When you’re a teenage girl, pregnancy can be a terrifying prospect. However, there is hope. These days, there are resources available for young women who need advice, medical care, and free pregnancy help, including free pregnancy tests. The most important thing to do is reach out to others who can guide you during this time.
The important thing to remember is that you’re not alone. Nearly half of all women in the United States will have an unplanned pregnancy before the age of 45. If you are a teen in need of free pregnancy help, here are some of the steps you may encounter along the way:
The Early Signs of Pregnancy
Typical pregnancy early signs include bloating, nausea, vomiting, cramps, swollen or tender breasts, and fatigue. In short, those signs are a lot like the symptoms you may experience before or during your period. The key difference, however, is that your period will not arrive after you notice that it is late. While it is normal and healthy for a menstrual cycle to last anywhere from 21 to 40 days (or about three to six weeks) for some women, going more than six weeks without a period is a sign that it’s time to take a pregnancy test. If you’re unable to buy a test, see if you can find one of the teen pregnancy centers in your area that offers a pregnancy test for free.
Telling Your Parents
Once you have received a positive result on a pregnancy test, you will have to let your parents know. This idea can sound scary to many young girls, but the important thing is to be honest so you can begin receiving care as soon as possible. If you are nervous about how your parents might react, see if you can bring another family member or trusted adult, such as a counselor or clergy, with you for your discussion. In addition to telling family, you’ll also want to inform the father of the child, so you can determine his level of involvement.
Options
During the early stages of pregnancy, it is crucial to discuss your situation with a medical professional and other trusted sources. Knowing about adoption, abortion, and raising your child are all important in the decision-making process. Again, be sure to look into free pregnancy help at a women’s center in your area if you don’t have any other resources.
Prenatal Care
Whether you visit a pregnancy help center or are taken to the family doctor by your parents, you should begin receiving your prenatal care as soon as possible. There are several risk factors involved with pregnancy, one of which is miscarriage. This issue occurs in about one in five of all pregnancies. It is usually brought on by problems during the early development of the fetus, such as improper implantation of the egg or problems with the structure of the embryo. Your doctor will be able to inform you of the risks you may face during your pregnancy.
If you have questions about teen pregnancy, be sure to ask a professional for help. You can also leave a comment below with your questions or give suggestions for young women in this situation. References.