|
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is not only a hormonally controlled biological event. It is also a time of psychological and social change. Being pregnant and having babies is an adventure, and the pregnancy, the birth and child raising is very exciting. For most women, being pregnant and preparing for having the baby is a very pleasurable experience.
Pregnancy is possible if sperm comes into contact with the vagina in any way. This includes sperm coming from the penis, the fingers, or the inside of a condom.
A few drops of sperm are produced as soon as a man’s penis gets hard, which is why withdrawing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation is not an efficient method of contraception. If you are in a sexual relationship and do not wish to become pregnant, then you should be using a reliable method of contraception.
Pregnancy in humans lasts an average of 280 days counting from the first day of the last menstrual period. Hormones play a crucial role in the course of the pregnancy and in the physical and psychological changes in the mother and child.
Pregnancy tests
There are a number of signs of pregnancy, but a missed period is usually the first indication, as most women do not continue to have normal periods when pregnant. However, some women may still experience lighter / shorter bleeding, and for women who do not experience a regular cycle, it is difficult to know when their period is due. The only sure way to know is by taking a pregnancy test.
Pregnancy tests are usually available from family planning clinics, your doctor, or your local pharmacist.
Most pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in urine. These tests can be conducted at home, at your doctor’s surgery or at a family planning clinic. Some tests carried out by physicians detect hCG in the blood. hCG is produced in pregnancy soon after conception. The pregnancy test is often in the form of a plastic stick with a little window at one end. A common way of testing is to urinate on the end of the pregnancy test stick, and a chemical in the stick changes its colour when it comes into contact with the hCG hormone. The colour change will appear in the window and the accompanying instructions will explain how to interpret the results. It is best to take the pregnancy test two to three weeks after having unprotected sex, as this is roughly how long it will take for the hormone levels to show up on the test. A reliable result may not be achieved if the test is used any sooner. The best time to take a home pregnancy test is in the morning, using your first urine of the day, as the hCG levels (if there are any) will be more concentrated. Tests can vary so it is always advisable to ask your doctor / pharmacist for advice, and read the label and instructions very carefully if a pregnancy test had been purchased to carry out at home. Some tests are very sensitive and will detect even very low levels of hCG in urine, which is beneficial if you want to know as soon as possible. If you have recently had a miscarriage or given birth, it is better to use a test that will only detect a high level of hCG to avoid a "false" positive reading.
If you think that you are / your partner is pregnant, it is important to find out as soon as possible. If you plan to keep the baby, you can make recommended lifestyle changes (e.g. stopping smoking and drinking) to give your baby the best chance of being healthy. If you haven’t already done so, it is advisable you consult with your doctor about antenatal care (that is the care you’ll receive leading up to the birth of your baby). Alternatively, if the pregnancy was unplanned, you will need to take some time to decide what you want to do. This can be a complicated decision and there is support available to assist you [insert link to “Facing an unplanned pregnancy” page]. If you decide to have an abortion, you will need to ensure that you are in time to have the procedure safely.
Planning a family
If you are thinking about having a baby, you should speak to your doctor to discuss what you need to do to give your baby the best chance of being healthy, and about what to expect during the pregnancy. Your doctor can also advise you on your current birth control to assist with family planning so that you have children when you feel ready, and discuss your future birth control options after giving birth. Your doctor can also advise you if you are having trouble conceiving.
- To find a Marie Stopes International sexual health centre near you call 1800 003 707.
- Click here to find a Family Planning Association Clinic in your state.
|
|
|
|
|
|
