HEALTH SERVICES

Pregnancy testing/options counseling

Whether you are trying to get pregnant or are concerned about an unplanned pregnancy, a pregnancy test is an important tool. For many women, taking a pregnancy test can be stressful. It can bring up many emotions, including excitement and fear. But knowing you are pregnant as soon as possible can help you make the decisions that are right for you.

You can either take a home pregnancy test or go to a health care provider for one. Home pregnancy tests are sold in most drugstores and cost about $15. If you take a home test it's important to follow all of the instructions in the package of your home pregnancy test. The result will either be positive - meaing pregnant - or negative - meaning not pregnant

Women who take home pregnancy tests often go to clinics to have the results confirmed by a health care provider.

What are my choices?
You have three choices if you are pregnant:

• You can choose to have a baby and raise the child.

• You can choose to have a baby and place the child for adoption.

• You can choose to end the pregnancy.

There is no right or wrong choice for everyone. Only you can decide which choice is right for you. Whether you choose adoption or to become a parent, if you plan to continue your pregnancy you should begin prenatal care as soon as possible. And if you're considering abortion, you should know that abortion is very safe, but the risks increase the longer a pregnancy goes on.