How does someone get pregnant?
This is what needs to happen in order for pregnancy to happen:
- A young man's penis has to get near a young woman's vagina.
- When he gets excited, the young man will produce ejaculate or semen (pre-cum or cum) from his penis.
- The semen needs to get in or near the young woman's vagina.
- Sperm in the semen find their way up the vagina to an egg.
- If the sperm and egg combine, they will grow and make a baby.
You cannot get pregnant by kissing, hugging, touching, oral sex, or masturbation (there is no semen that is near to or enters the vagina.)
Learn more about How Pregnancy Happens.
Learn about health risks and dangers associated with teen pregnancy (Womens Health Channel)
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Am I pregnant?
Symptoms:
- Missed period
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Breast tenderness
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Fatigue (tiredness)
Pregnancy tests:
- Home pregnancy tests are available in stores without a prescription.
- If the first test is negative, but you are still experiencing symptoms, take another test.
- If a home pregnancy test is positive, you will need to see a doctor to confirm the test and get a physical examination.
Emergency Contraception:
- If you had unprotected sex (or the condom broke) and it has been less than 5 days since you last had sex, there are options for emergency birth control to help prevent pregnancy.
- Learn more at Emergency Contraception or call 1-866-ECFIRST (1-866-323-4778)
I'm pregnant! Now what?
Finding out you're pregnant may be scary & confusing, but you are not alone. There are people who want to help you.
If possible, we encourage you to talk with a parent or trusted adult about your situation and options. If that isn't possible, or if you just need some more information, here are some resources:
Having a healthy pregnancy
Important things you need to do and know:
- You will need frequent visits to your doctor for check-ups and exams while you are pregnant.
- If you don't already have a doctor, you need to find one immediately.
- Contacting one of the clinics on our list is a good way to find a doctor who works with teen moms-to-be.
To give your baby the best opportunity to be healthy, you must take extra good care of yourself while you're pregnant, meaning:
- You cannot smoke tobacco or marijuana, drink alcohol, or use any other drugs, including some over-the-counter medications.
- Your doctor must approve ALL medications during your pregnancy because some of them could harm the baby.
- You need to eat healthy foods while your baby is growing.
- You need to take folic acid and pre-natal vitamins every day.
- Your doctor or nurse will be able to answer your questions and give you more information about having a safe, healthy pregnancy.
OPTIONS
Adoption
Not everyone feels as though parenthood is the right choice for her/him at a particular time. One option you might want to learn more about is adoption.
For more information contact:
Other
For more information about other options, please click here to go to Planned Parenthood's website.
TeenWire© created a list of questions that might be helpful as you try to make the decision that is best for you:
- Which choice(s) could I live with?
- Which choice(s) would be impossible for me?
- How would each choice affect my everyday life?
- What would each choice mean to the people closest to me?
- What is going on in my life?
- 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?
(TeenWire, 2008)
I need someone to talk to.
Regardless of what you decide, there are people in our community who are here to help and support you. We recommend talking with a parent or trusted adult if at all possible. There are local resources available to help you think through your decision and make a plan that is best for you:
- Catholic Charities of Wisconsin: 1-414-771-2881
- Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, Pregnancy Resource Line: 1-414-418-6878
- Lutheran Social Services: 1-414-281-4400
- Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin: 1-800-230-7526