Pregnancy

If your period is late and you think you might be pregnant, you can get a standard, over the counter urine pregnancy test from any drug store.

Menstrual periods can be delayed or missed altogether for a variety of physical and emotional reasons. A standard pregnancy test can be done if your period is one week late. A test done too early won't be accurate.

If the urine pregnancy test shows that you might be pregnant, you should see a doctor to confirm the results.

There are lots of resources available to you to help you make decisions if you are pregnant.

In the meantime, we have also included some information for you here that was compiled by Planned Parenthood BC:

Am I pregnant?

Making decisions

Am I pregnant?

If you think you might be pregnant, or your urine test has tested positive for pregnancy, see a doctor for a pelvic exam to confirm the pregnancy and determine how far along you are.

You can ask for a pregnancy test at any walk in clinic or at Planned Parenthood.

Don't take any drugs or medications (except birth control pills or required medications) after 7 p.m. the night before your test. Some medications can affect the results of the test. Tell the doctor if you're taking any.

On the morning of your test, consider bringing with you the first urine you pass; it's most concentrated then. Try not to drink much the night before, so that it can be as concentrated as possible.

If you find out you are not pregnant, you may choose to discuss some birth control options with your doctor. You can also find some useful info at www.planetahead.ca.

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Making Decisions

Deciding what to do about a problem pregnancy is an important and difficult task.

You might want to spend some time thinking about your options or discussing them with your partner, parent, or a trusted friend. Some people find that writing things down helps them clarify their thoughts and feelings; you may want to try that as well.

No choice is without obstacles or problems. If, after answering the questions below and others that might arise, you don't have a clear sense of which decision is right for you, you might want to consult a counsellor, clergyperson, parent, or doctor to help you work things through.

Thinking about…

continuing your pregnancy?

giving your baby up for adoption?

discontinuing your pregnancy?

Continuing your pregnancy and keeping your child

Here are a few questions to ask yourself that might help you clarify what the right decision might be for you.

1. How would this decision affect me, my family, my partner, the child? What role would my partner play? Could I manage without his help? Would my family help?
2. Where could I go for pre-natal and delivery care? Could I support a child myself? Where would I live during and after my pregnancy? Are there others in my life willing to help me? Have I talked with them about it?
3. How would having a child affect my school and job plans?
4. Am I healthy? Would I have a healthy child?
5. Am I emotionally strong enough to take on the responsibility of parenting?
6. How will I feel about this decision in one year? Five years? What does my religion tell me? What are my own beliefs and values?
7. If I choose this option, will I be doing it for myself or someone else?
8. If I were to choose the ideal situation for becoming a parent, what would it be?
9. What are the pros and cons of this decision?
   

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Giving up your child for adoption

1. How would this decision affect me, my family, my partner, the child? What role would my family or partner play? Have I talked with them about it? Are there others in my life willing to help?
2. Where would I go for pre-natal and delivery care? Where would I live during my pregnancy? How would a pregnancy affect my school or job plans?
3. How would I feel about this decision in one year? Five years?
4. Do I know my legal rights? The legal rights of adoptive parents and children? Where can I find out?
5. If I choose this option will I be doing it for myself or someone else?

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Discontinuing your pregnancy and having an abortion

1. How would this decision affect me, my family, my partner, the child? What role would my partner play? Could I manage without his help? Would my family help?
2. Where would I go for an abortion? What does my religion say? What are my own beliefs and values?
3. How will I feel in two months? One year? Five years?
4. If I chose this option, would I be doing it for myself or someone else?
5. What are the pros and cons of this decision?

And remember, we’re here 2 listen if you need us. Wanna talk?

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Resources:

BC Women's Hopsital and Health Centre
Unplanned Pregnancy phone lines:
tel: 1.888.875.3163 (toll free)
tel: 604.875.3163 (in the Lower Mainland)

Options for Sexual Health (formerly Planned Parenthood of BC)
www.optionsforsexualhealth.org

Options for Sexual Health Facts of Life Line
tel: 1.800.739.7367 (toll free)
tel: 604.731.7803 (in the Lower Mainland)

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