Brenda Goodnough, RN - May 5th, 2010
There is often confusion in dating a pregnancy and the terms that are used. Two primary terms are used, and neither of them is the traditional “nine months.”
Gestational Age: Medical professionals commonly use gestational age, which calculates the weeks of pregnancy based on the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP). Ultrasound also calculates the gestational age. This method of dating assumes that conception occurs 14 days after the first day of your last period.
Fetal Age: This is the actual age of the pregnancy since conception. Because the ability to more accurately date a pregnancy with ultrasound is a fairly recent development, this more exact measurement is not commonly used.
Most publications that discuss fetal development will use gestational age as the benchmark. If it uses fetal age it will state “since conception.” Ultrasound reports calculate the gestational age and not the more exact fetal age which helps to keep dating consistent.
Using gestational age, a pregnancy last 40 weeks instead of the actual 38.
If you’re confused about the dating of your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to ask your medical provider.
Brenda Goodnough, RN - April 21st, 2010
Since the year 2000 there has been an alternative to surgical abortion in the United States. Named for the French pharmaceutical company that created it, RU-486 it is often referred as the “abortion pill”. It has been used by over one million women in the United States since its approval here.
An RU-486 abortion is a procedure that involves two different drugs. The first drug ends the pregnancy by cutting off the blood supply to the developing fetus. The second drug, given 48 hours after the first, is used to expel it. A pregnancy is usually ended in most women within 48 hours, though in some instances it can take as long as two weeks.
There are several key factors to consider before considering this as an abortion option.
• This process needs close observation and frequently requires as many as three visits to your medical provider.
• RU-486 is only effective in early pregnancy, preferably at 7 weeks or before.
• The minimum failure rate is 8%, and a failed abortion requires a surgical procedure.
• The cost of using the “abortion pill” can be as much as twice the cost of a surgical abortion.
• Women with certain common medical conditions will not be eligible.
• Side effects of both medications can be severe and unpleasant.
• The major medical risks involved in this abortion method are excessive bleeding and infection.
• RU-486 is known to cause significant birth defects so your medical provider will not support your desire to change your mind once the first pill has been taken.
• There is active participation on the part of the woman in terminating her pregnancy.
Though it may initially appear that this form of abortion is quick and easy, it can actually be a more lengthy, costly, and difficult process.
Because the “abortion pill” must be used early in the pregnancy, there is no way to know whether a pregnancy is likely to continue. Since 1 in 6 pregnancies will naturally end in a miscarriage you may be committing yourself to an unnecessary procedure to end a pregnancy that may end on its own.
About 20% of women who use RU-486 to end their pregnancy will continue to have some degree of bleeding for 5-6 weeks after. Occasionally, surgical intervention is needed to stop or control excessive or prolonged bleeding.
Before committing to an RU-486 abortion, get all of the facts and weigh the costs of what may be bitter pills to swallow.
Cara B. - April 14th, 2010
About a year ago I watched an episode of “16 and Pregnant.” Soon after discovering she was pregnant, a young mother decided that she would inform her own mom of the news. She couldn’t work up the nerve to have a “family discussion,” so she decided to just text her mom while she was in class. This turned out to be not such a great idea. #1--her mom thought it was a joke. #2--the mom didn’t appreciate such serious news being shared via text.
This is just one of the many mishaps that can occur when trying to convey the news of pregnancy to an unsuspecting parent or guardian. It’s very difficult to navigate this conversation. Let’s keep from making the same mistakes. Here are a few examples of what NOT to do:
1. I think it’s safe to say, texting is not a great option. Although it’s a very valid form of communication today, people in previous generations value face to face conversation—especially for a topic so serious. Sending a text can be viewed as “the easy way out.”
2. Along with texting, any other form of impersonal communication is discouraged. Don’t email. Don’t send a certified letter. And definitely don’t have someone else break the news for you! The best method will come from YOU personally.
3. Don’t mention the news in passing. (For example, when you are running out of the door to catch the bus or packing up to leave for vacation.) This doesn’t allow for any family processing to occur and can make the situation more difficult.
4. Don’t blame your parents. It can be easy to point a finger, especially given a difficult circumstance such as an unplanned pregnancy. However, be careful of assigning blame. Take responsibility for what is yours and share honestly about your situation. Use “I feel” statements, expressing your emotions regarding your pregnancy.
5. Don’t yell, scream, or start throwing punches. That usually doesn’t go over very well. A calm, honest, face-to-face conversation is going to allow for both parties to be heard. Express your thoughts, then allow your parents to share theirs. It may not always turn out as you hoped, but these steps will help create a healthier environment for the news to be shared.
Informing your family members of an unplanned pregnancy may be difficult and awkward no matter what steps you take. However, there are things you can put into place to help make it as successful as it possibly can be. So, when thinking about the best way to break the news to YOUR parents, make a plan that best suits your individual family…and always remember what NOT to do!
Brenda Goodnough, RN - April 7th, 2010
The result of a pregnancy test is only good if it is accurate. There are right and wrong ways to perform a test. If you are testing at home it is important to closely follow the directions that come with that test.
Here are a few key points that are universal with all home pregnancy tests on the market today.
When performing a urine test it is best to:
1. use concentrated urine (Perform test first thing in the morning)
2. check the test’s expiration date
3. wait until you have missed a period
4. purchase the most sensitive test you can afford
Even when you have performed the test exactly as directed, here are a few additional considerations.
There is the possibility of a false negative reading with a urine pregnancy test if:
o the test is done too early in the pregnancy
o the urine specimen is too diluted
The likelihood of having a false negative test is greater than having a false positive test but, a false positive can result if:
o certain fertility drugs have been used
o a woman suffers from liver disease or specific cancers
o the test has passed the expiration date
Often home pregnancy tests come in packaged with two tests. If you are unsure of your initial results you can use the second test to confirm. However, it may be best to wait a few days between tests for greater accuracy.
CareNet provides fast, and reliable, pregnancy tests in a safe and confidential environment. If you think you may be pregnant, call for an appointment for a free pregnancy test at one of our four centers.
Lisa P. - March 31st, 2010
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Job Change
Making a pregnancy decision with a partner can be similar to making a career decision. When the partners are in a committed relationship, the woman knows that her choice will affect his life through its effect on her. However, no one questions that she has the final verdict, since it is her career that will be impacted. Any kind of force applied by the partner would be immediately recognized as inappropriate.
Vacation Planning
Making the pregnancy decision could also feel like planning a trip together. The partners know they’ll both participate in the activities and destination that they choose, so they have to listen to each other, find ways to compromise, and come to an agreement together. Also in this case, the woman calls the final shots (she has the keys to the rental car). Viewed this way, it’s clear that it’s also inappropriate for her to ignore her partner’s input. He will have a miserable vacation and their relationship will probably suffer.
Both pictures reveal an important aspect of the decision making process. Which picture is closest to what’s going on in your relationship? What can you do to help your decision process be as healthy as possible?
