Category: Pregnancy Education

There are a great many questions when it comes to forms of contraceptives. But one thing that needs to be made quite clear is that they are not all the same! Some, such as Plan B, work very differently than other over-the-counter  contraceptives. It is important to understand the differences, and the timing and effectiveness of this drug in order to make wise, informed decisions.

The more you know, the more control you have over what happens with your body!

What is Plan B & how does it work?
Plan B (also known as the Morning After Pill, My Way, Next Choice) is a form of emergency contraception available over the counter at pharmacies with proof of age over 15. Plan B is a drug called levonorgestrel, and is intended to be taken by mouth in either one or two doses. It works by thickening the mucus from the cervix to prevent the sperm from traveling further up the cervix, it inhibits ovulation, and it also changes the endometrium or lining of the uterus.

Plan B’s major limitation
Plan B is intended to be taken as soon as possible after intercourse has occurred; however, it may be taken up to as many as 5 days post-intercourse. It is important to note that Plan B will NOT be effective if implantation has already taken place. If you are already pregnant, Plan B does not work.

Some serious side effects
Plan B is classified as a “hazardous drug,” requiring proper handling and disposal. This means that the drug can produce significant side effects, especially if the woman has taken more than one or two doses. The most common side effects are fatigue, disruption of normal menstrual flow, nausea, and abdominal pain. Less common side effects include dizziness, loss of periods, vaginal hemorrhage, and breast tenderness. Plan B also negatively interacts with many medicines taken for other health conditions, such as antidiabetics, warfarin, medications for HIV, as well as popular supplements such as herbs and St. John’s wort. If used over a long period of time, Plan B can significantly disrupt the menstrual cycle and hormones that control that cycle. It is highly critical to note that Plan B does not decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Make sure you fully understand any medication that you put into your body. Plan B may seem like a good alternative at the time, but it’s limitations, possible side effects and the exact way that it works in your body may cause you to rethink that decision. Knowing that not all types contraception are the same is an important first step.

If you want more information about the Morning After Pill, start here at our website. You will find a list of questions that you should consider when making the decision. It is easy to schedule an appointment with us to discuss what options you have, as well as the facts you need about those options. And best of all, the appointment is totally free and can be scheduled online in complete privacy!

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The above post was written in part by Elise Loughman, who is a current medical student. Excerpts and information for this article were taken from UpToDate, a source of evidence-based medicine.

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Additional articles about Sex Education:
What You Need To Know About HPV
Bacterial Vaginosis

You have just taken a pregnancy test, and it is positive.

Whether this is good news to you or it is completely unexpected, one of the first things you should do is ensure that the pregnancy is viable.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a non-viable pregnancy can be defined as “a pregnancy that is not growing normally and may end in miscarriage.” The opposite of a non-viable pregnancy is a viable pregnancy, in which a heartbeat can be detected and the pregnancy is progressing normally.

It is of absolute importance that, before you make any decisions at all, you receive medical attention to determine the viability of the pregnancy.

One of the best ways to determine the viability of the pregnancy is through an ultrasound. An ultrasound can help determine if the pregnancy is located inside the uterus (or is ectopic, read here for more information), determine the approximate gestational age, and if the fetus has a heartbeat. It is crucial that the pregnancy is located in the uterus to ensure safety for the mother. When the pregnancy takes place outside of the uterus (ectopic), the mother should seek immediate treatment at either a doctor’s office or emergency room due to the possible severe impact it can have on her body.

It is estimated that between 10%-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, especially in the critical early months. It is most common for a miscarriage to occur before the 12^th week of pregnancy. During a miscarriage, the fetus does not develop normally, and the pregnancy ends. This can most often be detected by a lack of heart rate on an ultrasound. For this reason, it is important that when a woman receives a positive on her pregnancy test that she seek medical attention.

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If you, or someone you know, might be pregnant, it is important that the viability of the pregnancy is determined. This should happen before any decisions are made regarding the pregnancy.

You can get an ultrasound at absolutely no charge at Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid). In addition, you can speak with a nurse about any questions and concerns you have.

You aren’t alone. You are welcome here – no judgment, no agenda. Just honest answers and a friend to be by your side for as long as you need!

Experiencing some early pregnancy signs?
Thinking you may be pregnant? 

Earliest Sign
There are signs and symptoms of early pregnancy that many women experience, some even experiencing them just days after the first missed period. Some signs, such as implantation bleeding (6-12 days after conception) happen even before a woman misses her period. Cramping may or may not occur during implantation, and many women hardly notice discomfort at all.

Tender Breasts
Another common symptom of early pregnancy is breast tenderness and/or swelling. This tenderness is caused by rising hormone levels and can be similar to how your breasts feel just before a period. Some women describe the sensation as “fullness” in their breasts. Often, these symptoms diminish after the first trimester, when the body adjusts to the hormonal changes.

Fatigue
Many women feel fatigue and tiredness early on in their pregnancies. Oftentimes, this is the first noticeable sign. If you have missed a period and just cannot seem to shake your fatigue, even after plenty of rest, you may be pregnant. The fatigue usually subsides into the second trimester but may return in the third trimester.

Mood Swings
Mood swings are common for many women early in their pregnancy. As the body tries to adjust to rising hormone levels, many women find they don’t sleep as well as usual. Increased urination and frequency is also common and may cause wakefulness at night, contributing to fatigue and moodiness.

Nausea
Many women begin to have food aversions, increased salivation, or nausea and vomiting.  This can start anywhere from two weeks after conception until a month or two after a missed period.  For many women, these symptoms subside after the first trimester, but for a small percentage of women, the vomiting can be severe. A few lucky women never have issues with nausea at all.

Missed Period
For a large number of women, a missed period is the first sign that pregnancy may indeed have occurred. A home pregnancy test may not detect pregnancy until about a week after a missed period, so if you are having pregnancy symptoms AND have missed a period, you may need to repeat a pregnancy test. Women who track their periods and record the days upon which their periods start may notice a missed period faster, even in the absence of any pregnancy symptoms.

Frequent Urination
Another common symptom of pregnancy is frequent urination, as mentioned above. A woman’s blood volume increases dramatically over the course of her pregnancy, requiring the kidneys to filter more blood, thus increasing urine output. Many women note having to awaken at night to use the restroom, whereas it was rare before the pregnancy. Having to get up in the middle of the night contributes to the fatigue that many women experience in early pregnancy. Taking a nap during the day, if possible, can help combat fatigue. Do not feel guilty about taking that nap! You will need to pay close attention to your body now and in the coming months as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby.

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Maybe it’s planned and well-anticipated . . . maybe it’s a complete shock and wasn’t in the plans at all. But if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it’s absolutely vital that you know for sure. Either way . . . you need to know.

Home tests can be hard to read sometimes. That’s why we provide medical-grade pregnancy tests here, along with a nurse, to help you not only get clear results, but to begin discussing your options and information.

The best part? It’s all at no financial cost to you.

Think you might be pregnant? Start with an easy-to-make appointment with us. No agenda . . . No judgment . . . Just helpful answers and options.

It’s the best first-step you can take!

The above information came from the following:
AmericanPregnancy.org
BabyCenter.com
HealthLine.com
MayClinic.org
ACOG.org

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For more articles on pregnancy from Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid):
What’s the First Step After a Positive Pregnancy Test?
Can I Count on the Accuracy of a Home Pregnancy Test?
The Info You Need on Plan B

The following article was researched and written by Suzy (MSN, RN), a nurse at Two Lines Pregnancy Clinic (formerly Advice & Aid Pregnancy Center). We believe it is important that when women or men have questions regarding a possible pregnancy, that they get accurate, helpful information from the medical community. Here, Suzy helps clear up some of the questions and misinformation regarding home pregnancy tests.

If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to get the most accurate information quickly.

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A home pregnancy test works by detecting pregnancy hormones (HCG) present in urine and blood.   When a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, HCG is produced.  HCG is usually produced about six days after fertilization but varies with each individual woman.  During pregnancy, levels of HCG continue to rise rapidly, doubling every two to three days.

How Accurate Is A Home Pregnancy Test?
There are many different brands of home pregnancy tests.  Some are more sensitive than others in the ability to detect a pregnancy.  The more sensitive tests can detect lower amounts of HCG and can produce a positive result earlier in the pregnancy.  Research suggests that many home pregnancy tests are not sensitive enough to diagnose pregnancy in women who have recently missed a period. For the most reliable results, take the test one week after your missed period.   The most sensitive and accurate urine pregnancy tests are available through physician offices, hospitals, clinic labs, and Pregnancy Centers (such as Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid)).

What Do Positive Results Mean on a Home Pregnancy Test?
If you get a positive result, you are pregnant. This is true no matter how faint the line, color, or sign is. If you get a positive result, your next step needs to be to call your doctor or a Pregnancy Center such as Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) to talk about what comes next.

A false-positive test (positive test but not pregnant) can occur if there is a pregnancy loss soon after implantation, an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus), or during menopause.  Also, the use of certain drugs like fertility drugs, tranquilizers or sleeping pills, anticonvulsants, or sleeping pills can also cause false-positive results.

What Do Negative Results Mean on a Home Pregnancy Test?
Negative results usually indicate no pregnancy.  However, a pregnancy can be present with a negative test if the test is taken too soon, urine is too diluted, or instructions on the package were not followed exactly.

Tips to follow for the most accurate results:

* For the most accurate results, take the test first thing in the morning when urine is the most concentrated

* Always check the test’s expiration date and read the instructions carefully before you take the test.

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Two Lines (formerly Advice & Aid) can provide a medical-grade, high-sensitivity pregnancy test, all at no cost to you. There is no judgment, and no high-pressuring. . . simply help, options, and a knowledgeable friend who can help you sort it all out.

If there is the possibility that you might be pregnant, simply schedule an appointment at a time that works for you. It’s private, close – and you’ll begin to get the help that you need.

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References:
WebMD
MayoClinic.org