Unplanned
Pregnancies
Worried about being
pregnant? Teens facing an unplanned pregnancy often feel alone,
scared, nervous, and confused. The first thing you want to deal
with is finding out whether or not you are really pregnant. And
if you are, there are a lot of big decisions you will have to
make. You have to decide if you are ready to be a parent.
You will have to decide who to tell, and how to tell them. It can
be very overwhelming. But reaching out now is especially
important. Call the Kids’ Helpline at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400 to speak to a counselor about
your options and for a referral.
I think I might be
pregnant, how do I know for sure?
Signs of pregnancy might include:
- A missed period
- Nausea
- Inexplicable fatigue
- Sore or enlarged breasts
- Headaches
- Frequent urination
I have some or all
of these signs, now what do I do?
In order to confirm whether or not you
are pregnant, you will need to get a pregnancy test. The best way
to do this is to get a urine test performed by a medical
professional. There are many agencies that offer teens free and
confidential pregnancy test, call the Kids’ Helpline for more
information.
Another way you can confirm whether or
not you are pregnant is to take a home pregnancy test. Most
drugstores and supermarkets sell pregnancy tests. Like a medical
exam, home tests will examine your urine to detect whether or not you
are pregnant. If you are using a home pregnancy test, be sure to READ and FOLLOW
THE DIRECTIONS. To be sure
that you are indeed pregnant, always follow up with a medical
professional for a pelvic test.
OK, I’m pregnant,
now what?
If you find out that
you are definitely pregnant, then you will have a lot of tough
decisions to make. Although it will be difficult, it is best to
make your decision as soon as possible. Remember that there are
no right or wrong choices for everyone. Only you can decide what
choice is best for you. Get support for yourself and consider the
following options:
- You can choose to have a baby and raise the child.
- You can choose to have a baby and place your child up for
adoption.
- You can choose to terminate the pregnancy.
How do I decide
which choice is best for me?
An unplanned pregnancy can make you
feel like your whole life has turned upside down. You may feel
depressed, scared, angry or confused about the choices that are before
you. Planned Parenthood suggests considering the following
questions during this difficult time in your life:
- Which choice(s) could I live with?
- Which choice(s) would be impossible for me?
- How would each choice affect my everyday life?
- Who could offer me support and assistance?
- What would each choice mean to the people closest to me?
- What is going on in my life right now?
- What are my plans for the future?
- What are my spiritual and moral beliefs?
- What do I believe is best for me in the long run?
- What can I afford?
We highly suggest that you talk about
these choices and your feelings about them with your partner, someone
in your family, a clergy person or a trusted friend. Also, all
family planning clinics have specially trained counselors whose goal is
to help you consider all your options and to make sure you are not
being pressured to do something you don’t want to do. Still not
sure what to do? Call the Kids’
Helpline to talk to one of our counselors 24 hours a day at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400.
Choices
I’ve decided to keep the baby. Is their anyone who can
help me?
If you have decided to
have the baby, you should consider getting support from those who care
right away. Being pregnant will change things in your life, and
right from the start, you should try to give your baby the best chances
for health by getting prenatal care. There are many agencies in
your area who provide assistance to teen parents, including prenatal
care, education, resources, counseling and support. Call
the Kids’
Helpline at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400 to get a referral for an agency
near you.
I’ve decided to put the baby up
for adoption. How do I do this?
Now that you have decided to have the
baby and put the baby up for adoption, there are still a few more
things to consider. There are two types of adoptions:
confidential adoptions and open adoptions.
Confidential adoptions are adoptions in which the birth parents (you and
your partner) and the adoptive parents never meet each other.
Adoptive parents are given background information about you and the
birth father that would help them take care of the baby in case a
medical situation should arise, otherwise, no other information is
exchanged.
Open adoptions are adoptions in which the birth
parents and the adoptive parents know something about each other.
This can range from choosing the birth parents after reading anonymous
descriptions or it can involve meeting them before the birth and even
having them present during the birth.
How
do I arrange an adoption?
All states have licensed adoption
agencies that can help you find adoptive parents for your baby.
Most states also have private adoptions, where you can arrange the
adoption with the birth parents through a private lawyer. For
more information about arranging adoptions, contact the Department of
Social Services, your local family planning clinic or call us at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400 for a referral.
I’ve decided to
terminate my pregnancy. How do I access an abortion?
Abortions in Buffalo and Erie county
can be accessed through either a private doctor or a public
clinic. The only public clinic in Erie County (located in
Buffalo) is Buffalo GYN Women’s Services (1-800-598-3783).
You can get a safe and confidential abortion between 5-20 weeks of your
pregnancy. Buffalo GYN Women’s Services also offers counseling to
discuss your options and answer your questions about abortion.
Two types of abortion are available. For women 5 to 20 weeks
pregnant, you can have a surgical abortion. If you are less than
seven weeks pregnant, you may opt to have a medical abortion using
drugs such as Mifeprex (Mifepristone, or RU-486) and
Misoprostol (Cytotec).
Remember,
you do not need parental consent for an abortion in New York
State. However, we strongly encourage you to seek support in
making this difficult decision. Talking to one or both of your
parents, another trusted adult or an older friend may help you through
this time in your life.
How Do I Tell
My Parents?
Although this may be the scariest thing
you have ever had to tell you’re parents, you will probably feel
greatly relieved after you do. Regardless of the choice that you
make, telling one or both of your parents could be very helpful.
They love you and will probably want to help you in any way that they
can. Although we suggest that you tell your parents if you do
decide to terminate your pregnancy, New York State law does not require
you to have parental consent for an abortion.
Tips for talking to your parents
·
Tell them you have something
very important to discuss with them and find a
time when you can be alone with them to do so.
·
Be direct. Try saying “Mom, Dad, I’m pregnant”. Practice
saying this with a friend, your partner or in front of a mirror to get
used to saying it before you tell them.
·
Think about another time when you had to
talk to them about something really difficult. How did it
go? Did the worst things you imagine happen, or were they really
supportive? Many times our parents can
surprise us.
·
If you feel that you cannot tell them
verbally what is going on, try writing a note or a card and leaving it for them. They will come to you
to talk about it when they are ready.
·
Consider having another
trusted adult, relative, counselor or clergy member with you when you tell your parents. An outside person may help
them put their own feelings into perspective.
·
Realize that they may react in
many different ways. They may feel
overwhelmed, sad, angry or disappointed. Their reactions will
probably change over time.
·
Let them know how you plan to
deal with the pregnancy and how they can
help you.
Pregnancy
Prevention
Myths and facts
MYTHS:
Some common
misconceptions that teens have about sex and pregnancy include
believing that you can’t get pregnant if:
- It’s your first time.
- If you’re both virgins.
- When the girl is having her period.
- If the guy pulls out before he ejaculates or if he
doesn’t go all the way in.
- If you have sex in a pool or hot tub.
- If the girl douches after sex.
- If both partners don’t orgasm at the same time.
- If the girl jumps up and down after sex (to get all the
sperm out).
- If the girl pushes really hard on her belly button after
sex.
- If the girl takes a shower or bath right away.
- If the girl is on top during sex.
FACT: You can get pregnant any time you have
unprotected intercourse. The only 100% sure fire way you can’t
get pregnant is to abstain from sex totally. If you do decide to
have sex, you can only decrease your risk of getting pregnant by using
contraception.
Myths adapted from The National Campaign to Prevent
Teen Pregnancy’s Fact Sheet, 2002.
Contraceptive choices
What
is contraception?
Contraception (also known as birth control) refers to the many
different methods of preventing pregnancy. These different
methods are outlined below for your information and education.
Please be aware that not all methods of contraception protect against
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV. In fact, the
only method that can provide protection against STD’s, including
HIV/AIDS, are condoms.
How
do I decide which method of contraception to use?
Every type of contraception or birth
control has it’s advantages and disadvantages. Discuss your needs
with your health care provider or with a counselor at your local family
planning clinic to help you decide what is best for you.
Remember, even if you are using birth control to prevent pregnancy, the
only contraceptive that can protect you against HIV/AIDS is a
condom. You should use a condom every single time you have sex to
decrease your risk of HIV.
Where can I get birth control?
Condoms and spermicides can be
purchased without a prescription at most local drugstores and
supermarkets. You will need a prescription from your doctor or
health care provider for most other types of birth control. Most
family planning clinics, including your local Planned Parenthood, offer
informational counseling on birth control and can provide you with
contraceptives such as the pill, condoms, and Depo-Provera right at the
clinic.
What are my choices for birth
control?
There are many different types of birth
control. Again, each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages
that you should discuss with your partner, your doctor or with a family
planning counselor. Contraceptive methods include:
Hormonal Methods – prevent pregnancy by interrupting the normal
process for becoming pregnant. Hormonal methods do not protect
against STDs. Common hormonal methods include:
- Oral contraceptives (commonly known as The Pill) – a pill
for women that must be taken at the same time every day to prevent
pregnancy.
- Hormonal implants (such as Nor-Plant) – small capsules
inserted under the skin of a woman’s upper arm that release small
amounts of a hormone to prevent pregnancy. These can be left
in the body for up to five years.
- Depo-Provera – a hormone shot that is injected into a
woman’s arm or buttock every 3 months.
- The Patch or Vaginal Ring – these are two new
methods of hormonal birth control. Both release hormones
that help prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn on a woman’s
body and has to be changed weekly. The vaginal ring is
inserted in a woman’s vagina and also has to be changed on a
regular basis.
Barrier Methods – prevent sperm from reaching the egg, thereby
preventing pregnancy.
- Condoms (also known as Rubbers) – a cover for the
penis or vagina. Latex condoms are recommended for
protection against STDs, including HIV/AIDS. Male and female
condoms are available at most drugstores.
- Diaphragm or Cervical Caps – a shallow latex
cup which the woman puts in her vagina before having sex.
The diaphragm is generally used with a spermicidal jelly or cream.
Other Methods
- Abstinence
– Not having vaginal, oral or anal intercourse.
Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and
STDs, including HIV/AIDS.
- Spermicide
– A cream, foam, jelly or insert which kills sperm.
Spermicides do not protect against STDs or HIV/AIDS.
Spermicides are more effective when used with a condom.
- Withdrawal
– removing the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
While withdrawal is better than nothing, it is one of the least
effective ways to prevent pregnancy and it also may expose you to
STDs and HIV/AIDS.
- Natural
Family Planning – not having sex during the 5 or 6 days a
month when it is possible for the woman to get pregnant.
Specialized training is essential for using this method
effectively, and it is not recommended for teens. It also
does not protect against STDs or HIV/AIDS.
- Intra-Uterine
Device (IUD) – a plastic, medicated device which is inserted
into a woman’s uterus to prevent pregnancy.
- Sterilization
– A permanent, surgical form of contraception that blocks the
fallopian tubes in women (also know as tubal litigation) and the
vas deferens in men (also known as a vasectomy). This method
of birth control is permanent, and is not generally recommended
for teens.
Source: U.S. Department of Health &
Human Services – Office of Population Affairs “Teen Talk” Newsletter.
Typical use* effectiveness table of contraceptive
methods
|
Abstinence
|
100%
|
|
Hormonal Implant
|
99%
|
|
Depo-Provera
|
99%
|
|
Intra-Uterine Device (IUD)
|
99%
|
|
The Pill
|
95%
|
|
Withdrawal
|
81%
|
|
Diaphragm/Cervical Cap with
Spermicide
|
80%
|
|
Male Condoms
|
79%
|
|
Natural Family Planning
|
75%
|
|
Spermicides (without other methods)
|
74%
|
*Typical use effectiveness -
means how well the method works for the average person who uses it on a
regular basis.
Source: Contraceptive Technology; The
1995 National Survey of Adolescent Males; and the 1995 National Survey
of Family Growth.
What are my chances of getting
pregnant if I choose not to use any type of birth control?
The average woman has an 85% chance of
getting pregnant during a year of not using any type of birth control
method. Don’t take the risk! Use birth control and a condom
every single time you have sex!
I’ve heard of something called the
“Morning-After-Pill”. What is it?
Emergency Contraceptive (commonly known as the “Morning-After-Pill) are
hormonal pills that are taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex or
contraceptive failure (e.g. a condom breaking or forgetting to take
your pill). Emergency contraception is the only method that can be
used after having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
Is Emergency Contraceptive the same
thing as the “Abortion Pill”? Can it cause an abortion if I am
already pregnant?
One of the common myths about Emergency
Contraception is that it the same thing as the “Abortion Pill” (RU-486,
also known as Mifepristone). Emergency Contraception does not
cause abortions. It is a high dose of oral contraceptives that
will prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in a woman’s uterus up to
72 hours after unprotected sex. Studies have shown that if a
woman is already pregnant, and Emergency Contraception does not work
for some reason, it will not harm the fetus or cause a spontaneous
abortion or miscarriage. Emergency Contraception is 75%
effective, if taken correctly within the 72 hour time frame.
However, the earlier you take it after unprotected sex, the better your
chances that it will work.
How can I get Emergency
Contraception?
Emergency Contraception can be accessed
through most family planning clinics, such as your local Planned
Parenthood. Some doctors will prescribe emergency contraceptives,
but many will not. To access Emergency Contraception in your
area, contact Planned Parenthood at 1-800-230-PLAN.
Are you dealing with an unplanned
pregnancy? Are you thinking about having sexual
intercourse? Do you need more information about birth
control? Call the Kids’
Helpline today to speak to a
counselor for help, information, or referrals at 716-834-1144
or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400.
Relationships:
Pregnancy & Birth Control Local Resources
Planned Parenthood
2697 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 831-2200 or toll free at
1-800-230-PLAN
http://www.plannedparenthood.org
Planned
Parenthood provides pregnancy testing, HIV and STD testing, birth
control counseling, and a wide range of other reproductive services to
men and women. They also have "Teen Only" Hours.
Check out their website for more information!
Young
Parents Program
Erie County Department of Social
Services
290 Main Street, Room 503
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-1343
They provide free case management services to pregnant
and parenting teens ages 13-20 in Erie County.
Buffalo Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program
2495 Main Street, Suite 534
Buffalo, NY 14214
(716) 885-1455
http://www.bfnc.org
BAPPS provides case management services to at-risk,
pregnant or parenting teens in Buffalo & Erie County.
Adoption Counseling Center of WNY
82 High Park Boulevard
Eggertsville, NY 14226
(716) 834-8424
They offer education & consultation,
pre-adoptive family groups, post-adoptive family groups, peer groups
for adopted children & adolescents, child & family counseling,
as well as pre-adoption counseling for birth parents.
Buffalo GYN Women Services
2500 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14209
(716) 835-2510 or toll free at
1-800-598-3783
http://www.buffalogyn.com
This is the only public clinic in and around Buffalo
which will provide abortion services. They also offer free
pregnancy testing, emergency contraception and options counseling.
Relationships: Pregnancy & Birth
Control Additional Resources
National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
http:/www.teenpregnancy.org
A teen friendly site which provides lots of reasons
why you should wait to have sex!
There's facts and stats, quizzes to take, and lots
of great info to check out!
Advocates for Youth
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org
Another great site which provides relevant
information about sexuality, birth control, teen pregnancy, and other
related issues. They take an activist approach and tell you how
you can get involved on issues that matter to you!
|
