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Every expecting mother hopes that childbirth will happen flawlessly. Occasionally, though, circumstances arise that can cause birth injuries. Understanding more about common birth injuries might help you make decisions that will create a more positive experience for you and your baby.

Bruising During Birth

Doctors can encounter unexpected events while helping mothers give birth. If, for instance, the baby is too large or turned at an odd angle, the doctors might have to use forceps to encourage the birth. In some cases, this leads to bruises on the baby’s head or body. Marks from forceps shouldn’t usually cause any concern. On occasion, though, forceps can cause depressions in the skull that require surgical interventions.

Some bruising can cause brief periods of facial paralysis. This is alarming to parents, but usually disappears after the swelling has gone down and taken pressure off of nerves in the face.

Brain Injuries During Birth

A variety of brain injuries can occur during birth. A lack of oxygen, for instance, can cause disorders such as seizures and cerebral palsy. Blood loss could also lead to development disorders that affect a child’s mental functions. Most of the birth injury attorneys California provides will receive thousands of questions every year about brain injuries that result from a lack of oxygen or blood during birth. It is a fairly common problem that can lead to serious impairments.

Advances in medical technology have made birth less risky in the modern world, but there is still a chance that injury could occur. If you are concerned about your baby, then talk to your doctor about features that could lead to birth injuries. That way, you can prepare for these events.

Slight nausea can occur early on in the pregnancy with the experience of full morning sickness occurring several weeks later. Morning sickness usually peaks at the seventh or eighth week and tapers off and disappears after twelve to fourteen weeks.

During pregnancy, bloating can occur as a result of increased levels of progesterone. These increased hormone levels can also slow down the metabolism and make one’s stomach more swollen than usual.

Woman may also find that they are going to the bathroom more frequently early in the pregnancy. This is a result of the kidneys having to flush out more fluid that is produced by the growing fetus. Frequent trips to the bathroom later in the pregnancy are caused by the extended uterus pressing on the bladder.

One more rather well-known sign of pregnancy is the cravings that woman have for special foods. This additional food is needed to keep up one’s energy levels and carbohydrates are found to be the best source of energy as they metabolize easily and are quickly utilized by the body.

Headaches may also occur due to the increased production of hormones which in turn increases the volume of blood in the body. These tend to be temporary and last until a woman’s body adjusts to the higher levels of hormones in the body.

Sore breasts are a common result of pregnancy as the breast tissue is very sensitive to the over-production of hormones. This occurs after the egg is fertilized and increases the volume of blood which causes breasts to swell and feel heavier than usual.

Implantation of the fertilized egg to the wall of the uterus may cause cramps. This process stretches the uterus, causing the cramps, in preparation for the even larger expansion that will occur over the next nine months. Implantation may also cause some spotting to occur. If a period occurs and it seems different or shorter than usual, then a pregnancy test should be looked into.

As a woman’s body adjusts to having a baby inside of it, she may also experience fatigue. This kind of fatigue is more than being just tired; it usually shows itself as wanting to nap during the day or not having enough energy to keep up with daily activities. Even during the early stages of pregnancy, the baby is using a woman’s calories and so more food and energy resources are needed to maintain a normal lifestyle.

Another sign of pregnancy is darkening of the nipples. The cells in the nipples are affected by the additional hormones and change in color. This is not an immediate effect and may not occur until ten weeks into the pregnancy.

One method of birth control that is 100% effective is not to engage in sexual relations. This not only guarantees not getting pregnant but also insures the prevention of getting a sexually transmitted disease. The risks of these events occurring may outweigh the pleasure that can be received from having sexual relations.

If one does plan to engage in sexual relations, then are various methods from which one can choose. Blocking sperm from getting into the uterus is known as a barrier method. Devices included in this method are the cervical cap, contraceptive sponge and condoms. Protection with these devices requires that they be used every time every time sex is to occur. If a woman decides to use a cervical cap or diaphragm, she must be fitted for this by her doctor. These devices may increase the risk of urinary tract infections or cause allergic reactions in some women.

If the man is the one using birth control, condoms are a good choice. They are available at any local drugstore and not expensive. They can be used alone or in combination with other methods of birth control. Using condoms is a wise choice if partners using the condoms are having sex with other people or if either one has had sex with other people in the past. Condoms are most effective against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. One should stay away from using a spermicide with condoms as this can not only decrease one’s protection against sexually transmitted infections but can also cause genital irritation. Female condoms do exist but they have found to be less effective than the condoms used by men.

It’s not hard to find reliable and trustworthy pregnancy information on the Internet. Check the source of the advice and if in doubt, always check with your doctor. Using the web as a research tool is a great way to understand how the baby in your uterus is changing your entire body. You’ll begin to understand why your breasts hurt and why your mood changes so easily. Using a helpful pregnancy information website and joining an online community of other pregnant women can help you feel more secure about your baby’s growth and development.

Besides getting a better understanding of how and why your body is changing, the Internet has information about prenatal nutrition and appropriate workout routines. Whatever goes into your body gets passed along to your baby. That’s why it’s so important to evaluate everything you put in your mouth and in what proportions. Eating too much or not enough can cause problems for babies. You certainly want to do all you can to avoid health problems such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. Both of these conditions can cause serious problems for mom and baby. Arming yourself with accurate medical advice on diet and exercise will help you protect your health and the health of your little one.

Take time now to learn the answers to all your questions about pregnancy, childbirth, and your baby’s first year. Once your child is born, you’ll have very little time to spend hours poring over this valuable information.

For married couples who are putting off having children, it’s important to invest in birth control. Birth control can range from condoms, to pills, to vaginal devices. No matter the preferred method of contraception, it’s important to get protection. Having protection allows you to save money and plan properly to have kids in the future. For those that believe birth control is expensive, the reality is that most insurance covers a variety of birth control methods. In most cases, birth control will be covered except for a reasonable co-payment. If you are not insured, then now is the time to do it.

Before you purchase insurance, you need to compare insurance quote prices from three or four different companies. Make sure that you set your policy limits and deductibles the same so that the quote is an accurate figure. Once you do that, then you should be able to determine which monthly premium works out the best for you and your spouse.

Insurance is a necessary step in providing not only good health care, but financial protection against soaring health care costs. For yourself and your spouse, it’s important to save the money you can and hold off having kids till you are both comfortable. You want the best for your future children, so be at your best.

Myth 1 – If the woman has her period, she can’t get pregnant  - The truth is that every woman’s cycle is different and therefore it is possible for her to get pregnant at any time.

Myth 2 – You can’t get pregnant your first time – There are a lot of babies who have been conceived this way. If the woman is ovulating at the time that she has sex, she can get pregnant.

Myth 3 – Heating pads and hot baths prevent pregnancy – There are people who think that using a heating pad or taking a hot bath after they have sex is going to kill the sperm. Although direct heat can kill sperm, the amount of heat that is generated by a pad or a bath isn’t ample.

Myth 4 – Using soda to douche kills sperm – It doesn’t matter what you use for douching , it’s not going to kill sperm. The only thing that might happen with the soda is that you will get a yeast infection.

Myth 5 – If the man pulls out, pregnancy won’t occur – Another way that a lot of surprise babies have come into being.  Even though the man didn’t ejaculate in the woman, there still can be sperm in the fluid that comes out before ejaculation, so that can make cause pregnancy as well.

These five myths are the most popular that people have believed and still believe, and have brought a lot of babies into the world. Remember the truths in these myths and use backup methods for contraception. Otherwise you may find that you have a surprise baby on the way.

In the first trimester, you may find that you feel sick, tired, and not very good before you even find out that you are pregnant. In fact, a large number of women find out that they are pregnant because they are not feeling well. Morning sickness symptoms can be anything from just a little bit of nausea to not being able to hold down any food. One misconception is that morning sickness only happens in the morning. In fact, it can happen at any time of day. Another significant aspect of the first trimester is that the woman will notice that she no longer has her period. Along with morning sickness, this is one of the leading reasons women do a pregnancy test and find out they are expecting.

For many women, the second trimester is the best. There is a return of energy, and a decrease of morning sickness. You may notice in the second trimester that you can feel your baby moving, as well. As the baby gets bigger, so will you. You may start showing your “baby bump” fairly early in the second trimester.

The third trimester is very difficult for many women. Not only do you get a return of many of the first trimester symptoms, but you may also find that you start to get more uncomfortable. Your growing baby is now pushing on many of your internal organs, and it can be difficult to catch your breath or fall asleep. Just keep in mind that once you’ve entered the third trimester, you are in the home stretch.

The meaning of teen abstinence consists of not taking part in sex play beyond light kissing or hugging, or in sexual intercourse. This means they are not to touch the genitals of another person or any part of the other person’s body. With abstinence, a teen does not give up their sexuality, but it is actually a responsible and healthy way of handling it. In cases where a teen has already engaged in sexual activity, they still can make the choice to practice abstinence.

With abstinence, the teen has a guarantee that they will avoid pregnancy; abstinence also has health, emotional and social benefits.

Today, more than 50% of teens are choosing abstinence as a way of life. More the 73% believe that being abstinent is not embarrassing, and 58% said they believe they should no be engaging in sexual intercourse. Most of the teens that have engaged in sexual activity have stated that they wish they had waited. The following are some reasons that teens have chosen abstinence.

• They wait until they feel they are ready to deal with the physical and emotional parts of a sexual relationship.
• They want to avoid STDs.
• They want to wait until they find the right person.
• They do not want to become parents.
• They would rather pursue other interests such as academics and sports.
• Their parents encourage abstinence and they have good communication with them.

Many teens are aware that abstinence may be challenging, but well worth it. Some teens are even finding that it is possible to engage in non-sexual parts of romance with an individual such as going on dates, sharing interests, and talking. Many of these teens oftentimes stay clear of other bad habits such as alcohol because they realize the harmful effects of it and that they may need places like Rehab-International.org for help in the end.

What are the potential side effects of birth control? One of the most common is a feeling of aching in the breasts. Headaches and dizziness are also possible, especially if you are taking the pill for the first time. In some cases, switching brands can help, but in other cases, you may be unable to take the medication at all. Most people will see these side effects decrease and even go away after a few months. Others may experience more intense nausea. This usually goes away in a couple of months as well. One solution to this problem is to take oral contraceptives with food instead of taking them on an empty stomach.

It is possible to experience other side effects from birth control including breakthrough bleeding, which occurs when the uterus becomes so thin that it sloughs off a bit. You may experience mood swings or a decrease in your libido. Report side effects to your doctor anytime they progress, get worse, or are severe enough to interfere with your daily life. Other options are usually available and can be just as effective. You should report sensitivities to your doctor as soon as possible.

The Birth Control Pill is probably the most popular form of pregnancy control used by women and men. In most cases it’s safe, effective and convenient as a way to avoid pregnancy. The pill is popular too because it is small, discreet and you don’t have to “do” anything to get it to work or wait for it to start working before engaging in sex.

“The Pill” as it is called was first introduced in the early part of the ’60s and essentially revolutionized birth control. Although different methods of course were used prior to that time, when the Pill came along, it quickly became the preferred control method of choice because of all the benefits it offered.

Alternative uses of the Pill also include the Patch that essentially works the same by blocking potential pregnancies from being created. Just as the Pill blocks ovulation and re-balances the woman’s hormones, the Patch does the same thing with her hormones and makes her body think that the eggs have been released. The only difference however in the Pill and the Patch is that with the Pill the woman will still have a monthly menstrual cycle, but with the Patch there will likely be an absence of the menstrual cycle for anywhere from two to three months at a time.

The Pill is still a very popular method available today although there are many other different types of birth control methods available on the market. The Pill is likely to be one of this methods that will be around for quite some time since it gives the user so much flexibility and convenience with their choices in reproduction issues.

Around the world, however, it is slightly less popular. The most popular method worldwide is the intra-uterine device, or IUD. IUDs are small, T-shaped devices that are inserted into the uterus. They remain in place for years, and are the most effective method of birth control outside of abstinence or permanent sterilization.

In many European and Asian countries, the IUD is the most popular method of birth control with pills as the second most popular. Yet in the United States, it is one of the least popular methods, well behind pills, surgical sterilization, hormone implants and barrier methods.

One reason for this might be that there are only two IUDs available for use in the US. There are over 10 models available in Europe. Also, the approval process for contraceptive devices is much slower in the US than for most other developed countries.

Although it is not popular in the United States, IUD use is increasing. This could be because the latest device to be approved has the added benefit of lightening menstrual cycles. Also, the IUD was once only recommended for use by women who have already had children. This restriction seems to be lifting, and doctors are beginning to offer it as treatment for heavy periods.

The other IUD is copper-based rather than hormone-based. While it does not have the effect of lighter and shorter periods, it is hormone-free. As women become more aware of the effects of long-term hormone exposure, the copper IUD may become a more popular option as well. It can also be an acceptable method for women whose health history indicates that they should not use hormonal methods of birth control.

Sex is a very natural act, performed between two (consenting) people who want to share intimacy and love. The act of sex itself is very pleasurable, but very often, young people get involved in sex for mainly the physical reasons and forget other aspects of it until they’re faced with difficult decisions.

Some of the dangers in teenagers or even young adults having sex too soon involve more of the emotional aspect of the act than it does the physical. Young people, whether it’s in age or their maturity level, may think that they have the emotional capabilities to deal with sex, but once they’ve become involved in a relationship, they may find that they are not ready for such an emotional ride.

Basically, having sex too soon means engaging in a sexual relationship that the person is neither physically or emotionally prepared to do. To be physically ready means that the person must at least be developing and maturing physically to accommodate being sexual. This doesn’t mean necessarily that their anatomy is prepared, but probably that the development of their hormones is in such a state that can be controlled. If the girl hasn’t started menstruating before she begins a sex life, she runs the risk of becoming pregnant at a very young age.

For the young man, he also runs a risk since his body is still growing and developing and his body’s sperm count may in full bloom. Also, both the developing young man and woman must caution against their underdeveloped emotions. Their bodies may be changing at a fast rate, but their emotional state may lag far behind. When this happens, they run the risk of tying physical pleasure with emotional satisfaction and many times, the two may not match up. Taking the time to allow both developments to mature will likely be better for them in the long run.

Even then, people knew the benefits of the barrier method. Fortunately, there are much safer and more effective products on the market. Today’s barrier methods (the condom, diaphragm, cervical cap and contraceptive sponge) are comfortable, easy to use, and prevent pregnancy when used correctly.

Condoms are probably the oldest contraceptive in the world and are still popular. They are easy to obtain and very low cost. Most are made from rubber, though there are a few natural skin condoms on the market. Some condoms contain spermicide for added protection. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Diaphragms and cervical caps are made from rubber or silicone, and are used with spermicide to form a barrier against the cervix. They are affordable, easy to use and safe for people whose health prevents them from using the pill or other hormonal methods. There is no need to worry about missing doses, monitoring blood pressure, or making appointments for injections.

Contraceptive sponges are made from absorbent synthetic foam that has been saturated with spermicide. They are available without a prescription, do not require any fitting, and can remain in place for 30 hours

Barrier methods have very few side effects. There are no hormones to affect mood or cause weight gain and can be used by nearly everyone. They do not require any surgical procedures, are immediately effective, and do not involve any surgical or painful procedures. There is also recent evidence that spermicide may offer some protection against certain diseases, though it is not known exactly how this works. Investigation and study of this evidence may help barrier methods of contraception become more popular in the future.

- Birth control pills
Probably the most commonly used form of avoiding pregnancy because it is easy, convenient and flexible for most women to use. Taking a pill a day for 20-24 days out of the month is what many women prefer to do and not be bothered with other ways.

- Condoms
Condoms are good for preventing the flow of sperm to unite with the woman’s egg, but they are also great for protecting the person against certain sexually-transmitted diseases. Although they are not fail-proof for pregnancy, they do offer good protection.

- The Withdrawal Method
Very common but also very ineffective since the procedure is not guaranteed. The presence of sperm is in drops of semen that are excreted during sex and has the potential to unite with the egg, even before ejaculation. Pregnancy can and often does occur with this procedure, which is why it is not a suggested remedy for helping to avoid a pregnancy.

Some of these methods will work, and some of them will not. Choosing to use any of these forms of birth controls is a matter of preference. Many people will decide to test them or use several methods at once for more effectiveness and to ensure that there are no slip-ups. With whatever method is chosen, the main thing is to be sure that it is right for the person, their lifestyle and that they fully understand how each method works and the mechanics of each style.

Many people today have decided to head to Planned Parenthood for their birth control options. For many, going to Planned Parenthood can help you save some money on your prescription birth control, over just going to your regular doctor. If you are trying to save up for something like designer jewelry, this could be an option for you.

You may be wondering what types of birth control options you can find at Planned Parenthood. Almost any type of birth control you may want is available. In fact, they may even have options that your doctor may not offer. Even if they have a smaller selection than your doctor, they still have more than enough options for many women.

If you are looking to go on the pill, there are different varieties that are offered. If you’re looking for a particular brand birth control pill, you’ll want to check and make sure that it is offered. If the specific type of pill that you want is not offered, you can discuss your other options with the nurse.

Another option for birth control, especially if you have had children before, is an IUD, or inter-uterine device. This is a small device that is put into your uterus that gives off a low dose of hormone that keeps you from getting pregnant. Generally, these IUDs will last for up to five years. If you decide before the five years are up that you want to get pregnant, you can just head to your doctor, or back to Planned Parenthood, and get the device removed.

No matter what form of birth control you’re interested in, you’ll want to talk to a nurse at Planned Parenthood or your normal doctor about the pros and cons of your choice. There are side effects with all drugs, and this includes birth control.

You’ve been wanting to improve your health for a while now, but you just can’t seem to find the time or the energy. Do you know that people who are more physically and mentally healthy actually have better sex lives? That’s probably a pretty good reason to get off the couch and start improving your health.

When you feel good about yourself and your appearance, you are much better equipped to feel better in your relationships and that includes your sex life. If you are exhausted or tired most of the time, that will effect your sexual energy in a negative way.

We all know that many of us find the road to getting a healthy body and mind is difficult. It is especially difficult if this goal involves starting to exercise, losing weight or reducing stress. All you have to do is grab your running shoes to get started! We know the rewards from exercise include the fact that you will feel and look better, both of which can only enhance romantic activities.

There is no proof that a good diet and sexual performance are linked; however a less than stellar diet can cause problems with your health that can affect your sex life in a negative way.

So how do you go about achieving more healthy lifestyles so you can enhance your romance and sex life? Simply eating a balanced diet and exercising each day is a simple road to follow. The two are basically the ying to each others yang -  they work together in tandem.

Individuals who engage in regular exercise actually find that they have a high level of desire according to studies. These people exhibit high levels of confidence and often have a greater ability to achieve orgasm and greater satisfaction. Even a moderate level of daily exercise, say between 20 and 30 minutes per day, can help boost your sexual desire.

Once you decide to take action, there are a lot of things that you can do. From visiting town halls in your local region, to a visit out to Capitol Hill to wave signs at senators, Planned Parenthood needs to constantly advocate for the sexual health and wellness of teens, and the spreading of information for preventative methods. Affordable health care for the reproductive system is not common, and teens are often the poorest part of our culture, so they need your voice to support them and help Planned Parenthood get funding.

Donate to your local Planned Parenthood, or to the organization at large, so that teens can find support and affordable or free assistance. Don’t leave your kids vulnerable to curiosity and the ensuing STDs and unwanted pregnancies; it was cute in Juno, but in real life it’s much more complicated than that.

Get a job working for Planned Parenthood, and enjoy the rewarding feeling of serving the public on a daily basis. An equal opportunity employer, Planned Parenthood reviews all applications.

Volunteers are needed in the offices, too! If you don’t want to wave signs and write letters to senators, then volunteering in an office may be the perfect way for you to help out.

If you want to help, but don’t have funds or time, you can spread the word by simply adding Planned Parenthood on Facebook. Your link to Planned Parenthood could lead to hundreds of potential contributors or volunteers, which is much appreciated.

Your efforts on behalf of America’s teens are the difference that is needed in the world. Thanks!

The birth control pill, commonly referred to as “The Pill”, is an oral contraceptive pill used by females as a birth control method. The combination pill contains man-made female hormones- estrogen and progestin, which are naturally produced in the ovaries. The hormones in the pill suppress the pituitary gland, which stops ovulation. Ovulation is the development and release of an egg in the ovary. If ovulation stops and there is no egg to be fertilized, then a woman cannot get pregnant.
Progestin also aids in preventing sperm from reaching the egg. The mucus in the cervix is thickened, making it hard for sperm to reach an egg that may have been released. Also, the lining of the womb is made thinner in order to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching.
The pill is intended to be taken for 21 days straight. The last remaining 7 pills are placebo pills, meaning that they don’t contain any hormones. A woman will have her period when she stops taking the pills that contain the hormones and begin taking the last 7 pills. If this is the first time a woman is taking the pill, then it’s important to use an additional form of protection, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After the first 7 days the pill will begin working alone to prevent pregnancy.
If a woman forgets to take the pill or accidentally skips a dose, then she is at risk for pregnancy. A backup form of birth control should be used, or she should avoid having sex for a little while. The pill is a very safe and effective form of birth control if taken everyday. Even missing 1 day can increase the chances of pregnancy.
There are positive side effects that most women are delighted with. The pill usually makes periods lighter, improves acne, reduces cramps, and also protects against certain forms of diseases and cancers.
Unfortunately, the pill does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. Continuing to use condoms while on the pill is a good idea because condoms protect against STD’s.

Planned Parenthood clinics also have counselors available to parents to help them through the conversations with their children. Additionally, some clinics offer group classes which parents and children can attend together to have questions answered in a comfortable and non-threatening setting. Without this crucial knowledge, children and teenagers may not ever learn the potential implications of having unprotected sex. Even parents who try to simply teach abstinence only may be surprised to find that their children are still engaging in unprotected sex. All parents should emphasize that unwanted pregnancy and many diseases can result from sex, and should offer the tools necessary to prevent their children from being unsafe

Some Planned Parenthood clinics do offer these procedures, but even the ones that don’t will still offer information and counseling. One thing that patients who choose this method of contraception must remember is that they will not be protected in any way against STDs. Unless both partners have been tested for disease and are completely monogamous, individuals should still use a condom for every sexual encounter to ensure complete protection and safety. Permanent sterilization is a way for both men and women who do not desire to ever conceive children to eliminate the worry of an unwanted pregnancy.

Women usually begin menopause between the age of 40 and 50, and it signifies the end of menstruation. Women first begin to notice gradual changes, such as changes in emotions and desires, mood swings, hot flashes and excessive sweating, and vaginal pain. It can be a difficult change for many since it can cause unwanted changes in the body. Infertility can affect women of any age, and can be a frustrating experience for those wanting to conceive. Planned Parenthood clinics offer testing and procedures to help couples with conception problems. Cancer screenings are crucial because they can help detect irregularities early, so cancer is able to be treated quickly and effectively. Women can also watch for signs and symptoms of these cancers with at-home checkups as well, such as checking for breast lumps frequently, or watching for irregular vaginal discharge. Problems with menstruation can be controlled, and Planned Parenthood clinics have services available to assist women who are having trouble with their monthly cycles. Additionally, a yearly pap smear can detect problems with the cervix, so maintaining a routine with this screening is also very important to women’s health. The cervix is an important part of the reproductive system, so watching for abnormalities is crucial to maintaining the ability to have children. All issues related to women’s health are important, and can be managed and treated effectively at Planned Parenthood clinics.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America helped to develop a more realistic approach to sex education, performing surveys in schools across the country and compiling documents designed to inform and educate high school students about how to protect themselves when engaging in sexual activity. In the surveys, it was determined that teaching abstinence-only sex education does not decrease the number of people who are having sex; instead it just allows uninformed individuals to engage in sexual activity that can lead to sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy. Neither program actually decreases the number of students who are engaging in sexual activity. Instead, when students are taught the risks involved in having sex, they are more likely to use protection and take precautions against unwanted risks, such as disease or pregnancy, since they are more aware and understand what could happen if they have unprotected sex. Planned Parenthood clinics also offer comprehensive sex education to individuals, since they may not be getting the necessary information anywhere else. Teaching sex education in schools is crucial to prevent the continued spread of sexually transmitted disease, and is an issue that Planned Parenthood will continue to fight until comprehensive sex education is taught in schools throughout America.

Emergency contraception, also known as the Morning After Pill, can help to prevent pregnancy if taken between one and five days after having unprotected sex. It is offered in Planned Parenthood clinics to women 17 years of age and older. If someone younger needs emergency contraception, they must go to their physician or other health center, and will often have to have parental consent. Basically the pill works by hormones which prevent the woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg. Additionally, it helps to thicken the mucus from the cervix which blocks sperm from joining with an egg. The pill also can thin the uterus lining, which could prevent an egg from attaching to the uterus. The sooner the pill is taken after unprotected intercourse, the more effective the pill will be. However, contrary to common belief, this pill does not cause an abortion; it will not terminate an existing pregnancy. It will only help in preventing a pregnancy if taken properly. The pill should not be used as regular birth control; there are many options for contraception available through Planned Parenthood clinics. The cost of emergency contraception pills can vary, usually ranging from $10-$70. Some clinics also provide certain intrauterine devices, which are believed to block pregnancy from occurring if placed in the woman within five days of unprotected sex. Some side effects are present in women who have taken the emergency contraception pill, including nausea and vomiting, cramping, and irregular bleeding.

Adoption is also a great option, offering a chance at parenthood to individuals who are unable to conceive a child on their own. Planned Parenthood clinics can give names and contact information of nearby adoption agencies to women who are considering adoption. If a woman chooses to parent her child, the staff can offer information on what to expect, as well as involve the woman in support groups with women who are in similar situations, such as single parenting or groups for new parents. Regardless of the decision made, Planned Parenthood is equipped to help all women choose the best possible option and offer resources on how to make it happen.