Pregnancy Resource Center - Grand Rapids Michigan » Pregnancy

Pregnancy

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 03:37:47 +0000

What is Pregnancy?

The Pregnancy Resource Center provides Intervention for crisis pregnancy including:

Free pregnancy tests
Free ultrasounds (some restrictions apply)
Medical information
Referrals for medical care and social services

If you think you might be pregnant, and you want to discuss your options contact the Pregnancy Resource Center at 1-877-MY PRC GR.

Fertilization

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:35:35 +0000

Pregnancy begins at fertilization, which is the uniting of the male sperm with the female egg. During sexual intercourse, millions of sperm are ejaculated through the man’s penis into the woman’s vagina. The sperm move through the opening of the cervix to the uterus and into the fallopian tubes, guided by cervical fluid (mucus).

Although extremely small, the new cell (zygote) formed by the union of a mother’s egg and a father’s sperm contains the blueprint for every detail of its development-sex, hair and eye color, height, etc This is the first stage of human life.

Before tests can detect a pregnancy, the child is safely positioned in the mother’s uterus for nurturing. For the child, this time in the uterus is marked by rapid growth and change.

Not long ago, the nine months of a child’s growth in the uterus were a mystery. Only recently have scientific discoveries and technological advances such as ultrasound allowed us to directly observe life as it develops within the uterus. From conception to birth, life is a constant coordination of miracles.

During a woman’s childbearing years, one egg matures each month. The egg is released during ovulation, which is approximately mid-cycle. If intercourse has occurred, the greatest potential for the uniting of the egg and sperm (fertilization) occurs one to 24 hours after the egg is released (ovulation).

Egg released >> no sperm/egg union >> no implantation >> bleeding/Menstruation >> No pregnancy

Egg released >> sperm and egg unite >> blastocyst implants in uterus >> Fertilization/Pregnancy

Fertilization, also called conception, occurs when a sperm meets an egg and penetrates the egg’s outer layer. Over a period of several days, the fertilized egg (now called a zygote) travels down one of the two fallopian tubes. As it makes its way to the uterus over a period of two to five days, rapid cell division occurs and the new life progresses from the zygote to the blastocyst stage of human development. On day five or six, the blastocyst may implant in the lining of the uterus and continue to grow. Roughly 12 percent of blastocysts fail to implant.

Review of Female Reproductive Anatomy

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:37:18 +0000

The Uterus
The uterus is a hollow muscular female reproductive organ also referred to as the womb. It is shaped like an upside-down pear and located in the lower pelvic region between the hips. Two fallopian tubes are attached at the top on either side of the uterus. At the bottom, the cervix opens into the vagina, which leads into the exterior of the female reproductive system.

An embryo implants and grows in the uterus. The walls of the uterus are composed of muscles and therefore are capable of expanding with the growth of the child. These muscles also contract and push the baby downward during labor and delivery.
The Ovaries
The ovaries are a pair of female reproductive organs. They are located in the pelvis on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond (approximately 1 1/2 inches). The ovaries have two functions: to produce eggs and to produce female hormones that control female body characteristics (breasts, body hair, and body shape). Female hormones also regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
The Fallopian Tubes
The fallopian tubes serve as passageways through which eggs travel from ovary to uterus. Fallopian tubes have finger-like projections that reach out toward the ovaries.
Occasionally a fertilized egg will wrongly implant in the fallopian tubes or elsewhere in the abdomen. This is called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy and is an extremely dangerous situation for a woman, requiring medical attention.

The Menstrual Cycle

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:38:31 +0000

Each month, a master gland in a woman’s brain sends out a series of hormones (natural chemicals) to start, balance, and coordinate her entire reproductive system. These hormones stimulate the ovaries to release one of the 40,000-400,000 eggs, which have been present since birth-far more than will be needed during childbearing years. Hormones also thicken and prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) for the potential implantation of an embryo.

After ovulation, the egg travels through the fallopian tube where it may be fertilized if sperm are present. Fertilization triggers additional hormones, which tell the uterus to maintain its ready state. If fertilization does not occur, the blood-filled lining of the uterus will naturally die off and pass out of the body in menstruation. This discharge of blood through the vagina continues for an average of three to seven days.

This cycle is typically repeated once a month. It varies from woman to woman, with an average cycle length of 21 to 35 days, depending on her body and various other influences.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:39:04 +0000

Before tests confirm pregnancy, a woman may experience a number of physical and/or emotional signals, causing her to suspect she is pregnant.

Breast tenderness or enlargement, nipple sensitivity
Frequent urination
Tiredness or fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Feeling bloated
Cramps
Decreased or increased appetite
Feeling moody or more emotional
A lighter or shorter period than usual
A missed menstrual period

Most of these symptoms are subjective and not objectively measurable. These symptoms will vary greatly from woman to woman. Although they are common in women who are pregnant, many women also regularly experience these symptoms when approaching menstruation. They are also common among people who are worried, anxious, or very stressed. The presence of these symptoms in a sexually active woman does not necessarily mean pregnancy has occurred.

Pregnancy Testing

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:39:52 +0000

Administering a pregnancy test is an objective way to determine whether the symptoms being experienced are caused by pregnancy. Women who call or visit the center thinking they may be pregnant are candidates for a free pregnancy test to verify whether they may be pregnant.

Two types of pregnancy tests are available. The first is a blood test, usually performed in a doctor’s office or medical facility. The second type-a urine test-is used at the Pregnancy Resource Center. It requires a woman to provide a sample of fresh urine.

In order to obtain an accurate result, tests must not be administered too soon after intercourse has occurred. Pregnancy Resource Center offers urine tests that work as early as fourteen days after sexual intercourse. You will be told how to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Both the blood (used in the doctor’s office) and Pregnancy Resource Center’s urine tests determine pregnancy by detecting the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone tells the uterus to continue nourishing the developing child. It is secreted into the mother’s bloodstream by the embryo after implantation. Detection of significant levels of hCG indicates a high probability that pregnancy has occurred. Although a blood test is able to pick up the presence of this hormone earlier and with greater reliability, it can also be detected in urine.

The specific urine test that your center uses comes with instructions. Most tests take only four to five minutes to complete with one of three results:

Negative-no sign or insufficient level of hormone present
Positive-the hormone is present in sufficient quantity
Inconclusive (illegible result)-When a test cannot be read conclusively, the test will be repeated in a few weeks, following Pregnancy Resource Center guidelines.

Because pregnancy verification is considered to be a medical diagnosis, you will be told whether your test is positive or negative.

Pre-Natal Information

admin — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:40:39 +0000

You Are Pregnant!

If the thought of having a baby is a little frightening to you, you are not alone. Most parents-to-be find themselves experiencing moments of incredible joy alternating with feelings of doubt.

Most pregnant women have mood swings, caused by hormonal changes. Don’t be alarmed. Maintaining a positive mental attitude during your pregnancy is important…not only for you but also for your baby.

Pregnancy usually lasts 38 to 41 weeks, and it causes many changes in your body. Average weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds and is usually lost shortly after the baby is born.

You may feel certain discomforts early in your pregnancy, but most of these are not serious. Changes you may notice include:

Your breasts may increase in size. Your nipples and areola darken in color. Your breasts may also feel sore and tender, so wear a well-fitting supportive bra.

You may feel more tired than usual. Most pregnant women need 8 hours of sleep each night with at least one short rest period during the day.

You may experience nausea and vomiting early in the day (morning sickness) or late in the afternoon or evening. These sick feelings usually begin about the end of the first month and typically last only 6 to 8 weeks. Eating a few crackers before getting up in the morning may help. Eat solid foods first. Wait an hour or two before drinking liquids. Eat the foods that sound good to you. Eating 4 to 6 small meals a day to keep your stomach full and avoiding greasy or highly seasoned foods may help. Remember, morning sickness should go away soon.

It is Important To:

Visit a doctor or clinic as soon as you think you are pregnant.
Follow the advice of your doctor and nurse about taking care of yourself.
Return for regular prenatal visits.
Start thinking about childbirth education classes and call early.
Consider the baby’s father in planning.