Pregnancy


Is there a chance you could be pregnant? Take a look at what to expect and steps to take to make sure you and your baby are healthy.

Teen

Do you know the common early signs of pregnancy and how to have a healthy pregnancy at a young age? Having all the facts about teenage pregnancy can help you better prepare to have a baby. If you think you are pregnant, pay close attention to your body. Because everyone is different, you may experience different symptoms that indicate pregnancy. The most obvious early symptom that prompts most women to get a pregnancy test is a missed period.

Other symptoms of pregnancy include:

  • Tiredness
  • Feelings of nausea
  • Tenderness in breasts
  • Cramps

The only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.

What can I do?

If you think you are pregnant, take a test immediately. If you are not comfortable talking to your parents, seek advice from a counselor, friend, or other family member.

Trimesters

A normal, full-term pregnancy can range from 37-42 weeks and is divided into three trimesters.

Even though you may not look pregnant during this trimester, your hormone levels change significantly as your body is preparing to accommodate for a growing baby. You might experience morning sickness, fatigue, headaches, and constipation. It's also important to eat healthy and cut out any bad habits, like smoking or drinking alcohol.

Your abdomen will start to look pregnant and by the end of this trimester your baby will be four times as big as it was at the end of your first trimester. Women often describe this trimester as the most comfortable, because most of the first trimester symptoms will go away, although some women will have symptoms like leg pain and heart burn.

During your last trimester, you should see a doctor more frequently to monitor your body and prepare for childbirth. It's a good idea to start educating your self about childbirth, labor, and delivery. A great way to learn is through a childbirth class.