If You Think You're Pregnant
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Sometimes a woman who had sexual intercourse with a man thinks she might be pregnant when she didnt plan to be. A missed or late period, unexplained nausea, breast tenderness and tiredness are symptoms which are often related to early pregnancy, but are also associated with stress, PMS, anxiety and other problems. The thought that you are pregnant when you dont want to be can be very stressful and upsetting. In this situation, some women think about the relationship with their partner(s), the feelings they have about abortion, adoption and being a parent, and the contraceptive method that failed or was neglected.
If you suspect that you are pregnant, have a pregnancy test done at the health center or a physicians office. Having your suspicions confirmed or denied will help you decide what to do next.
To get a pregnancy test, call one of the campus health centers. They will ask you to come in and pick up a pregnancy test kit. The kit will contain a special cup. You will be asked to collect a sample of your first urine of the day in this small cup and then bring it back to the health center. Later that day, you can return to the health center by appointment to learn the results.
If the test is positive, you will receive counseling, a physical examination, and references which address your options (such as carrying the pregnancy to term, adoption alternatives or terminating the pregnancy).
If the test is negative, you will be asked to return for a
second test if you do not have a period within 10-14 days, and to schedule
a physical examination if you have not had one within the last six months.
If you are not pregnant, talk to a clinician about the
symptoms you were having that made you suspect pregnancy. You may also
want to attend a contraceptive education seminar to learn more about your
contraceptive options. Perhaps you want to try a different method or start
using one if you hadnt been using birth control. Sometimes a method you
chose at another time in your life doesnt fit well into your present
lifestyle or relationship. If
a method isnt comfortable or convenient, it is hard to use it
effectively.
If you are pregnant, give yourself time to explore
your feelings. Being pregnant when you dont want to be can be stressful
and confusing. Some women feel both happy and very upset about the fact
that they are pregnant. This ambivalence is normal. You may feel angry at
yourself or your partner, scared that your family will find out, or
confused about whether or not your partner should know. Although you may
choose not to become a parent at this time, you have (unintentionally)
confirmed your fertility.
Some women are unsure of what to do next. It may be
important for you to find someone with whom you can explore all of your
options. If you will be continuing the pregnancy, you will need a referral
for pre-natal care. If you want to terminate the pregnancy, you will want
to talk with an objective listener about how you feel. The counseling
centers and health centers are good places to go to discuss options and
explore feelings.
Confirming a pregnancy is a two-step procedure
that includes a laboratory test and a pelvic exam. This brochure is
designed to answer questions and concerns you may have about the
procedure.
What are the symptoms of pregnancy ?
Most pregnant women miss a menstrual period or report
having had an unusually light period. They may also experience breast
tenderness, nausea, more frequent urination, weight gain, changes in
appetite, and a sudden intolerance for certain food or odors.
How can I prepare for the laboratory test?
Since the earliest a pregnancy test can be performed is 5
days after a missed period, it is particularly important to note the first
day of your last normal menstrual period once you have missed your
menstrual period.
A health service staff member will provide you with a
container. Read the following instructions carefully to ensure an accurate
test result.
1. Do not take any medications for 24 hours prior to
collecting the urine specimen. (If daily medication is absolutely
required, check with a health service staff member.)
2. Do not use marijuana, tobacco, or alcohol for 24 hours
prior to collecting the specimen, as these may give an inaccurate result.
3. Collect the mornings first urine specimen in the
container provided by the health center.
4. Fill the container with at least 3 tablespoons of urine;
preferably, fill the container completely.
5. Keep the urine cold, and take it to one of the student
health centers in the morning.
Hurtado
11 Bishop Place, College Ave. Campus
before 9:00 A.M
Willets
Suydam Street, Douglass Campus
before 10:30 A.M
Busch/Livingston
Hospital Road and Avenue E, Kilmer Campus
from 8:30 A.M. - 9:00 A.M
Newark
Student Services Building
249 University Avenue, Livingston Campus
before 9:30 A.M
Camden
326 Penn Street, Camden Campus
at 8:15 A.M
How does the test work?
From the time of conception the body produces the hormone,
human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The sensitivity of the test can detect
HCG levels 5 days after the missed period.
When will I learn the results?
If you drop off your urine sample in the morning, you will
be notified of the results in the afternoon. We recommend making an
appointment for test results, pelvic exam, and counseling.
What do the test results mean?
A negative test result indicates that you may not be
pregnant. Other reasons for not menstruating include an unusually
irregular menstrual cycle or stressful situations, such as final exams,
dieting, relationships, increased exercise, or illness. Failure to
menstruate may also indicate that the level of HCG is too low for a valid
test result, in which case repeating the test in one week is highly
recommended.
A positive test result most often indicates pregnancy. If
you are unsure of the course of action to take at this point, your health
care provider can assist you in determining your options. Information
about counseling facilities, prenatal care clinics, and abortion
facilities is available.
Terminating the Pregnancy
Some women decide that pregnancy and childbirth are not
options for them and they choose to terminate the pregnancy. Safe, legal
abortion is available to any woman who feels that terminating the
pregnancy is acceptable and appropriate for her. A referral to a medical
facility can be made.
Continuing the Pregnancy
Some women decide to continue the pregnancy and to keep and
raise the baby themselves. The health centers' clinical staff can refer
you to a medical facility for pre-natal care.
If you choose this option, you will need good medical care and you
may have questions or concerns about your partner, your school plans, your
family and other parts of your life that will change when you become a
parent. Again, talking to a health care provider or counselor can help.
Some women decide to carry the pregnancy to term and
arrange with an agency for the baby to be adopted. It is important for you
to get good medical care and to talk to the social service agency or
private organizations who will handle the adoption. The health centers can
refer you to these agencies.
Consider the alternatives and choose the option that makes
the option that makes the most sense in your life.
Student Health Centers
Busch/Livingston
(732) 445-3250
Camden
(609) 225-6005
Hurtado
(732) 932-7401
Newark
(973) 353-5231
Willets
(732) 932-9805
Counseling Centers
Camden
(609) 225-6005
Cook College
(732) 932-9150
Douglass College (732)
932-9070
Livingston College (732)
445-4140
Newark
(973) 353-5805
Rutgers College and
Graduate
Student (732) 932-7884
University College
(732) 932-8074