If your vomiting is accompanied by any of the symptoms listed above and you have recently had sex, it may be morning sickness. If the vomiting is accompanied by cold like symptoms, high fever or aching muscles it is probably the flu. If the vomiting comes on quickly and is very violent (as if the body is trying to get rid of something in your stomach), and if it is gone within 48 hours, it may be food poisoning or a "24 hour flu." Morning sickness stays with you for weeks on end where the flu and food poisoning do not. If you feel significantly better after vomiting and if you vomit often with little warning it may be morning sickness. The best way to tell is to take an at home pregnancy test as soon as you think you have any symptom of pregnancy, including vomiting.
How accurate are home pregnancy tests?
Home pregnancy tests are very accurate when done correctly. In fact, many doctors will follow up a positive at home test with a pelvic exam and not bother with a laboratory blood test. The key to getting an accurate result is in carefully and properly following the instructions. If you need to be very sure, do more than one test of different brand names at the same time.
How can I know for sure that a girl is really pregnant?
You really have to trust the girl on this one. If you absolutely can't trust her, or if she has given you good reason to doubt her in the past, you could ask her to take a home pregnancy test in front of you. Be warned, all home pregnancy tests require a girl to urinate on a stick and it is not a pretty sight. She may not be willing to do this in front of you and you can't do anything to compel her to comply with your wishes. You were intimate with this person, which implies a degree of trust between the two of you, and at this point you should just take her on her word and be supportive. If you and she disagree on what to do about the pregnancy or if she seeks support once the child is born you are within your rights to ask for a test to establish paternity. For now, you need to take her one her word and decide what you are, and are not, prepared to do about the situation.
I'm pregnant and confused, what are my options?
Your options are as follows:
~Have the baby and become a full time parent
~Have the baby and give full custody to the father
~Have the baby and put it up for adoption
~Have an abortion
Depending on where you live, abortion may not be an option or may be of limited availability; check with your local pregnancy or crisis hotline for specific information about the laws and availability of abortion in your area. The phone number for these hotlines can usually be found in your local Yellow Pages or by calling the operator. Do not think of abortion as a quick fix or an easy way out, it is a complicated and emotional decision and should not be taken lightly. Make sure that you discuss this option with somebody you trust, a family member, a doctor or a counselor.
Do I have to tell the father that I am pregnant?
You don't have to, but you should. If you are planning to keep the baby or give it up for adoption there are many legal reasons why you must tell him; he may be liable for child support or his consent may be needed to secure an adoption. On a moral level, you conceived the pregnancy together and should decide how to best deal with it together. If you have no fear of harm or other negative repercussions from the father then it is the right thing to do to tell him about the pregnancy. Also, with all the advances in medicine these days it is important for children to know as much as possible about the medical history of both there mother's and father's family. Finally, a birth certificate is a legal document and putting "father unknown" on the certificate when you know the name of the father is a crime.
What is it like to be pregnant?
Being pregnant is scary, exciting and confusing all at once. The most obvious changes are physical; weight gain, skin reactions, holding excess water, thick hair, etc... but there are emotional changes as well. Many pregnant women report mood swings, a sudden concern for the state of the world, and bouts of euphoria. Some women experience a sense of awe at their bodies and feel energized by the experience while others feel sad and frightened. Every pregnancy experience is different and complications do occur. A normal pregnancy will see you putting on weight, having cravings, feeling both very tired and very energetic at different times in the course of the pregnancy, and at the end of the pregnancy feeling tired and uncomfortable and ready to get the baby out. Other than that, your pregnancy will be as unique and wonderful as you!*
What is it like to give birth?
It is frightening, it is exhilarating, it is exhausting, it is awe-inspiring and it hurts (a lot). In the late stages of pregnancy the baby will "drop" moving down into a birthing position. When you first go in to labor it will feel as if you are having very strong menstrual cramps. Your water may break making you feel as if you wet your pants. As your body gets ready your cervix will dilate, and you will feel an increased urge to push. The urge to push feels very much like the urge to have a bowel movement. If you have a long or difficult labor you may start to feel tired or anxious. When the pushing begins the pain is very intense and you may feel a burning in your vaginal area as the skin stretches to accommodate the baby. If all goes well you will push the baby into the world without complication. The second the baby is out of you there is a feeling of intense relief and joy. Afterwards, you will have to push again to expel the placenta; this does not hurt at all. You may need stitches to repair tearing and you will be given a cold compress to keep on your privates. Going to the washroom may be uncomfortable for the next few days. Some complications that may arise include; breech position birth, emergency c-section, mother fatigue and distressed baby. Trust the professionals to help you through these situations and know that you are not alone; very few women have a "typical" birthing experience.*
* By Tina Kells