Am I Pregnant?
Unplanned PregnancyYou can also request an appointment for a consultation with one of our nurses, who will address any questions or concerns and provide you with medical services and information so that you can make informed decisions about your pregnancy and sexual health. These appointments are completely confidential. Each year we help hundreds of women facing an unplanned pregnancy and we respect the importance of your privacy and decisions.
The information below is not intended to replace care or medical advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
Have you experienced these symptoms?
I MISSED A PERIOD
If you have regular menstrual periods, this is one of the first symptoms you will notice. In a few rare cases, women may experience light bleeding while pregnant. Typically, your period stops while you are pregnant.
I HAVE STRONG CRAVINGS
You may experience cravings or aversions to different foods. This may last for the entire pregnancy.
MY BREASTS FEEL TENDER
As early as one week after becoming pregnant, hormonal changes can make your breasts tender to the touch or swollen. They may feel sore, fuller, or heavier. The skin around the nipple, also called the areola, may darken as well.
I FEEL DIZZY
During pregnancy, your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops, causing lightheadedness.
I FEEL NAUSEOUS
Even though it is known as morning sickness, nausea and sometimes vomiting can come at any time of day or night. It can begin as early as three weeks after becoming pregnant and can be triggered by certain smells. It usually ends after two to eight weeks, but it can sometimes last for the whole pregnancy.
I'M MORE TIRED THAN USUAL
During early pregnancy, your body rapidly increases your levels of the hormone progesterone. This can cause fatigue, making you feel tired or sleepy as early as the first week of pregnancy.
MY MOOD KEEPS CHANGING
During pregnancy, your body’s hormones will be changing. This may cause mood swings or make you abnormally emotional.
I HAVE TO PEE MORE OFTEN
You may find that you need to use the restroom more frequently six to eight weeks after becoming pregnant.
I'M HAVING CRAMPS
You may experience mild abdominal cramping.
Confirming Your Pregnancy
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your body produces a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). During a viable pregnancy, the hCG in your body doubles every two or three days and can be found in your bloodstream or urine. This is why a urine test or blood test can detect a pregnancy.
While many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate, or claim to detect pregnancy one day after you miss your period, research suggests that many home pregnancy tests vary in sensitivity, according to the Mayo Clinic. This means the amount of hCG needed to trigger a positive result may be different from test to test.
If you are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy or if you would like confirmation of a home pregnancy test, your first step is to take a lab-level pregnancy test. Request an appointment for a lab-level pregnancy test and ultrasound free of charge at AlphaCare.
Pregnancy Complications
The following symptoms may be signs of a pregnancy complication, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, and experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Room.
- Vaginal bleeding, heavier than your normal menstrual period
- Shoulder pain
- Weakness, dizziness, or fainting
- Low blood pressure
- Abdominal cramping or pelvic pain, especially on one side of your lower abdomen
- Abdominal pain accompanied by:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Spotting or bleeding
- Fever or chills
- Vaginal discharge
- Lightheadedness
- Discomfort while urinating
When is My Due Date?
An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along your pregnancy is. A due date calendar can give you an idea of how far along you are based on when your last period was, but it is not usually as accurate as an ultrasound. Request an appointment with our nurses for a free ultrasound.
If you’re thinking about finding an abortion clinic, it is important to remember that abortion is a medical procedure. What type will you have? What are the risks? You deserve to know the facts. You owe it to yourself to make an informed decision.
Perhaps you’re thinking:
- The father is insisting on an abortion.
- I’m not ready to be a parent.
- I can’t tell anyone I’m pregnant.
You are not alone!
If you’re considering abortion, you need to know:
- Are you really pregnant?
- Are you at risk for natural miscarriage?
- Do you have a tubal pregnancy requiring immediate medical attention?
- How far along are you?
You may also be interested in knowing:
- What kinds of abortions are available to you?
- What are your rights with abortion providers?
- Are there any short-term or long-term risks to consider?
Even though we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can educate you about your choices.
Request an appointment for free, confidential pregnancy testing or a consultation appointment with one of our nurses.
Sexual Health
AlphaCare is here to help you navigate your sexual health. We know life is full of challenges, but your sexual health doesn’t have to be one of them. We believe that it is worth thinking about and planning for.
STIs/STDs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), also known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), are infections that are passed from one person to another through sexual activity or intimate physical contact. They are very common and can pose a serious threat to your current and future sexual health. If you have ever had unprotected sex, even once, you could be at risk for contracting an STI. There are many types of STIs. While some are untreatable, many can be treated with medicine and some can be completely cured.
STIs don’t always cause noticeable symptoms, so it is possible for someone to have an STI and not realize it. That is why it is important to be tested for an STI if you are having sex. If you are pregnant, it is especially important to know if you have an STI. An STI can cause miscarriages, preterm delivery, and can even be spread to the fetus in utero or during delivery.
AlphaCare can help refer you to the resources you need if you want to be tested for an STI, and our nurses can speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have when you come for an appointment.
“I really don’t know where I would be without you guys, because you helped me remember when things are going bad, you know, there’s always someone that cares.”
Whole Person Health
Here at AlphaCare, we believe that sexual health is important. But it is only one part of the bigger picture. While evaluating your health, here are some points to consider:
Mental Health
Taking care of your body physically has a positive effect on your mental health. Learning how to deal with stress in healthy ways and getting professional help when you need it are important for good mental health.
Physical Fitness
Our bodies were made to be active! Getting in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day has several long-term health benefits, not to mention that the endorphins that exercise releases may leave you feeling good all day!
Relational Health
We believe that people are made to live in community with each other. How you relate to those around you can have a huge impact on your life. Healthy, safe relationships can build you up and help you thrive, while negative, destructive relationships can tear you down.
Eating Habits
Food and water are the fuel of the body. It is important to make sure you are drinking enough water and eating fresh, healthy, nutritious food to help your body operate at an optimal level.
Emotional Health
Studies show that those who are able to focus on positive emotions gain many health benefits, including a longer lifespan. Happy and healthy go hand in hand! However, when things go wrong and we experience sadness, being able to work through our sadness or negative emotions in a healthy way is key to coming out of the crisis as a healthier person.
Spiritual Health
Giving yourself time to do creative things you enjoy is good for your mind, body, and soul. Here at AlphaCare we believe that people are spiritual beings with spiritual needs.
This site, and all information contained herein, is designed to be an informational tool only. It is not intended to replace medical advice or care from a qualified medical practitioner.
More information available at:
Pregnancy symptoms: americanpregnancy.org; mayoclinic.org
Prenatal care: www.womenshealth.gov
Home pregnancy tests: www.mayoclinic.org
STD information: www.cdc.gov