Health Services

Health Education

Sexual Health

Pregnancy

If you engage in heterosexual sexual activity, there is usually a possibility that the female partner could become pregnant. Numerous contraception options are available to reduce the risk of pregnancy, but none of them are 100% fail-proof. As a result, almost every woman at some point wonders if she could be pregnant. For some, the thought may be exciting; but for others, such as many women in college, the though of being pregnant might be terrifying. Any emotion that you experience during this time is completely normal and is different for each person. The best thing you can do at this point, however, is to test for pregnancy.

You might wish to begin by taking a home pregnancy test - there are many reliable brands available at drug, grocer, discount and dollar stores, but make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Should your home pregnancy test be positive, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider will perform another test(a blood test) to confirm or disconfirm your pregnancy. The sooner you know for sure that you are pregnant, the sooner you can consider your options and initiate appropriate care.

If you are trying to become pregnant, ovulation kits can help predict yur most fertile time. The kits are available over the counter. Be sure to begin taking pre-natal vitamins that contain folate a few months before trying to conceive.

Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Some women experience symptoms of pregnancy a couple of weeks after it begins, while others do not experience symptoms for several weeks. While every two women are different, some possible symptoms of pregnancy include:

1. A missed or abnormal period (though not necessarily a good indicator if your periods are irregular)
2. Nausea
3. Unexplainable fatigue
4. Breast changes, such as enlargement, darkening, or soreness
5. Headaches
6. Frequent urination
7. Heightened sense of smell (strong odors may make you feel sick)
8. Food aversions and cravings
9. Morning sickness
10. Period-like cramping

If you suspect you might be pregnant, the first thing to do is confirm the pregnancy by using a home test or visiting your healthcare provider. Many pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy as early as a few days before the missed period. Most home pregnancy tests indicate that they are 97-99% accurate, but this varies with use—you must follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when used with the first urine specimen of the day. The pregnancy hormone hCG is at its highest level in the undiluted overnight urine specimen.

If your home pregnancy test is positive, especially if the pregnancy is unplanned, it can be a scary time in your life. You have some very tough personal choices ahead of you as you consider your options of parenthood, adoption, or abortion. There are a number of resources on and around campus that can help you make your decision.

 

IUPUI Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) can help discuss with you the stresses of learning you are pregnant and help you to find the choice that is right for you.

Parenthood

IUPUI Health Services can confirm your pregnancy and refer you to appropriate care. Prenatal referrals are provided to the IU Coleman Center for Women on the 2nd floor of University Hospital (274-8231).

Pregnancy Information (PDF)

Adoption

Should you choose that the best option for you and your baby is to find adoptive parents, there are a number of adoption agencies that can help with this process:

Adoptions of Indiana
1980 East 116th Street, Suite 325
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: (317) 574-8950

St. Elizabeth/Coleman Pregnancy and Adoption Services
2500 Churchman Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Phone: (317) 787-3412

Independent Adoption Center
8122 Madison Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: (317) 887-2015

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
The Division of Family Resources county offices can provide information about services in your area.

Abortion

Planned Parenthood of Indiana performs medical and surgical abortions should you decide abortion is the best choice for you. Abortions are performed only up until 13 weeks and 6 days after the first day of the last menstrual period (first trimester). Indiana law requires that women seeking abortion receive certain information in person from a physician or nurse practitioner at least 18 hours prior to an abortion procedure. Parental or guardian consent is required for anyone under the age of 18 in Indiana.

Abortion procedures are performed at three locations. Contact the location nearest you for hours of operation, procedure days, and other important information.

Indianapolis: A Woman's Choice
8590 Georgetown Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Phone: (317) 872-3115

Bloomington
421 South College
Bloomington, IN 47403
Phone: (812) 336-0219

Merrillville
8645 Connecticut Street
Merrillville, IN 46410
Phone: (219) 769-3500

Clinic for Women provides abortions through the first trimester, free pregnancy testing, and ultrasound. Family planning options, supplies, and exams are also available. The Clinic’s detailed web site provides information about services, counseling, and fees. Indiana law requires that women seeking abortion receive certain information in person from a physician or nurse practitioner at least 18 hours prior to an abortion procedure. Parental or guardian consent is required for anyone under the age of 18 in Indiana.

For more information:

3607 West 16th Street Suite B-2
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Phone: (317) 955-2641
E-mail: cfw@clinic4women.net