Everything i need to know about pregnancy

Pregnancy Information | Everything You Need to Know

How Does Pregnancy Happen | Planned Parenthood Video

Considering Pregnancy
Pre-Pregnancy Health and Planning
How Pregnancy Happens
Pregnancy Tests
Month by Month
Prenatal Care
Infertility Signs, Symptoms, and Causes
Fertility Treatments
Ectopic Pregnancy
What is a Miscarriage?
Pregnancy Options
Considering Parenthood
Considering Adoption
Zika Virus
Postpartum Depression
High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
Gestational Diabetes
Feeding Your Newborn
Pregnancy Symptoms

Learn More

Considering Pregnancy

How do you know when the time is right to get pregnant? The decision is totally yours, but here are some things to think about.

Pre-Pregnancy Health

Want to have a healthy pregnancy and baby someday? Going to the doctor and taking care of your health will help you be ready when the time comes.

Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy tests are easy to use and very accurate after a missed period. Get the facts on how to use them, where to find them, and what to do if the test is positive.

All About Pregnancy Health

Prenatal Care
Month by Month
Ectopic Pregnancy
Miscarriage

Think You Might Be Pregnant? Take Our Quiz.

Thinking you might be pregnant can be scary or exciting, depending on your situation. The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Take our quiz to find out if it’s time to take a test.

TAKE THE QUIZ

20170228_icons

Infertility

Many people have trouble getting pregnant. Get the facts on infertility.

Learn More 20161209_icons

Fertility Treatments

Technology, like IUI and IVF, can help some couples get pregnant.

Learn More

We couldn't access your location, please search for a location.

Zip, City, or State

Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code or city or state.

Please fill out this field.

Service All Services Abortion Abortion Referrals Birth Control COVID-19 Vaccine HIV Services Men's Health Care Mental Health Morning-After Pill (Emergency Contraception) Pregnancy Testing & Services Primary Care STD Testing, Treatment & Vaccines Transgender Hormone Therapy Women's Health Care

Filter By All Telehealth In-person

Please enter your age and the first day of your last period for more accurate abortion options. Your information is private and anonymous.

I'm not sure This field is required.

AGE This field is required.

Or call 1-800-230-7526

Pregnancy Options | Unplanned Pregnancy Help and Counseling

What are my options if I’m pregnant?

Making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy is personal. Accurate information and support helps, but only you can know what’s best for you.

I’m pregnant — now what?

Finding out you’re pregnant when you don’t expect it can be stressful, but it’s a pretty common experience — about half of all women in the U.S. have an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their lives.

People who are pregnant have 3 options:

Parenting — giving birth and raising the child.
Abortion — taking medication or having a medical procedure that ends the pregnancy.
Adoption — giving birth and placing your child with another person or family permanently.

Sometimes deciding what to do about an unplanned pregnancy is easy. Other times, it’s difficult or complicated. Your decision is very personal, and everyone’s situation is different. You’re the only person walking in your shoes, so the decision is 100% yours.

What can I think about to help me decide?

Family, relationships, school, work, money, life goals, health, safety, and personal beliefs — most people think carefully about many of these things before making a decision about an unplanned pregnancy.

Consider how you feel when you think about abortion, adoption, and parenting. What do you want for your future, and for your family or future family?

It may be helpful to ask yourself questions like:

How would my decision affect my future?
How would my decision affect my family or other children?
Am I ready to go through pregnancy and childbirth?
Am I ready to raise a child right now?
Do I have strong personal or religious beliefs about abortion, parenting, or adoption?
Is anyone pressuring me to make a certain choice?
Would my decision change my life in a way I don’t want?
Will my family, my friends, and my partner support my decision?

There are lots of factors to consider, and it’s totally normal to have many different feelings when you’re thinking about your choices. Lots of people lean on others for support and advice as they’re making their decision. It’s good to choose people who you know are understanding and won’t judge you.

Who can I talk with about my options?

Talking with your partner, someone in your family, a friend, a trusted religious advisor, or a counselor about unplanned pregnancy options can be helpful when you’re trying to figure out what to do.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center has caring professionals that can give you accurate, non-judgmental information about all your options, answer your questions, and offer support as you make a decision — no matter what you decide about your pregnancy. Planned Parenthood also offers abortion, adoption, and prenatal care services, or referrals for these services in your area.

Other family planning centers and private doctors may also talk with you about your decision. Be careful when looking for a reliable health center. There are fake clinics that say they have pregnancy services. These are called Crisis Pregnancy Centers, and they’re run by people who are anti-abortion and don’t believe in telling you the truth about all of your pregnancy options. They may use lies and manipulation to try to scare or shame people out of choosing abortion.

Crisis pregnancy centers are often located very close to Planned Parenthood health centers or other real medical centers, and have similar names — they do this to confuse people and trick them into visiting their clinic instead. Read more about Crisis Pregnancy Centers.

No one should pressure you into making any decision about your pregnancy, no matter what. Only you know what’s right for yourself at the moment. So getting the info and support you need from people who’ll give you the real facts and will support you is important.

If you’re having a hard time finding someone in your life to talk with, check out All-Options. All-Options has a free hotline that gives you a confidential space to talk about making decisions about a pregnancy. They’ll give you judgement-free support at any point in your pregnancy experience, no matter what choice you make or how you feel about it.

When do I need to make a decision?

It’s important to take the time you need to make the best decision for you. But the timing of your choice can affect which options you have. So it’s a good idea to figure out what you want to do as soon as you can so you get the best medical care possible.

If you’re considering abortion, it may take longer to get an appointment and/or you may have to travel far to get your abortion, because abortion is illegal in some states. And it may be harder to find a doctor who will do an abortion after the 12th week of pregnancy (the first trimester).

If there’s a chance you’ll continue your pregnancy — whether you choose to parent the child or place it for adoption — start getting prenatal care as soon as you can. And go to prenatal visits with your doctor regularly throughout your whole pregnancy to make sure you and your pregnancy stay healthy.

If you’re thinking about adoption, you can choose to place your child for adoption at any point in your pregnancy. You may even be able to start the adoption process after the baby is born. Your timeline for making an adoption plan depends on you and your individual needs and situation.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center is here to provide you with expert information and support. Make an appointment so you can stay healthy, no matter what decision you make.

Was this page helpful?

Help us improve - how could this information be more helpful?

How did this information help you?

Please answer below.

Are you human? (Sorry, we have to ask!)

Please don't check this box if you are a human.

You’re the best! Thanks for your feedback.

Thanks for your feedback.

First pregnancy, what you need to know?

The first pregnancy in a woman's life is always an important event. Information about what to expect during this period is very easy to find. But often the sources of information are not trustworthy and offer conflicting information.

Facts that expectant mothers need to know

Pregnancy normally lasts 40-42 weeks and ends in vaginal delivery or caesarean section. This period will be divided into trimesters, the first - to 13 weeks inclusive, the second - from 14 to 27 weeks, and the third - from 28 weeks to delivery. Each trimester has its own characteristics.

The first trimester is the most unpredictable. It can pass very easily - some women do not even notice their condition. But in the first trimester, side effects of a sharp hormonal change in the body are also possible. Morning sickness, sudden bouts of weakness, low blood pressure, irritability, increased reaction to smells - all this happens due to the fact that the hormonal background changes dramatically in the body. All of these symptoms in the first trimester are normal, but they should be told to the attending physician.

In the first trimester, the laying and formation of the fetal body takes place. Most congenital pathologies are the result of violations during this period. In order not to provoke developmental anomalies, the expectant mother should avoid pathogens. Alcohol, nicotine, a range of drugs, and toxins in the water and air can adversely affect the health of the unborn child. You should also carefully approach the choice of cosmetics and hair products.

Pregnancy: first week

A woman can assume that the first week of pregnancy has begun only if she carefully prepared for the process of conception, calculated the time of ovulation, and chose the time for sexual intercourse. But even in this case, there can be no 100% certainty. For the first two or three weeks, a woman cannot independently determine whether pregnancy has occurred or not. Even if the fertilization of the egg has occurred, and the rapid process of embryo development has begun, it is still so small that it is not felt in the mother's body.

However, from the first days you can switch to a lifestyle suitable for pregnant women. It is recommended to avoid harmful foods, strong drugs, alcohol, smoking, stress; engage in gentle sports, walk in the fresh air.

In the second trimester, the fetus is almost formed and grows rapidly. At about 4.5 - 5 months, a woman begins to feel the movement of the child. At the same time, the belly appears and begins to grow. The baby acquires the ability to hear sounds, and if the mother or father is talking to him, he can move in response. The second trimester proceeds with a minimum number of complications, this is the best period for official preparation for childbirth: choosing a clinic, paperwork, settling issues with work, and so on. By the end of the second trimester, you should pack a bag for the maternity hospital, and in addition, sign up for a course for new mothers. In such courses, women are taught not only the correct behavior in childbirth, but also the handling of a newborn baby.

In the third trimester, the fetus is already formed, even with the onset of premature birth, the child can be saved. However, normal gestation up to 40-42 weeks is the best option. Due to the large and heavy belly, the expectant mother experiences inconvenience: her back may hurt, her legs may swell, and during sleep, a woman cannot calmly change her position. On the recommendation of a doctor, you can wear a bandage for pregnant women: this is a wide elastic belt that supports the stomach. The third trimester is considered the most difficult.

Whatever the course of pregnancy, it should be remembered that this is not a disease, but a natural state for a woman. Therefore, the expectant mother should lead a familiar lifestyle, excluding only that which can harm the baby. A pregnant woman can continue to work, travel, engage in her favorite hobby. This will create a good mood for the mother, and the hormones of joy, along with the bloodstream, are transmitted to the baby. The psychological comfort of the expectant mother is no less important than compliance with other recommendations.

What you need to know for a happy pregnancy: tips from Lesya Ryabtseva

Lesya Ryabtseva

Journalist, blogger. Facebook profile*.

During my pregnancy I read so many horror stories that I don't wish this on others. And it’s better to tell about my discoveries and experiences, so that someone is not so lonely. And I’ll also tell you all this with humor, of course, so that it’s not only not scary, but even fun. Most of all, during pregnancy, I lacked a feeling of lightness and someone’s support: they say, you’re human, don’t piss, that’s all bullshit. But there are more than enough intimidation, unsolicited advice and criticism. So read on and don't be afraid. I went through it, and you will too.

Pregnancy is not a disease

And you are not crazy. Please remember this. With pregnancy, inadequacy, insanity, impotence, disability and lack of independence do not come to you. Some acquaintances, after they found out about my situation, really began to lead me by the arm.

Yes, you become more capricious, more frightened, or something, you want more affection and support. And this is normal, because hormones wash over you in waves, the environment presses, your own fears and insecurities do not allow you to sleep normally at night.

Once again: pregnancy is normal, not fatal, and, most importantly, temporary.

In general, this idea about temporality is very important. You need to remember this, both when you are tired and something is wrong, and when, on the contrary, everything is fine. Enjoy the moment of pregnancy as much as possible and do not focus on the negative.

Everything that a pregnant woman wants is the law

Although there is cement, this is already strange, and it is better to tell the doctor about this desire. By the way, this desire to devour something like that is called picacism, or parorexia, or allotriophagy. Read about it and you will understand that, again, there is nothing strange and unnatural in this. If only there was no volvulus of the intestines.

Stick to the rule that if you really want to, then nothing bad will happen from one piece. And in general, give yourself a discount - you are pregnant.

I'm not saying that you can eat everything, fill it with alcohol and smoke like a locomotive. And there is no need to justify gluttony with pregnancy either. And such reasonable prohibitions as not eating raw meat and fish (although some doctors still allow sushi) exist for a reason.

I had to give up peanuts, chocolate, many dairy products, cherries, tangerines, bananas, strawberries and a dozen other products, not because of the advice of doctors or a strange diet, but because otherwise terrible allergies, rashes and heartburn would begin.

I followed the rule that if I want the same things that I would want without pregnancy, then everything is in order. And for all 9 months, I not only didn’t gain “excess”, but I also never faced the fact that I wanted something unusual and in gigantic volumes. Everything is the same that you want during PMS and menstruation. Ice cream, soda, marmalade, spicy.

Anxiety is contagious

Run away from anyone and everything that makes you worry. Yes, I don’t want to seem rude, and in general, how is it possible to interrupt communication with someone. But it is necessary, believe me. I stopped communicating with anxious pregnant girlfriends, anxious non-pregnant but experienced acquaintances, anxious overprotective relatives...

If there was another way, I would take it. But I had no choice - neither a request, nor a remark, nothing helped to establish contact. I continued to be besieged with opinions and advice, and I continued to worry. This, of course, affected my mood, and my well-being, and my relationship with my husband, which again affected my well-being, and so on in a circle.

The most important thing for me during pregnancy was my condition and the health of the baby, and not social ties. Whoever needs it will understand and draw some conclusion. And who doesn't - well, thank you. You are not on the priority list. Now the priority is the baby.

Your body will change, and you won't predict exactly how

You can read about it, listen to the stories of experienced people, sit on forums, but no one will ever feel these changes in the same way as you, and for you. You may be warned about one thing, but not told about another. Not because they didn’t want to or forgot, but simply because every pregnancy goes its own way. This is a small individual story within the same individual life. There are similarities, there are diagnoses, but still we are different. Everyone has their own perception, and what one does not notice can be a disaster for another.

I was extremely emotional and sensitive even before pregnancy. Therefore, early (relative to the medical "norm") I felt the first kicks of the baby, suffered from heartburn due to lack of sleep and diet, and because of laughter I vomited. But at the same time, I easily overcame swelling and shortness of breath, jumped like an antelope while gaining weight, flew an airplane from the beginning of pregnancy until the 35th week ... In short, everything is individual and, yes, only partly predictable.

Life does not end - do what you are used to

As I said above, I flew by plane at all stages of pregnancy. Of course, after consulting with a doctor and being confident in your condition. I worked until the very contractions and was not going to go on maternity leave, which every third asked me about (by the way, it infuriates me). I'm used to a mobile lifestyle and I don't understand why and how a baby can interfere with this.

Of course, I had to give up active, or rather extreme sports, I could not go on a yacht trip with my husband, and I needed to sleep and eat much more than usual. But everything else is the same. In the end, a child should see and know a happy mother, and I won’t be happy without my usual and favorite things. If you are used to running, then consult a doctor, and if your health is in order, run further. I remember how I was sobered by videos of pregnant women pulling weight with heavy dumbbells and surfing a wave.

Yes, awareness and responsibility for the life of another person is added, but your life is not interrupted.

Different doctors are needed, different doctors are important

I'm going to say a terrible thing (oh my god), but doctors can be wrong. Yes, how dare I. But to doubt someone else's opinion, even a doctor's one, is normal.

The first gynecologist from a private clinic convinced me that I:

are not pregnant at all;
I have a tumor and need surgery;
There is no need to take tests, because she is 99% right, and leaves the last percent to God.

Thank you, at least I left this percentage. Another gynecologist also denied the pregnancy of a couple of our friends and generally said that they were incompatible and would never be able to have children together.

Ask for a second opinion, go to consultations with various specialists, listen to your inner voice. Of course, the doctor has education, experience and authority, but you also have to live with the decision made and be responsible for it.

In the end, following the doctor's instructions and whether to go to the doctor at all is your decision from the beginning, no one is forcing you. They warn you about risks, write prescriptions and refer you to procedures, but in the end it's all you, all yourself.

How many times during pregnancy have I been prescribed a terrible heresy, from which at least there was absolutely no effect, and at the maximum it got worse. How often the doctor could not answer the question: "Why is this necessary?" And how many times during my pregnancy I heard unscientific obscurantist nonsense from doctors, I don’t even want to remember.

And no, don't talk about the fact that I went to provincial clinics and it was my own fault. All the doctors I signed up for had a specialized education, which speaks of the quality of it in our country, and some had dissertations, many years of experience behind them, conferences, research, and others like them.

Of course, not all doctors are terrible. I'm talking about the fact that it is important to find out for yourself, be interested in and understand that only you bear real responsibility for your health and for the condition of the child.

Hypotheses need to be supported by the foundation of knowledge

This applies to what is written above, and to what you hear from friends, and to what will seem to you yourself.

Here I'll just leave the most "brilliant" opinions and advice that people almost passing by gave me.

The seller of dried fruits said that pregnant women should not drink churchkhela. It turned out, as I later read from the Internet, it is not advised to eat it because of the starch in the composition. Point one: why the dried fruit salesman decided that I needed his advice. Point two: believe me, nothing will happen to you from one churchkhela (unless, of course, you are allergic to the ingredients).

The landlord advised me not to put my hands up - he saw me reach for a jar of spices standing on the top shelf. It's good that the moment when I put things in order on the mezzanine went unnoticed. I never received any arguments from the owner of the apartment, it was something like: “I already have three, I know better.” The Internet also reports that raising hands is dangerous because the baby can wrap around the umbilical cord. Surprisingly, according to the same principle of moving the hands to the sides, she does not tie sea knots on the umbilical cord.

I will leave without a deep analysis the most banal prejudices: for example, about the fact that a pregnant woman should not cut her hair.

I don't mind getting good advice, even if it's unsolicited. But I want a person not only to carry some kind of heresy, but at least somehow explain why this is so, and not otherwise.

No one knows better than you

If you think you need to get tested every two weeks, you want to give birth by caesarean section, and after the baby is born you have to sleep in bed with you, you will wear it in ergo backpack, and bottle-feeding with formula is your choice.

If you're sure it's better/more comfortable/quieter, then it is.

Do not listen to anyone except those whose opinion you trust. Better yet, learn different opinions and add up your own. To each his own, every child is different. And only you can know what is right for you.

Support and support is essential

Without it, nothing. It can be a doctor, sister, mother, girlfriend, friend - anyone! It was my husband. It was he who protected me from the influence of others, endured and fulfilled whims, reassured me and showered me with gifts. Without my husband, I certainly would not have coped. And now I understand that without a person who is always on your side, it will not only be difficult for you, but unbearable. After all, for pregnancy you need to make so many decisions, so much responsibility, to understand a lot of knowledge. Without someone to help you not go crazy, this is extremely difficult.

It is also important to remember that this person needs gratitude and feedback. He takes care of you, gives affection and care, which means that he himself must replenish these reserves somewhere. Give thanks, remember his needs, note how important he is.

Seek care, avoid intimidation

Some midwives who advocate natural pregnancy and natural birth have a theory about intimidation and care. It is difficult to distinguish one from the other, but I am sure pregnant women will understand me. There are such “caring” ones, after whose words you don’t want to live, let alone give birth. And yes, they justify their behavior with love: they say, we are so worried about you. But, honestly, it would be better not to worry.

Explain to others that instead of telling you that you don't look good, eat little/a lot, wheeze, sniffle and grunt strangely, it's better to tell you that you look very fresh and cheerful and generally do a great job. Instead of saying whether you should walk more or move less, it's better to invite you to the museum or join watching TV shows on the couch.

And you yourself don't instill fear in your fellow moms - they, just like you, devour themselves from the inside with doubts.

No one torments themselves as much as pregnant women, don't you know. Better stay in one group. Once a woman came up to me, stroked my shoulder and said: “You are gorgeous.” After these words, I was ready not only to move mountains, but even to reach the remaining term, although with edema and extra pounds, this is oh, how difficult.

In fact, the only thought I wanted to convey is that no one will tell you how to be you. You will make your own mistakes, there will be your own disappointments and your own discoveries. It took me time and strong faith of my husband to understand that only I am my own mentor and teacher. After all, I am a mother, and this is not only a role in the life of a child, it is also an internal reconfiguration of myself.