1) How does pregnancy happen?
Pregnancy can occur in a woman between menarche (from the time her menstrual periods begin) and menopause (when her menstrual periods cease). During this period in a woman’s life, her ovaries usually release an egg every month. This happens between 7 and 21 days before she has her next period. This tiny egg travels through one of the tubes that lead from each of her ovaries to one side of her uterus. If at the time the egg is nearing or in the uterus, the woman has sexual intercourse with a man, one of the many sperm that has been ejaculated into her vagina travels through the uterus and fuses with the egg to form a fertilized egg, which could get embedded in the wall of the uterus, and over time grow and develop into a baby. Pregnancy normally lasts for 9 months.
2) How do you know you’re pregnant?
When a woman becomes pregnant, her body releases hormones to prevent menstruation and to ensure the development of the embryo. Many women will notice changes in their body such as:
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.
3) How is a pregnancy test done?
A pregnancy test can be done using the urine or blood of a girl/woman who wants to confirm whether she is pregnant. The test measures the amount of chemical substance (hormone) in the urine or blood. This hormone is produced by the placenta, and its levels rise during pregnancy. Reliable and easy to use urine test kits are available at pharmacies in many places. Using these kits, the test can be done at home by someone without medical or nursing training. The pregnancy test can be negative for up to two weeks after the last missed period. It then stays positive from 6 weeks to 12 weeks after the last missed period. After that it becomes negative again. It must be stressed that if the test is not done correctly, it could show a wrong result.
4) If I am pregnant, what should I do?
If you think you are pregnant, it is important to seek advice from a health professional. If you want to continue with this pregnancy, your health and the health of your developing baby requires attention which includes good nutrition, rest, and being careful not to drink or expose yourself to cigarette smoke. If you are not sure you want to continue with your pregnancy, it is still important to discuss what options are available to you with a health provider, or with the call center at Vientiane Youth Centre. If you know you are pregnant, you should stop taking oral contraceptives.
Contraception is used to prevent pregnancy. There are many methods of contraception, but not every method is suitable for everyone.
1. Contraceptive pills
When taken correctly, the contraceptive pill is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. To ensure the best protection, the pill should be taken every day, at the same time. Contraceptive pills can be taken safely by breastfeeding mothers who don’t want another pregnancy so soon. Contraceptive pills can have side effects such as dizziness, nausea and irregular menstruation.
2. Emergency pills
These pills can be used in emergency situations such as rape, broken condoms or unprotected sex. There are two types of emergency birth control pills.
Side effects can include dizziness, nausea and blood in the stools. You should consult a doctor immediately if you have side effects. These pills cannot prevent sexually transmitted infections, and they should not be taken as regular birth control pills.
3. Intrauterine device (IUD)
IUDs are a long-term method of birth control that are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. There are two types available, a copper IUD and a hormonal IUD. The device is inserted into a woman’s uterus and can stay in place for 5-10 years, depending on the type of device. IUDs can be removed by a doctor when needed, for example when you want to get pregnant.
IUDs can also be used for emergency contraception if they are inserted within 5 days of having unprotected sex.
Side effects can include cramps and backache, periods that are heavier or lighter, and a slight discharge that goes away after a few months. Each person's symptoms will be different.
4. Injectable form of birth control
A medication containing a hormone is injected into a woman’s arm or buttocks every 3 months. It is more than 99% effective in preventing pregnancy, and women who are breastfeeding can safely have this injection. The first injection is usually given within the first seven days of the start of your period. It can be given at another time if your healthcare provider is confident that you aren’t pregnant.
Side effects can include headache, nausea and irregular menstruation.
5. Implanted contraceptives
Implanted contraceptives are a long-term method of birth control which are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. The implant is about the size of a matchstick and is placed under the skin of a woman’s upper arm. It can last up to 3 years before it needs to be replaced.
Side effects can include headache, nausea, irregular menstruation or absence of menstruation.
6. Condoms
Condoms are a temporary contraceptive method that can prevent pregnancy and also protect men and women from getting sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. Condoms should be put on before any genital to genital contact begins. If used correctly, condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy and more than 90% effective in preventing HIV and Hepatitis B infections.
7. Male and female sterilization
Sterilization in a permanent method of birth control. Men can have a vasectomy, where the vas deferens is tied or cut. Women can have a tubal ligation, where the fallopian tubes are cut or blocked to prevent eggs travelling to the uterus.
Total views : 166385
