Pregnancy
First signs of pregnancy
- A missed menstrual period or a period that is lighter or shorter than usual.
- Breasts may be tender and seem to be bigger.
- Frequent urination.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Feeling more tired than usual.
Not everyone who has these symptoms is pregnant. But if a girl has had sexual intercourse without using birth control and has some of these symptoms, she should have a pregnancy test. It is best to come in for a pregnancy test as soon as pregnancy is suspected. Pregnancy will not go away if ignored.
At Links, we do a urine test to determine whether a hormone called HCG is present. In order for the test to be accurate, we do not recommend the test be done before the patient's menstrual period is late. If the urine test is positive, a pelvic exam will be done to confirm the pregnancy.
What happens when a girl is pregnant? If this is an unplanned pregnancy, a Links counselor will discuss all the options and help the client to make a decision that is right for her. She has the right to choose to carry the baby to term, to parent the child or place it for adoption. If she chooses to not continue the pregnancy, Links will assist her with referrals to nearby clinics. Choosing whether to continue a pregnancy or to end it can be a difficult and emotional decision. We will support her no matter what her decision is.
It is best to avoid unplanned pregnancy by consistently using a reliable method of birth control. There are a variety of methods available. No one method is best for everyone and it is important that you learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each before making a choice. Information about birth control is available through the Links Clinic.
