Laker Help Link
Pregnancy
How do I know if I am pregnant?
A urine test performed by medical professionals is the best way to find out. You can also purchase home pregnancy tests at most drugstores. They are simple to use, but they are not accurate unless you very carefully read and follow the instructions in the package. If your test is "positive," you will need a pelvic exam.
You and your partner have three choices if you are pregnant:
- You can choose to have a baby and raise the child.
- You can choose to have a baby and place your baby up for adoption.
- You can choose to terminate the pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood is an excellent community resource for counseling to help you make the best decision for you and your partner:
Planned Parenthood of West and Northern Michigan
425 Cherry St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616.774.7005
www.ppwnm.org
What do I do if I choose to have the baby?
- Schedule regular pre-natal visits with your doctor or clinician.
- Discuss pre-natal vitamins and/or supplements with your doctor.
- Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and fish, and low-fat dairy products.
- Increase daily calorie intake by about 300 calories.
- Limit or eliminate alcohol consumption and caffeine.
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain a regular exercise routine; for more information go to the "Exercising While Pregnant" section of this web site.
- Your emotional well-being is also important, so explore your feelings and/or concerns about your pregnancy with family, friends, church members, or a counselor. For more information regarding counseling, visit the GVSU Counseling Center web site at .
For questions or more information:
GVSU Health Center
616.331.2435
www.gvsu.edu/campushealth
Planned Parenthood
616.774.0516
www.ppwnm.org
www.childbirth.org
www.pregnancy-info.net
Page last modified September 14, 2010
