 percent accurate, and can detect pregnancy as little as 7-10 days after conception.

• When should I see a doctor?
   --As soon as you have taken a positive home pregnancy test or one of The Center’s free pregnancy tests, it is a good idea to go to your health care provider for a physical exam. However, regular prenatal doctor’s visit probably won’t start until you’re in your eighth week of pregnancy. If you don't have a doctor, The Center can provide you with a referral list.

• Are there any pregnancy symptoms that I shouldn’t ignore? 
   --Although we all hope for safe and healthy pregnancies, sometimes problems do arise. You can help yourself and your baby in the case of a problem if you are prepared for it. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

       • Sharp or prolonged pain in your abdomen or severe cramping
       • Frequent uterine contractions
       • Any amount of bleeding from the vagina, rectum, nipples, or lungs (coughing up blood)
       • Absence of or decrease in the amount of fetal movement
       • Sudden gush of fluid from the vagina
       • Sudden significant weight gain (or loss)
       • Severe or continuous headache
       • Vision problems: seeing spots or flashes of light; dimmed or blurred vision
       • Swelling of the face or hands or severe swelling of the legs
       • Severe or continuous vomiting
       • Chills or fever

You know your body best: if you feel that something is wrong, even if it isn’t on this list, contact your healthcare provider.

• What about exercise during pregnancy?
   --Being pregnant does not mean giving up all the physical activities you enjoyed before you conceived. In contrast, studies show that moderate exercise 3–4 times a week while you are pregnant: 

       • Increases circulation.
       • Increases energy levels.
       • Eases leg cramps and backaches.
       • Helps relieve constipation.
       • Helps prepare your body for labor and birth.
       • Helps you get your figure back sooner after delivery.

 Low-impact exercises like walking and no-impact exercises like swimming are best during pregnancy. Any exercises that involve bouncing or carrying weight can be harmful to you and your baby. Also refrain from engaging in any activity in which you could fall or suffer an impact, such as water or snow skiing, ice skating, diving, horseback riding, or rock climbing.

If you are not normally active, consult with your healthcare provider before beginning an exercise program. All pregnant women, whether or not they exercised before their pregnancies, should avoid strenuous workouts or activities that put them in danger of falling or being hit. Below are some additional exercise guidelines:

       • Always warm up before you exercise and cool down at the end of your workout.
       • If you get tired, begin to feel dizzy, or get too hot, stop exercising. Don’t exercise if you are sick or have a fever.
       • Check your pulse frequently—if it gets above 140 beats a minute, quit exercising.
       • Stop exercising immediately if you experience any pain.
       • Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your workout.

• How can I eat well for me and my baby? 
   --Eating for two… Nutrition is important before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure you and your baby’s health. All the nutrients your baby needs while in the womb come from you and the food you choose.

Eating for two does not mean eating two times the amount of food—your recommended intake of calories is only slightly higher (by about 300 calories a day) when you are pregnant, so it is important to make wise food choices. The goal is to eat highly nutritious foods while avoiding excessive calories, fat, sugar, and sodium.

• What are some other good pregnancy habits? 
       • Get enough sleep at night. Most pregnant women require about 8 hours of sleep each night, although your needs might be different.
       • Take frequent breaks, especially if you work on your feet all day. Sit or lie down and elevate your feet.
       • If possible, take a nap each day to replenish your energy.
       • When resting, use several pillows or a long body pillow to get as comfortable as possible. Some pregnant women find it easiest to sleep with pillows supporting their head, belly, back, and knees.
       • Practice relaxation and breathing techniques. These are particularly useful because you can do them almost anywhere.
       • Let other people help you! Accept offers from family and friends to help with housework or errands. [Back to top]