Family Planning Plus

Since you had unprotected sex and since one of your pregnancy tests was positive, you very well could be pregnant. Call the medical provider of your choice for a pregnancy test. Be ready to tell them the first day of your last menstrual period so they can schedule your test at the appropriate time. Most urine pregnancy tests are not reliable until you are at least one week late for your period. If you haven’t missed a period yet, you may want to wait to see if it comes before making an appointment.

If you do not wish to be pregnant, please don’t continue to have unprotected sex. Either abstain from sex or use birth control. If you are interested in starting a method of birth control and you live near one of our offices, please call us for an appointment.  We can talk with you about all of your contraceptive options and help you choose one that best fits your lifestyle. If you live further away, contact the Family Planning or Planned Parenthood office closest to you.

If you are planning a pregnancy, the following tips can help ensure a positive pregnancy outcome.

• Schedule a pre-pregnancy appointment with your doctor.  Let your doctor know you are planning a pregnancy.  Your doctor will review your family health history, be sure you have the proper immunizations, review your medications, schedule any needed tests, and discuss your present health behaviors/lifestyle and recommend changes.
• Begin taking a daily multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid ( a B vitamin that prevents birth defects of the brain and spine).
• If you smoke, quit and avoid second-hand smoke.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• If you use street drugs, stop using them, and check with a doctor before using prescription or over-the-counter medications (some medications are not safe to use during pregnancy).
• Eat healthfully and maintain a healthy weight.
• Be sure to get regular preventive medical care.
• Reduce the amount of stress in your life (if possible).
• Get regular exercise.  Walking, swimming, stretching, and housework are all good exercise choices before and during pregnancy.
• Once you are pregnant, get early and regular pre-natal care.

  Good luck!