Facing an unplanned pregnancy... can make you feel anxious, overwhelmed and a little excited. We are offering opportunities to examine the options that will help you make a decision that is comfortable for you. You are not alone. Countless women are dealing with their unplanned pregnancies in positive ways that show respect for themselves.

Some questions you may be asking yourself - Am I to young? Will my father or mother be supportive? How can I finish school? How can I stay in this job that I just started? "Know Yourself" is a quiz that will help you evaluate your options.

Just remember you are in charge of your life. There are many resources available to you. You might be amazed by the support of your parents and friends.

What will happen at my first visit to a Doctor? A prenatal visit to a doctor is confidential. The doctor will usually take your family medical history, give you a pelvic examination, and take a pap smear, blood tests and urine samples. You may want to ask your doctor for more information on:

Use of medications – Ask your doctor about taking everything from aspirin to laxatives. It is important to your health and your baby’s development that your doctor know if you are using prescription and/or recreational drugs. Emotional turmoil – It is normal to feel very emotional during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about relaxing techniques that might help you. See a counselor or call 800-395-4357. Alcohol and Drug Use – Continual use of alcohol or drugs during your pregnancy can be harmful to you and your baby. Drinking alcohol can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – a leading cause of mental retardation in infants and it can cause behavioral disorders in young children. For more information call 800-ALCOHOL. Smoking – First and second hand smoking can be harmful to you and your baby’s health. Smoking can prevent the baby’s normal growth rate or cause a miscarriage. For help quitting or cutting back smoking during your pregnancy call the American Legacy Foundation at 866-667-8278. Sexual activity during pregnancy – Unless you have a high-risk pregnancy, sexual activity during pregnancy can be safe. It is important to openly discuss your sexual activities with your doctor. Some of these activities can be harmful to you and your baby. For more information visit The Very Best Baby web site. Determine how far along you are – Take the number of weeks from the first day of your menstrual cycle to today's date and subtract two weeks. For instance, if your period was 8 weeks ago, the unborn baby is six weeks old. Because your cycle started 8 weeks ago the doctor will consider you 8 weeks pregnant.

Is prenatal care important? Your health is more important than ever. Morning sickness and fatigue are common in pregnancy. Exercise and nutrition are key to your well-being. Check with your doctor about:

Exercise – Here is a website that may help you choose an exercise program that will be beneficial to you. familydoctor.org Nutrition – A diet that contains folic acid, calcium, and iron is important to insure that you and your child get needed nutrients. Prenatal vitamins are prescribed by your doctor to ensure you and your child receive proper nutrition. Check out www.verybestbaby.com for more information on maintaining your health or call Beechnut’s Nutrition Hotline at 800-233-2468.

I Was Raped! Date rape (also known as acquaintance rape) and stranger rape are defined as sexual assault without consent. If an acquaintance or a stranger has sexually assaulted you, it is extremely  important that you get to an emergency room or medical facility before bathing. For your health it is crucial that you are examined for sexually transmitted diseases. Obtaining medical attention right away will insure that physical evidence of the rape will be preserved so the perpetrator can be identified and prosecuted. Take a family member or close friend with you. Reporting the incident can help protect you against a further attack, and you could help save other women from being assaulted. You have the right to refuse the emergency contraceptive if offered to you in the emergency room. You are not alone! It was not your fault! According to a report from the National Institute of Justice, 83% of victims of rape are 25 years old or younger. A study published in 1994 in the book "I never called it rape" by Robin Warshaw, found that of  6,000 students at 32 colleges in the US, 1 in 4 women had been victims of rape or attempted rape. The study also showed that 75% of the men and 55% of the women involved in acquaintance rapes were drinking or taking drugs just before the attack.

 

There is HELP – The Rape Assistance & Awareness Program web site www.raap.org may provide you with answers to some of your questions. Counseling is available; call 800-395-4357 with questions regarding pregnancy after rape. It is never too late to receive help or counseling for a sexual assault. Some hospitals offer emergency contraception to rape victims. For information about the effects of this medical option read here. Women Share Their Rape Experiences Another Woman's Perspective