Pregnant?
Know YourOptions, so you can make an informed decision that’s best for you
You may be facing one of the most difficult decisions you ever have to make. This was not in your plans… Your world is turned upside down, and you are suddenly questioning everything you ever thought or believed. It is okay to be scared…The good thing is that you do have options. YourOptions provides pregnancy help information such as pregnancy symptoms to look for, abortion information, parenting resources, adoption options and more.
WHAT WE DO
YourOptions is focused on providing the facts you need to know
Pregnancy Symptoms & Signs
Delayed or Missed Period
When you become pregnant, you will probably miss your next period. This is a very early sign of pregnancy. Some women will still bleed throughout their pregnancy, but if you do, it will typically be lighter or shorter than your regular period.
Slight Bleeding or Cramping
You may notice some spotting and even some cramping before your menstrual cycle is due. This is known as implantation bleeding, when the embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus. This usually happens about 6 to 14 days after fertilization. This is often the first pregnancy symptom you may notice. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, lighter in color and spottier than your regular menstrual period and shouldn’t last as long.
Tender, or Swollen Breasts
You may notice swollen or tender breasts as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. They may also feel sore, tingly, fuller, and your nipples may become tender and stick out.
Extreme Fatigue
Extreme tiredness is another early symptom of pregnancy in the first several weeks. Your entire body is adjusting and developing high levels of the hormone progesterone. At the same time, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and an increase in blood production can absorb your energy.
Morning Sickness
Hormone changes in your body may be causing nausea and vomiting. This is known as “Morning sickness.” Despite its name, this can happen any time of the day or night. This usually occurs between 2 and 8 weeks after conception. Pregnant women also have a stronger sense of smell so various odors may cause nausea in early pregnancy.
Frequent Urination
Around 6 – 8 weeks after conception, you might have a more frequent need to urinate. This is caused by the pressure being put on your bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles.
Food Cravings or Dislikes
You may find yourself having strong cravings or dislikes for certain foods. Like most pregnancy symptoms, these food preferences can be a result of changing hormones. Food cravings and dislikes can last the entirety of your pregnancy, but are most likely to be the strongest during your first trimester when your hormones are changing the most.
Headaches
Increased blood circulation caused by the sudden rise of hormones can cause you to have frequent, mild headaches early in your pregnancy.
Faintness and Dizziness
Frequently women experience dizziness and lightheadedness throughout their pregnancy. The growth of more blood vessels in early pregnancy, the pressure of the expanding uterus on blood vessels, and the body’s increased need for food can all cause you dizziness and faintness.
Mood swings
The flood of hormones in your body during the first several weeks of your pregnancy can cause you to be unusually emotional and weepy.
Darkening Areolas
A sign of pregnancy or symptom can include the skin around your nipples getting darker in color.
Constipation
As your levels of hormones increase, slowing down digestion and relaxing muscles in the bowels, you may experience constipation. Constipation may include having hard, dry stools, fewer than three bowel movements per week, and painful bowel movements.
Heartburn
Pregnancy hormones can cause you to experience indigestion and heartburn. Hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract causing indigestion and they relax the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach, allowing food and acids to come back up causing the burning feeling of heartburn.
Backaches
You may experience lower back pains during early pregnancy, however they are common throughout your entire pregnancy.
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Where can I get help?
Looking for resources and options that are available to you in your area? Click on the links below to find out more:
Dallas/Fort Worth Area:
Chicago Area:
Boston Area:
Miami/Fort Lauderdale Area:
Thrive Orlando Express Women’s Healthcare
www.optionline.org
Helpline: 1-800-712-HELP
Option Line provides caring, confidential support to anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy. Their consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a toll-free phone number, email or live chat. They will connect you with a nearby pregnancy resource center that offers pregnancy tests as well as answers to your questions about pregnancy, STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), abortion, adoption, parenting, medical referrals and much more.
www.birthright.org/en
Helpline: 800-550-4900
Birthright offers information and referrals to help meet the needs of women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy by providing material and emotional support.
www.americanpregnancy.org
The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy, and community awareness.
www.preghelpcenters.com
Preghelpcenters.com is a website with Missouri pregnancy help centers that will offer free and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, community referrals, options counseling and post-abortion support.
www.txcareforwomen.com
Texas Care for Women is a website with Texas pregnancy help centers that will offer free and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, community referrals, options counseling and post-abortion support.
www.wacareforwomen.org
Washington Care for Women is a website with Washington pregnancy help centers that will offer free and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, community referrals, options counseling and post-abortion support.
www.COCareforWomen.com
Colorado Care for Women is a website with Colorado Pregnancy Help Centers that will offer free and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasound, community referrals, options counseling and post-abortion support.
www.optionline.org
Helpline: 1-800-712-HELP
Option Line provides caring, confidential support to anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy. Their consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a toll-free phone number, email or live chat. They will connect you with a nearby pregnancy resource center that offers pregnancy tests as well as answers to your questions about pregnancy, STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), abortion, adoption, parenting, medical referrals and much more.
www.adoptionsbygladney.com
The Gladney Center for Adoption’s mission is to provide loving homes for children, acaring environment for birthparents, supportive services for Gladney families andadoptees, and assistance to orphans and underserved children throughout the world.
www.ichooseadoption.org
I Choose Adoption provides resources for pregnant women considering an adoption.
www.bethany.org
Chatline
Bethany Christian Services is a leader in adoption and family services worldwide. They strive toward a world where every child has a loving family.
www.lovebasket.org
Love Basket provides confidential counseling to men and women in Missouri, Kentucky, and Minnesota who are considering making an adoption plan. Learn more about adoption and your choices.
www.abortionpillreversal.com
If you have taken the first dose of mifepristone (also known as RU486 or the “abortion pill”) and regret your decision it may not be too late. There is a process for reversing the abortion pill, but time is essential. Call right away to get help.
www.optionline.org
Helpline: 1-800-712-HELP
Option Line provides caring, confidential support to anyone facing an unexpected pregnancy. Their consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via a toll-free phone number, email or live chat. They will connect you with a nearby pregnancy resource center that offers pregnancy tests as well as answers to your questions about pregnancy, STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections), abortion, adoption, parenting, medical referrals and much more.
www.nurturingnetwork.org
Nurturing Network is an international charitable organization that responds to the immediate and comprehensive needs of women facing an unplanned pregnancy. They are active in all 50 states and in 30 foreign countries. Nurturing Network offers resources such as housing, legal assistance, financial help, medical services, educational and employment opportunities and more. Assistance is provided without charge and is available without regard to a person’s race, creed or economic circumstances.
www.cms.gov/home/medicaid.asp
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Find out more information about Medicaid and locate the Medicaid office in your area. Many pregnant women qualify for Medicaid to cover their medical expenses during pregnancy and delivery.
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance/phprog
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers Federal aid to local housing agencies (HAs) that manage the housing for low-income residents at rents they can afford.
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