This is a devastating condition.  However, there are some safe sleep tips that can help prevent your baby from suffering this condition.

Recently, a law was passed in Utah that allows teenagers as young as 17 to recieve this pill directly.  It was expected that there would be a significant decrease in the amount of unplanned pregnancies and abortions in the state of Utah.  However, that has not been the case.

Teen births in Utah still account for 11 percent of all births in the state.  With an average of over 5, 600 pregnancies in Utah a year, a full 11 percent of those resulting in abortion, it seems that Plan B is making little, if any, impact.  Unfortunately, the largest impact may be the amount of people having unsafe sex that results in a potential pregnancy scare.  In short, irresponsibility.

On the plus side, there has been a slight decrease in abortions since Plan B was made legal.  Between 2000-2004 there were 16, 668 abortions performed in Utah.  According to the Utah State Health Department’s most recent statistics there were 3, 516 abortions performed in 2007.  It’s alarming to think what might have happened to our state if the option was not available.

However, not everyone sees Plan B as a positive.  There is much concern about Plan B taking away accountability and creating a feeling of permisiveness when it comes to sex.  “The morning after pill eliminates common sense,” one man said. “It makes it seem that much easier to decide to have unsafe sex. If all she has to do after is take a pill and she looks fine and acts fine and you don’t have to hold her hand or anything, then why not?”

Clearly this is a controversial issue, and something each person must decide on their own.  One thing we do know, Plan B is not having the affect that the state hoped it would.  On the contrary, it might be doing the opposite.

For more information on the Plan B click here.

Visit Utahstories.com for the full version of this article.

One of my very first posts on this blog had to do with the media glamourizing the idea of teen pregnancy.    Interestingly enough, I happened to be reading through Newsweek the other day and found an article that supports this theory.

The article  explains that the real issue is not that pregnant teens are a “hot plot” right now, but rather it is never fully explained in these shows why the teens got pregnant in the first place.  To some, the answer may be obvious.  However, to the younger crowd, it may not be so clear.  The plot is simple:  teen gets pregnant, teens is horrified, teen tells family but no where in these shows does it mention unprotected sex.

Take for example last-year’s box office hit Juno, where an unintended pregnancy suddenly becomes a heart warming adoption.  Or how about Jamie Lynn Spears?  We found out she was pregnant when she was only 16 years old.  Rather than focusing on the reason she was pregnant (unprotected sex) we seem to be asking her about her wisdom from parenting and the joys of having a baby.

Like I said in my earlier post, it’s not all bad that teens are being exposed to sex.  I actually saw Juno and thoroughly enjoyed the movie and thought it was semi educational, not to mention very entertaining.   If teens are educated about the subject of sex they are less likely to engage in promiscuous behavior. The problem is we are not expressing what the real reason is that teens are getting pregnant.  It may seem obvious to us, but to a young girl it could be a completely foreign concept.

Bottom line?  Unprotected sex leads to pregnancy and possible  contraction of a STD.  Make sure your teens are getting the full story so they can make an informed decision when it comes time.

To read the full Newsweek article click here.

Why do I need prenatal care?

Prenatal care can help keep you and your baby healthy. Babies of mothers who do not get prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birth weight and five times more likely to die than those born to mothers who do get care.

Doctors can spot health problems early when they see mothers regularly. This allows doctors to treat them early. Early treatment can cure many problems and prevent others. Doctors also can talk to pregnant women about things they can do to give their unborn babies a healthy start to life.

I’m pregnant.  What should I do or not do to take care of myself and my unborn baby?

Follow these dos and don’ts to take care of yourself and the precious life growing inside you:

Health Care Dos and Don’ts

• Get early and regular prenatal care. Whether this is your first pregnancy or third, health care is extremely important. Your doctor will check to make sure you and the baby are healthy at each visit. If there are any problems, early action will help you and the baby.
• Take a multivitamin or prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms (mcg or 0.4 mg) of folic acid every day.
• Ask your doctor before stopping any medicines or starting any new medicines. Some medicines are not safe during pregnancy. Keep in mind that even over-the-counter medicines and herbal products may cause side effects or other problems. But not using medicines you need could also be harmful.
• Avoid x-rays. If you must have dental work or diagnostic tests, tell your dentist or doctor that you are pregnant so that extra care can be taken.
• Get a flu shot if your baby’s due date is between March and July. Pregnant women can get very sick from the flu and may need hospital care.

Food Dos and Don’ts

• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, calcium-rich foods, and foods low in saturated fat. Also, make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
• Get all the nutrients you need each day, including iron. Getting enough iron prevents you from getting anemia, which is linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. Eating a variety of healthy foods will help you get the nutrients your baby needs. But ask your doctor if you need to take a daily prenatal vitamin or iron supplement to be sure you are getting enough.
• Protect yourself and your baby from food-borne illnesses, including toxoplasmosis and listeria. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating. Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish. Always handle, clean, cook, eat, and store foods properly.
• Don’t eat fish with lots of mercury, including swordfish, king mackerel, shark, and tilefish.

Lifestyle Dos and Don’ts

• Gain a healthy amount of weight. Your doctor can tell you how much weight gain you should aim for during pregnancy.
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs. These can cause long-term harm or death to your baby. Ask your doctor for help quitting.
• Unless your doctor tells you not to, try to get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week. It’s best to spread out your workouts throughout the week. If you worked out regularly before pregnancy, you can keep up your activity level as long as your health doesn’t change and you talk to your doctor about your activity level throughout your pregnancy. Learn more about how to have a fit pregnancy.
• Don’t take very hot baths or use hot tubs or saunas.
• Get plenty of sleep and find ways to control stress.
• Get informed. Read books, watch videos, go to a childbirth class, and talk with moms you know.
• Ask your doctor about childbirth education classes for you and your partner. Classes can help you prepare for the birth of your baby.

Environmental Dos and Don’ts

• Stay away from chemicals like insecticides, solvents (like some cleaners or paint thinners), lead, mercury, and paint (including paint fumes). Not all products have pregnancy warnings on their labels. If you’re unsure if a product is safe, ask your doctor before using it. Talk to your doctor if you are worried that chemicals used in your workplace might be harmful.
• If you have a cat, ask your doctor about toxoplasmosis. This infection is caused by a parasite sometimes found in cat feces. If not treated toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects. You can lower your risk of by avoiding cat litter and wearing gloves when gardening.
• Avoid contact with rodents, including pet rodents, and with their urine, droppings, or nesting material. Rodents can carry a virus that can be harmful or even deadly to your unborn baby.
• Take steps to avoid illness, such as washing hands frequently.
• Stay away from secondhand smoke.

How often should I see my doctor during pregnancy?

Your doctor will give you a schedule of all the doctor’s visits you should have while pregnant. Most experts suggest you see your doctor:

• about once each month for weeks 4 through 28
• twice a month for weeks 28 through 36
• weekly for weeks 36 to birth

If you are older than 35 or your pregnancy is high risk, you’ll probably see your doctor more often.

What happens during prenatal visits?

Your doctor will give you a schedule of all the doctor’s visits you should have while pregnant. Most experts suggest you see your doctor:

• about once each month for weeks 4 through 28
• twice a month for weeks 28 through 36
• weekly for weeks 36 to birth

If you are older than 35 or your pregnancy is high risk, you’ll probably see your doctor more often.

What happens during prenatal visits?

During the first prenatal visit, you can expect your doctor to:

• ask about your health history including diseases, operations, or prior pregnancies
• ask about your family’s health history
• do a complete physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap test
• take your blood and urine for lab work
• check your blood pressure, height, and weight
• calculate your due date
• answer your questions

At the first visit, you should ask questions and discuss any issues related to your pregnancy. Find out all you can about how to stay healthy.

Later prenatal visits will probably be shorter. Your doctor will check on your health and make sure the baby is growing as expected.  Most prenatal visits will include:

• checking your blood pressure
• measuring your weight gain
• measuring your abdomen to check your baby’s growth (once you begin to show)
• checking the baby’s heart rate

While you’re pregnant, you also will have some routine tests. Some tests are suggested for all women, such as blood work to check for anemia, your blood type, HIV, and other factors. Other tests might be offered based on your age, personal or family health history, your ethnic background, or the results of routine tests you have had.

If you are a teen that is currently pregnant, it is not uncommon to feel that you only have two options: abortion or raising your child yourself.  However, this post is to let you know that there is another option, adoption.  No one else has to live daily with the decision you are about to make, and that is why you yourself must make this tough decision.  The best thing you can do for your baby is educate yourself on all your options and then choose the best solution for you and your child with confidence.

So where can you find this help and education you need?   LDS Family Services wants you to know that they can help.  This organization provides  counseling for birth moms and adoptive parents as well as many other types of counseling and resources.  It is free, confidential, and available to anyone experiencing an unintended pregnancy.  You can  watch stories of actual birth moms and adoptive parents as well as email them your questions.  For help exploring all your options, check out this website today!

Below is a birth mother’s story and feelings on adoption made by LDS Services.

I also included a slide show an adoptive family made of their positive experience with adoption.

• Crisis pregnancy center – A place where they only talk with pregnant women. It might even have a maternity center attached where you could live until the baby is born.
• Family planning clinic – A place where women get birth control information or pregnancy tests.
• Adoption agency – A good choice if you are already leaning strongly towards adoption.
• Health Department or Social Services – A food stamps or welfare worker can direct you to a proper clinic or department.
• Mental health center or family service agency – Counselors here help people in all kinds of situations.

Click here to visit our Related Links tab for more information.

1.  Bleeding During Any Trimester:  Heavy bleeding during any trimester could mean different things.  If you are bleeding heavily and have severe abdominal pain during the first trimester it could mean you are having an ectopic pregnancy.  In contrast, bleeding in the third trimester could mean a placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta seperates from the uterine lining.

2.  Nausea and Vomiting:  Severe nausea and vomiting to the point where you cannot keep anything down is a very dangerous situation.  You run the risk of becoming malnourished or dehydrated.  This can cause serious complications ranging from birth defects to a premature birth.

3.  The Baby’s Activity Level Significantly Declines:  If the baby is not moving as much as it always was it could mean that the baby is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients from the placenta.  But how do you know if it is significant?  Try drinking something cold or eating something.  Then lay on your side to see if the baby starts moving.

4.  Contractions Early in the Third Trimester:  This could be a sign or preterm labor.  However, a lot of first time moms confuse false labor (Braxton-Hicks Contractions) with true labor.  False labor contractions are often unpredictable, non-rhythmic, and do not increase in intensity.  The important thing is, not to take a chance.  If you think you might be having contractions, call your doctor as soon as possible.

5.  Your Water Breaks:  During pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can cause pressure on your bladder that could be urine leakage.  If you are not sure, go to the bathroom and empty your bladder.  If the fluid continues, your water has broken.

6.  A Persistent Severe Headache, Abdominal Pain, Visual Disturbances, and Swelling During Your Third Trimester:  These symptoms could be a sign of preeclampsia.  This is a serious disorder during pregnancy that can become fatal.  The disorder is marked by high blood pressure and excess protein in urine that typically occurs the 20th week of pregnancy.

7.  Flu Symptoms:  Pregnant Women are more likely to get sick than non-pregnant women.  Pregnancy puts added stress on the immune system making a pregnant woman more susceptible to illness.  Talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent yourself from getting the flu.

If you have experienced any of these symptoms or have questions about any of these warning signs do not hesitate to call your doctor.  Remember, you and your baby are the first priority.  It is always better to be safe than sorry.

For more detailed information on these warning signs click here.

In high school, one of my best friends got pregnant our senior year.  We didn’t discuss things much then, so it wasn’t until a few years later that I actually knew how she felt about the whole situation.  She once told me,”When I knew I was pregnant, I needed answers to so many different questions I had.”  She also explained that she didn’t quite know her options, or where to go from here.  If you are a teen, and you think you might be pregnant, you might be feeling this exact same way.  Here are a few facts and questions to help you weigh your options.

Keeping Your Baby

Becoming a parent is no simple decision.  In fact, it is one that will change your life forever.  It’s a stressful, challenging, rewarding, and miraculous experience.   However, it is also a lifelong commitment. If you are a teen mother trying to decide if you should keep your baby,  ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I feel about my baby’s father?  Is he willing to consider marriage? Will he be able to provide financial or emotional support?
• How do my family and friends feel about me keeping my baby? If I’m going to be a single mom, can they provide the love and encouragement I need?
• Will becoming a parent influence my other life goals? Will I be able to finish school? Will I be able to continue with my current career? Will I resent the sacrifices I must make in order to raise my child?
• Am I eligible for Medicaid, WIC, FIP, or other government assistance programs? Are there organizations in my area that can help me find free or low-cost diapers, clothes, formula, and other child-care essentials?
• Am I mature enough to care for a child? Do I have experience with the needs of a newborn? Can I take a parenting class before my baby is born?

Adoption is an Option

If you do not feel comfortable with abortion, but you do not feel ready to raise your baby, what can you do?  Adoption may be a great choice for you. Adoptions can be closed or open, depending upon your desire to have future contact with your child. If you’re considering adoption, ask yourself the following questions:

• Why do I want to place my baby up for adoption?
• What type of home would be best for my child? How do I define a “good” parent?
• How much contact would I like to have with my child?
• Is my baby’s father supportive of this decision?
• What adoption counseling services and support groups are available in my area?

Abortion

In the Unites States, about half of all unplanned pregnancies end in abortion. However, the decision to terminate an unplanned pregnancy can be a very difficult choice.  If you’re considering this option, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I know how an abortion is performed? Do I understand all of the potential risks and complications? Have I spoken to someone who has had an abortion to learn more about the experience?
• How does my baby’s father feel about this decision?
• Is anyone pressuring me to have an abortion against my will?
• Do I have any concerns about what will happen if I decide to terminate my pregnancy? Have I made arrangements to speak to a counselor about my feelings?
• What are my state’s abortion laws? If I’m under 18, does my state have mandatory parental notification laws?
• How far must I travel for the procedure? How soon will I be able to have the procedure performed?

These are the very basic questions you should begin to ask yourself if you are a pregnant teen.  Lucky for you, there are tons of resources to help along the way!  Check out the related links tab, for more information on all of these options.

Tips and information courtesy of lovetoknow.com.

According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Unplanned Pregnancy, three quarters of teens surveyed say that they would like the media to talk more about the consequences of sex.  Luckily, as previously established, the media IS talking more about these issues.  Unfortunately, the media also tends to gloss over the hardships that come along with teen pregnancy.

Take for example the hit TV series The Secret Life of the American Teenager. Amy, a high school band student, finds herself pregnant after a one night stand at band camp.  Though the show does cover some of the hardships of being a teenage mom, it doesn’t seem even scratch the surface of the day to day struggles these mothers face. Amy has the ideal boyfriend who sticks with her throughout the pregnancy, as well as a loving family who is supportive, a home to live in, food to eat, and even a job that seems to work perfectly with her school schedule (to view episodes of the Secret Life click here).

On the other hand, the popular MTV’s  16 and Pregnant does shed some reality on the hardships of being a teenage mom.  For example, in one particular episode high school cheerleader, Maci, finds that finacee Ryan has no interest in taking care of their new baby.  She finds that in some ways, she’s facing this challenge on her own, resuming all responsibility, and never realizing how much she would have to give up (to view the episode, click here).

Although both of these TV shows help expose teens to the hardships of an unwanted pregnancy, neither of the shows focus, or rarely even mention, what could have been done to prevent the pregnancy in the first place.  Fortunately for parents, it has opened the door to talk to your teens.  So parents, don’t let the media talk for you, make sure  your teen fully understands the consequences for specific decisions.  For tips about talking to your teens click here.

The fact of the matter is, abstinence may be the safest way to prevent teen pregnancy.  However, there are 40, 000 sexually active teens in the state of Utah.  Teen births in Utah count for approximately 11 percent of all births in the state.  Clearly, more education is needed.  According to amplifyyour voice.org, a teen advocate group, teens that have effective sex education generally tend to have sex later in life, have fewer sexual partners, have a lower chance of mixing drugs and alcohol with sex, use proper protection, and have a significant reduction of STI’s and unwanted pregnancies.

Fortunately,  there are bills in route that are trying to get rid of the “abstinence only” law for Utah schools.  Not only that, many brave Utah teens are advocating for sex education as well.  Take a look at this video to see how teens in the community are pulling together to let their voice be heard.  In the meantime, feel free to share your opinions here, or check out  amplifyyourvoice.org for how to get involved.