Basic Symptoms

How do I know if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy symptoms include: nausea, swollen/sore breasts, fatigue, dizziness, appetite changes, frequent urination, weight gain or loss. If you are experiencing these symptoms, come to Pregnancy Services and we'll do a free pregnancy test for you!

How can I find out how far along I am?

Come in and talk with us.  Our trained counselors and a free ultrasound can help you determine how far along you are.

I’m scared. Is that normal?

Yes!  Being pregnant is a completely new and unique experience.  Sometimes, when we find out we’re pregnant, we want to “rewind” the film of our life.  Since that’s not possible, it’s important to take some time, talk to professionals and friends, and find out what resources are out there for you.  Stop by or give us a call: we’d be glad to answer ANY questions you have.  Don’t be afraid!  It will all work out, we promise!

 

Choices

I’m not ready to be a parent, but I don’t want to have an abortion. Are there any services to help me?

Our community provides lots of help!  The Health Department provides prenatal care according to income, and you may qualify for insurance through Medicaid.  We can help you find stable housing.  And, if you’re in school, there are tons of wonderful scholarships available!  Stop by any of our offices, and we can explain these and the abundance of other services available to you.

What about adoption? It seems so difficult and complicated, but I'd like to know more.

Adoption is definitely worth considering, and making an “adoption plan” is a wonderful and fulfilling experience.  Adoption Associates wants to help, and is available to answer any questions you might have.  Call toll-free at 1-877-869-4196 or email them at cannon@adoptassoc.com.

I'm wondering how I will feel afterwards if I have an abortion?

Based on the testimony of many professionals, most women experience some form of PAS (Post Abortion Syndrome).  The effects can range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors.  Pregnancy causes a dramatic hormonal effect to occur, and because abortion interrupts the natural state of the mother’s hormones, severe depression is extremely common.  As a result, many women find themselves consulting a therapist for counseling and medication, often for several weeks or months following an abortion.
 
That’s why it’s really helpful to talk to one of our counselors BEFORE making the decision to terminate.  There are options and resources out there that you might not have considered, or didn’t even know about!  Call us at 517.332.0633.

 

Lifestyle

How can I tell my parents?

Fear at the thought of telling their parents is the number one reason our clients consider an abortion.  They're afraid that their parents will be angry, disappointed, or unforgiving.  While it’s true that parents might experience a feeling of disappointment, the fact remains that you are their daughter and they love you.  Everyone makes mistakes, including parents!  We’re certain that after the initial news, they will become supportive of you becoming a parent (or choosing a family for your baby).  This transition becomes even easier if you approach your parents with a plan: help them understand that you will stay in school or keep working.  Be ready with research on childcare, scholarships, etc.  We can provide you with all sorts of useful and helpful information!  

What about work?  I’m afraid I’ll lose my job.

Don’t worry!  It’s actually against the law to fire someone if they get pregnant, and many women actually continue working until just days before delivering their baby.  Additionally, your employer is required by law to give you maternity leave.  For more information, visit this site: http://www.blr.com/Compensation/Discrimination/Maternity-and-Pregnancy-in-Michigan#

what does a fetus look like?

Learn more about how a fetus grows and changes in the initial weeks of pregnancy.

6 Weeks

Brain is developing well; lenses of the eyes appear and nostrils are formed. Arms and legs continue to develop; internal organs also begin to develop. Heartbeat may appear on ultrasound as a regular flutter.

7 weeks

Fingers start to develop. Feet start to appear with tiny notches for the toes. Ears, eyes, and nose start to appear. Intestines start to form in the umbilical cord. Teeth begin to develop under the gums. Normal heartbeat would be 90 to 110 beats per minute. Elbows are forming.

8 Weeks

The baby’s eyelids and palms of the hands are sensitive to touch. Baby swims and moves gracefully inside the amnionic sac. Every organ that is present in an adult human is now present in the baby. Stomach produces digestive juices and the liver makes blood cell. Heartbeat is sturdy around 140 to 170 beats per minute. Kidneys are beginning to function and taste buds are forming. Brain waves can be measured.

9 Weeks

Hands now bend at the wrist and fingerprints and fingernails are just beginning to show. Elbows are formed. Nerves begin to function. Bones begin to harden. Thumb sucking occurs. The male or female organs appear. The baby will move away if touched through the uterine wall and can move spontaneously.

10 Weeks

Baby is sensitive to touch. The baby will stretch out and show breathing-like movements. Tiny baby teeth are forming in the gums. Heart almost completely formed. Voice box is forming. Baby squints, swallows, frowns and puckers up the brow.

11 Weeks

Blood vessels in the placenta are increasing in both size and number to provide the baby more nutrients. Baby now practices breathing. Baby now urinates. Stomach muscles can now contract. Baby can make complex facial expressions and even smile. Ears move toward their final position on the sides of the head.

12 Weeks

Intestines will make their way into the abdomen since there is room now. Vocal cords are formed. Brain continues to develop. Tiny fingernails and toenails start to form. Fine hair begins to grow on the upper lip and eyebrows. Baby responds to skin stimulation. Baby swallows.