Resources

• Community Resource Directory
• Links
• Pregnancy Information

• Think you may be pregnant?
• Unplanned Pregnancies
• Pregnancy
  Decisions
• Parenting
• Adoption
• Abortion

Think You May Be Pregnant?

If you think you may be pregnant, chances are you may be confused, excited or unsure of how to feel. In any case, it's a very personal situation. The information below can help you determine if you may be pregnant, understand your options, and provide birth control options if you are not pregnant.

Pregnancy Symptoms

A human pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks or just over nine months - from the start of the last menstrual period to childbirth. A primary sign of pregnancy is missing one or more menstrual periods in a row.

Other common signs and symptoms of pregnancy include:

• Nausea or vomiting, morning sickness
• Sore breasts or nipples
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Food cravings or aversions
• Mood swings
• Frequent urination

Emergency Contraception

If you have had unprotected sex within the last five days and do not want to be pregnant, emergency contraception, sometimes called the "morning after pill" is available. The sooner you use emergency contraception after unprotected sex, the more likely it will prevent pregnancy. There are several options. If you are 17 or older you can buy emergency contraception at a drug store. Call your healthcare provider or family planning clinic. For questions, call Venus Family Planning at 515.558.9609.

Pregnancy Tests

Because some women may have irregular periods, you should have a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available through a healthcare provider like a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician's assist, family planning clinics or other women's health centers. Home pregnancy tests may be purchased in grocery stores, drug stores, discount stores and other locations.

Home pregnancy tests are not expensive and are very accurate, if used according to the directions. These tests can tell you if you are pregnant about one week after a missed period. If you test too early, you may get a false negative result. If you are concerned, test again in a few days to a week. You can assume you are pregnant if the test is positive.

You're Pregnant

An unplanned pregnancy means decisions, experiences and adjustments in your life and plans. You may want to talk with someone. Venus Family Planning Services has healthcare providers available to listen and support. If you feel you need help, get information about local programs, services and more from the Community Resource Directory.

You're Not Pregnant

If you are not pregnant, consider consulting with your healthcare provider, a family planning clinics or other women's health clinic about a birth control method right for you. Knowing all of your family planning options and making a choice can be confusing. If you do not have a provider, Venus Family Planning Services can help you find the right option. Venus offers women and men in central Iowa a full range of reproductive health services. Venus Family Planning offers voluntary, confidential services on a sliding scale:

• FREE long-term, reversible birth control*
• Pregnancy testing
• All other forms of birth control
• Family planning education and counseling
• Breast and pelvic exams
• Cervical cancer screening
• HPV vaccinations
• Screening and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

*Visit fees may apply

To learn more about Venus Family Planning Services, visit www.venusfamilyplanning.org.