“I’m pregnant…”
How will you react when your friend finds out she’s pregnant?
An unplanned pregnancy can be scary. She needs to know she is not alone. She can get through this, and you will be there to help along the way.
Here’s how you can help your friend, family member or girlfriend know she’s not alone:
What to do:
- Talk with her and listen to her. Ask her how she’s feeling and listen for ways you can help. Be there for her. Sometimes, the best way to help is to just be with her.
- Talk with the people who care for her. Offer to help her tell her parents, the child’s father, or other family members who need to know she’s pregnant. Listen for ways you can help her think through who to tell and when.
- Learn about where she can go for help during her unplanned pregnancy. She has options, and there are organizations near her who can help. You can find those on OptionLine.org and even help her make an appointment.
What not to do:
- Don’t shame her. She may already feel guilty, embarrassed, or ashamed. Be a safe person for her. Stay positive and encouraging!
-Don’t pressure her. You may know what you would do if you were in her shoes, but she is the one who needs to decide. She has choices to make, and she needs to know you’ll be with her no matter what.
- Don't cut her off. Most women and girls in an unplanned pregnancy already feel alone. Make sure she knows you’ll stay with her—and listening to her—no matter what.
Have more questions?
Need more help? Please reach out to us with any questions. We’re here for you.
Pregnancy Symptoms
Don't get caught worrying about being pregnant before you are sure. A missed period is the most common indication, but it doesn't necessarily mean you are pregnant. 
Common pregnancy symptoms:
- Late period
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Backaches
- Food cravings or aversions
- Darkening of the nipples
We will provide you with a free lab-certified pregnancy test. You will have the results during your appointment.
Call us today to schedule a confidential appointment 850-983-2730
How accurate is the test?
Our tests are laboratory quality. They can detect the hCG pregnancy hormone as early as 7 days after conception or 21 to 24 days after the first day of your last period. The test is over 99% accurate.
Can I have a retest if my test is negative and my period doesn't start?
Yes, you may be rescheduled for another test. The hCG hormone doubles every couple of days during the first three months of pregnancy.
Should I see a doctor if I have a second negative test and have not started my period?
If you have concerns about missed periods and your pregnancy test continues to be negative, you should see you health care provider for assessment. If you need resources for health care, our center can provide you referrals.
Emergency Contraception
Also called - Aftera, Fallback Solo, Econtra EZ, Opcicon, My Way, Next Choice One Dose, Plan B One Step, Ella, Preventeza, React and Take Action
What is it?
Emergency contraception, commonly called the morning-after pill or day-after pill, is a high dosage of synthetic hormone. The way emergency contraception works varies based on when it is used within your cycle. Its use can end a pregnancy prior to or shortly after implantation. Emergency contraception is not always effective in preventing pregnancy.
The morning-after pill is not a form of regular birth control, and the manufacturers advise that it is not intended to be taken on a regular basis. It does not offer lasting protection for any subsequent sexual encounters.
What is the purpose?
Women most commonly seek emergency contraceptives when they fear pregnancy, such as when:
- A contraceptive method was desired but not used.
- A contraceptive failure—a condom broke, diaphragm or cervical cap breakage, or a barrier contraceptive slippage.
- Birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections are started late or dislodged.
- Failed withdrawal.
- Expulsion of an IUD or implant.
- Sexual assault; forced sexual intercourse.
How does it work?
Hormonal emergency contraception works to thin the lining of the uterus and sometimes prevent ovulation. During the time of your cycle when you can conceive, it often fails to act as a contraceptive & acts instead as an abortifacient.
High doses of synthetic hormones may carry health risks. If you have any existing health conditions, be sure to discuss these with your doctor before you buy or take emergency contraception. Side effects of hormonal emergency contraception, which typically last a few days, can include headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, changes in menstrual bleeding, and abdominal pain.
If you have noticed any unexpected side effects, such as heavy bleeding, seek medical attention right away.
If you weigh more than 155 lbs, certain types of emergency contraception may not lower your chances of getting pregnant.
What about a copper IUD?
A Copper IUD (ParaGard T 380A) is a T-shaped intrauterine device also used as emergency contraception. When inserted after ovulation, a copper IUD is used to prevent implantation of the developing embryo.
Are you considering emergency contraception and need help in your decision?
Contact us today to talk to someone about your concerns.
Does emergency contraception protect against infections and diseases?
Emergency contraception does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Is emergency contraception the same as the abortion pill?
These products are not the same as RU-486, which is the abortion pill.
What if I’ve already used emergency contraception?
If you’ve already taken emergency contraception, do not be alarmed if your period is late or not a normal period for you. Because the lining of the uterus has been temporarily thinned by this drug, sometimes a period is missed or is different. Also, some women may have spotting or bleeding before their next period. Contact us today if you need a free pregnancy test.
What should I do next?
After using emergency contraception there is still a chance that a pregnancy could occur. If you have not had a period within three weeks of using emergency contraception, contact us. We are here to help you regardless of your situation.
Your choices are entirely in your control. We’re glad you started here. Call or chat with us now if you’d like to talk more!
Whenever you need us, we can help.
References
American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Embryocidal potential of modern contraceptives. Professional Ethics Committee of AAPLOG, 7, 1-29. https://aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FINAL-CO-7-Embryocidal-Potential-of-Modern-Contraception-1.20.20.pdf
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). How pregnancy occurs. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/how-pregnancy-occurs/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, July 1). Morning-after pill. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23386-morning-after-pill
Drugs.com. (2023, April 10). Emergency contraception: What you need to know. https://www.drugs.com/article/emergency-contraceptive-pill.html
Drugs.com. (2022, November 14). Morning after side effects. https://www.drugs.com/sfx/morning-after-side-effects.html
Drugs.com. (2022, August 22). Paraguard prescribing information. https://www.drugs.com/pro/paragard.html
Mayo Clinic. (2022, June 3). Morning-after pill. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/morning-after-pill/about/pac-20394730
Option Line. (n.d.). Emergency contraception. https://optionline.org/emergency-contraception
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2022, December 23). Plan b one-step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) information. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information
Watts, E. (2023, April 14). Birth control with up to 92% lower hormone doses could still be effective. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/birth-control-with-up-to-92-lower-hormone-doses-could-still-be-effective
Whalen, K. & Rose, R. (2012). Ulipristal (ella) for emergency contraception. American Family Physician, 86(4), 365-369. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0815/p365.html
Workowski, K. A., Bachmann, L. H., Chan, P. A., Johnston, C. M., Muzny, C. A., Park, I., Reno, H., Zenilman, J. M., & Bolan, G. A. (2021). Sexually transmitted infections treatment guidelines, 2021. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR): Recommendations and Reports, 70(4), 1-187. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7004a1
For Men
Do you think she's pregnant?
You are not alone in this situation. The two of you can get through this. She needs you now more than ever. It’s vitally important that you provide her with the support she needs --emotionally and physically. Here are some tips on how you do this.
What to do:
Talk with her and listen to her. Keep the lines of communication open between the two of you at all times. DO NOT close yourself off emotionally because this situation involves more than just you!
Be there for her. She needs you now more than ever before.
Talk with the people who care. In addition to keeping the lines of communication open between the two of you, it’s important to discuss the situation with parents and others who’ll be directly affected. Keeping this a secret will only add to the stress – yours and hers.
Educate yourself. Collect information and seek advice from people you trust.
Be honest with her and yourself. Own and share at all times how you feel. You’ll be surprised at how much it will help her to know that you share the same concerns. You’ll be surprised at what you learn about yourself. And you’ll be proud that you're standing tall together!
What Not To Do:
Don’t run from your responsibilities. The more you try to avoid this situation, the harder things will get for the three of you. Now. And forever.
Don’t pressure her to do what you want. You both need to work together at all times. You're a team now!
Don't stop communicating with her. Express your feelings and add your input whenever it’s needed.
Pregnancy
Could I Be Pregnant?
You might feel excited about the possibility of pregnancy, but you may also be feeling stressed, anxious, confused, or scared.
If you’re not sure whether you are pregnant, we are here to help.
When you are sexually active, there is always a chance you could become pregnant. At different times of the month, your chances of pregnancy can increase or decrease. Additionally, sperm can survive in a woman’s body after sexual activity for several days. Even while using contraception, pregnancy is possible.
Possible Signs and Symptoms
One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a missed period. However, pregnancy is not the only reason a woman might miss her period.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. Some women have many signs and symptoms, while other women have no noticeable signs at all. Early indications of pregnancy may include but are not limited to:
- Missed period
- Tender and swollen breasts
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Increased urination
- Fatigue (tiredness)
Other symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
- Light spotting
- Cramping
- Moodiness
- Bloating
- Constipation
Pregnancy Tests
So, what now? The first step is to find out if you’re pregnant.
If you’re wondering if it’s too early to test, a good rule of thumb is that a pregnancy test should be accurate right around the first day after a missed period. If your period is irregular, or you don’t know when to expect it, waiting 17 days after you had sex to take a pregnancy test can usually give you an accurate reading. We can set up an appointment to verify your pregnancy test results.
Pregnancy tests are a good indication of pregnancy; however, it is important to know that they are only an indication of pregnancy. An ultrasound can confirm if you are pregnant or not. If you have had a positive pregnancy test, consider scheduling an appointment for an ultrasound for confirmation.
Next Steps
If you have had sex, there is a possibility of pregnancy. Our center can provide a free and confidential pregnancy test, retest, or referral. We can also provide or refer for an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy. Contact us today. We are here to help you work through your questions confidentially.
Whenever you need us, we can help. Contact us by phone or by chat.
References
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Early signs of pregnancy. https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-symptoms/early-signs-of-pregnancy/
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Positive pregnancy test. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/positive-pregnancy-test/
American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Ultrasound: Sonogram. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/ultrasound/
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Fetal development. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth
Eagleson, H. (2023, April 26). Can you only get pregnant during ovulation?. Parents. https://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/trying-to-conceive/ovulation-getting-pregnant/
Mayo Clinic. (2021, December 3). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
Mayo Clinic. (2022, March 8). 1st trimester pregnancy: What to expect. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047208
Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 23). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results?. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
White, K. (2023, May 5). Is it possible to get pregnant if I have sex during my period?. Mayo Clinic. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/women-health/is-it-possible-to-get-pregnant-if-i-have-sex-during-my-period/