i have two questions
Is it normal to not eat a lot during the first month of your pregnancy? Can you feel movements in the first month of your pregnancy?

Answer
Dear Ashley,"Normal" during pregnancy is different for each woman, and often different for the same woman with each pregnancy.If a mom doesn't feel like eating much during her first month of pregnancy, morning sickness could be the reason. It's helpful to have saltines handy for first thing in the morning if you're experiencing nausea or morning sickness, even if it happens throughout the day.Most moms feel their babies moving between the 4th and 5th months, since before that, the babies aren't strong or big enough for their movements to be felt by mom.For more information about pregnancy, you can go to www.optionline.org and click on the light green box marked "Pregnant?". You can also speak with an OptionLine consultant by calling 1-800-395-4357(HELP) 24/7, or by emailing them at the above website (IM available).Beth


abortion
Hi, my fifteen-year-old girlfriend is two months pregnant. I want to know if since she's only fifteen can her parents legally force her to have an abortion? Or is it her choice?

Answer
Dear Michael,It is illegal in the U.S. to force anyone to have an abortion, regardless of their age (a minor) or place of residence (her parents' home).If your girlfriend is feeling pressured into an abortion by her parents, I recommend you have her call OptionLine immediately, at 1-800-395-4357(HELP) or visit www.optionline.org (IM available). They'll put her in touch with her nearest pregnancy help center and an experienced consultant to discuss her situation.Her consultant can offer to speak with her parents if she and they are willing, to tell them about all the resources that exist right in their own neighborhood, including help to continue schooling, planning for college, low-cost or free medical help for her and her baby, both during pregnancy and afterward, financial assistance, and much more.Most parents are in shock at the news that their daughter faces an unintended pregnancy, and say things they later wish they hadn't. When they've had a chance to calm down, the majority of parents are very supportive of their daughter and want to help her and her baby in any way they can.OptionLine is free, 24/7 and ready to listen and help - give them a call!And Michael, please email me again to let me now how you're all doing - I'm here for you!Beth


wonderin
Can you be pregnant and get a period? And does your stomach have to be hard to tell that you're pregnant?

Answer
Dear Setaga,If you're truly pregnant, then whatever bleeding you may experience isn't a normal period. It could be either normal pregnancy spotting, or a miscarriage, and you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.The most accurate way to test for pregnancy is to wait until your period's at least 7 days overdue, then do a home pregnancy test and confirm the results with your doctor.If you'd like a free pregnancy test, you can contact OptionLine at 1-800-395-4357(HELP) or visit www.optionline.org (IM available). They'll put you in touch with your local pregnancy help center, and an experienced consultant can give you a free, confidential and accurate pregnancy test. She can also refer you to a doctor if you need one to confirm the results.Give OptionLine a call – they’re free, 24/7 and ready to listen and help.Beth


Giving a baby for adoption.
If we were to give up a baby for adoption, is it possible, and if it is...how would we be able to adopt the baby back? I might be ready financially to have a child in the future. My friend and I are both 20. We are NOT really ready to have, support, or raise a child. It was Unplanned, and Unexpected. She is not taking Abortion as an option. So I think it would be best for the THREE of us (the baby) to give it up for adoption. I am unemployed. And was also planning to enroll for full time classes in a community college. I need some advice.

Answer
Dear Alexander,I commend you both for thinking of what's best for your little one. Adoption is a selfless, generous decision to make. There are answers to your questions, and you can find them by contacting OptionLine at 1-800-395-4357(HELP) or visiting www.optionline.org (IM available). They'll put you in touch with your local pregnancy help center, and an experienced consultant can discuss your concerns with you. She can give you accurate information about the adoption procedure and laws in your area, and help you make the decision that's best for all of you.Give OptionLine a call - they're free, 24/7 and ready to listen and help.Beth


Pregnancy tests
How long do you have to wait after having unprotected sex to take a test?

Answer
Dear Ruby,The most accurate time to test for pregnancy is when your period is at least 7 days past due. Testing earlier may result in a false negative, as the level of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - pregnancy hormone) is not high enough to be detected, although you may indeed be pregnant. If you'd like a free pregnancy test, you can contact OptionLine at 1-800-395-4357(HELP) or visit www.optionline.org (IM available). They'll put you in touch with your local pregnancy help center, and an experienced consultant can give you a free, confidential and accurate pregnancy test, and refer you to a doctor if you need one to confirm the results.Give OptionLine a call – they’re free, 24/7 and ready to listen and help.Beth