Prenatal Care | Planned Parenthood

Can You Afford to Have a Baby Right Now?

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Adding a new family member to your relationship via having a baby requires some advance planning and thought. It’s one thing for two adults working their jobs to manage to pay their bills, clothe themselves, an get enough to eat, all while maintaining a roof over their heads. It’s another thing entirely to add another person to the mix, who requires 100% support with zero financial input. And that’s exactly what you get when you and your partner decide to have a baby. You get a ton of additional financial responsibility, ranging from medical care and hospital expenses, to increased food, toy, and diaper costs.

If you’ve ever thought having a baby was a simple matter, that everyone else does it and therefore it must be pretty easy, then take a few moments to consider. Skipping this important step could lead to your own bankruptcy if you fail to consider the variables and whether you and your partner can afford them. For example, just imagine if you lived in Michigan and having to filing bankruptcy in Michigan. Back to that thinking about whether you can afford to have, and properly raise, a child.

It seems that after a baby is born, it just needs some diapers and baby food, right? Sure, any baby needs plenty of both of those, but there’s so much more that it’s important not to forget it all. Have you considered where the baby will sleep? A crib is necessary to keep them safe. A multitude of colorful toys are important – it is during the developmental years that babies learn shapes, colors, and the basis of much gravity based movement. Any deprivation in stimuli could easily lead to a kid becoming developmentally held back, a situation which will cause more financial issues in the future. Regular check-ups at the doctor are imperative to assure that your child is healthy, and those visits aren’t free! Make sure you can afford to have a baby before having one.

Filed Under: Advice, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Baby food, Diaper, Michigan

Birth Control Options

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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.

Filed Under: Advice, General, Parenthood, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care Tagged With: birthcontrol, Combined oral contraceptive pill, Family planning, Health, Intrauterine device, Options, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health

Are you Ready for Pregnancy?

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Planned Parenthood is a health and pregnancy resource center that provides information to women, not only for themselves, but for their babies as well. Anyone who has questions about sexual health, reproductive health, or having a baby can rely on Planned Parenthood for assistance and guidance. One of the most important questions that women often find themselves asking is whether or not they are ready to have a baby. If you become pregnant unexpectedly or if you are thinking about becoming pregnant intentionally, you need to consider what it means to have a child.

There are many costs when you first have a child, including medical bills during the pregnancy. You’ll also find yourself spending money as you prepare your home for the arrival of the baby. You will need to have baby furniture, bedding, baby clothing, food and diapers ready for when your baby is born. You should be healthy when you are pregnant, and so it’s important to think about and improve your overall health if you are thinking about having a baby. Are you healthy enough to bring a new life into the world? Are you ready for everything that it takes to give birth to and raise a child? You also have to think about who will care for your baby if you can’t provide full-time care yourself. Perhaps you have family or close friends who will help you. Maybe you’ll need to look at daycare and in-home care options.

There are definitely a lot of things that you have to think about when it comes to having a baby. You will need to make some pretty powerful decisions if you get pregnant. You are entitled and empowered to make the decisions regarding your pregnancy, and be sure to weigh all the options.

Filed Under: Advice, Parenthood, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Planned Parenthood, Pregnancy, Reproductive health

Abortion in Planned Parenthood Clinic

Abortion is a heavily debated issue within America. However, a woman’s right to choose for herself is a right that has been fought for in courts for many years. Planned Parenthood clinics are one of few locations where women can obtain an elective abortion. In many cases, a woman who chooses abortion will go to any measures necessary to make it happen. More than 30% of American women have had an abortion by the time they are 45 years old. However, offering this procedure in a medical clinic is a much safer option for women who want to have an abortion. It is performed by a trained physician, and can protect the woman’s ability to conceive a baby in the future. Having an abortion in this setting can also help to educate women about birth control options to avoid further unwanted pregnancies, since the clinic offers a wide range of contraception and counseling. The clinics follow all state laws regarding abortion, including age limitations and required parental consent. Some women also must have an abortion for medical reasons, such as the baby could damage the mother’s health or potentially be fatal. Whatever the reason for the abortion, Planned Parenthood clinics can help women make the decision.

Many Planned Parenthood clinics provide education about the process, and offer multiple ways to have the abortion. Women have the option of a medication abortion or procedure, and a staff member will help determine which choice is best for each individual. Some clinics also will provide a free ultrasound to mothers who desire this option. The clinics also have on-staff counselors who help women understand all choices available, and what will be involved in each. Offering abortions in Planned Parenthood clinics gives women a safe place to choose abortion, and continues to fight for a woman’s right to choose what is best for her situation and her body.

Filed Under: Advice, Parenthood, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Clinics and Services, Health, Planned Parenthood

Relationship Counseling for Abuse

Many couples encounter problems with their relationships on a daily basis. Some do not know what is okay when dealing with relationship troubles, such as those involved in abusive relationships. Some Planned Parenthood clinics offer relationship counseling for individuals or couples who need guidance from a trained professional. There are many ways people can be hurt in relationships; emotional, verbal, sexual, and physical abuse are more common in many relationships and should never be tolerated. However, some do not understand that what they are experiencing is classified as abuse. Counselors at Planned Parenthood clinics can help individuals understand what constitutes abuse.

If a person at any point feels that they are being abused in any way by their partner, they should not question this instinct. They should instead immediately get themselves (and children, if they are around) into a safe environment, such as a friend or family member’s home, hospital, a center for abused women and children, or a Planned Parenthood clinic. Staff members can help these individuals to discuss the situation and get any necessary treatment. For example, if a person is sexually abused, they may need to be physically examined to remove DNA from their abuser to help protect them in the future, as well as be tested for STDs and pregnancy. No matter what type of abuse is occurring in a relationship, a zero tolerance policy should always exist and no one should have to live with this kind of pain and suffering. There is always a safe place to turn, and a partner who is abusive will almost never change. Individuals who are involved in an abusive relationship deserve better, even if they do not agree, and every person deserves emotional and physical safety. Planned Parenthood staff members are trained to handle these situations, and can help to remove a person from a dangerous situation and find a safe place for them to be away from the abuser.

Filed Under: Parenthood, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse

Struggling with Infertility

More than 10% of Americans, both men and women, are unable to conceive children. It is a rapidly increasing problem that affects many, and can be an emotionally and physically painful process. Many people just don’t understand why they can’t create a child. Understanding what causes infertility is often the first step in overcoming this obstacle. Some people may practice behaviors that could contribute to infertility, and they are simply unaware. Some examples of this include a history of or current untreated sexually transmitted diseases, other health problems, previous injury, tobacco and/or alcohol use, and carrying excess weight. All of these factors cause a lot of stress on a body and can make it very difficult to conceive and carry a healthy child. Eliminating these behaviors or getting to a healthier weight may help a person conceive a baby. Educational resources at Planned Parenthood clinics are very useful for couples struggling to conceive. Counselors are on staff to help discuss the problems, as well as emotional struggles, involved with infertility. Both males and females can be infertile, and in some cases, both partners may be contributing to the difficulty in conception.

Once a couple has been counseled and has been trying unsuccessfully for a year, testing and treatments can be available depending on the reason for infertility. Planned Parenthood clinics can also offer other options for couples who have exhausted all options and are still unable to have their own children. Hundreds of babies are born every year who will be placed for adoption and would greatly benefit from a loving and stable home environment. Surrogacy is also a viable option, allowing another body to carry a couple’s child for them. Infertility is a common problem among couples, and while the process is extremely frustrating, Planned Parenthood clinics have plenty of resources to make it a little less overwhelming.

Filed Under: Prenatal Care, Sexual Orientation Tagged With: Health, Infertility, Pregnancy, Sexually transmitted disease

Resources for Teens

Many teenagers have a lot of questions about sex, but don’t know who to turn to for honest and unbiased answers. If they don’t feel comfortable talking to their parents or other family members, or feel awkward discussing the matters with a health teacher or counselor, they may end up engaging in behaviors without understanding what may result. Planned Parenthood is a great resource for teenagers in this situation. They have information about hundreds of health topics available on the website, as well as counselors and staff members within the clinics who are trained in answering questions on any health-related topic. The website is a great place to turn first because it lists topics alphabetically in great detail, as well as commonly asked questions and answers. It is a very non-threatening way for teens to get more information, since it is completely private and doesn’t even require an account to access the resources. Most of the information presented is also done in a way that is easier for teens to understand and relate to, so they don’t feel like they are talking to a stuffy older person who doesn’t understand their situation.

For a more one-on-one experience, or for questions that are not answered on the Planned Parenthood website, teens can visit a clinic where someone on staff can discuss more personal matters privately and confidentially. Most clinics do not require parental consent, where state law allows, for counseling and contraception, so teens do not have to worry about bringing a parent or getting a lecture. While the clinic policy does encourage honesty between parents and teens, their confidentiality policy protects the information discussed and will not allow anything to be released without the consent of the patient. Planned Parenthood is a great resource for teens to get straightforward answers to difficult questions in a very comfortable and open-minded setting.

Filed Under: Contraception, Parenthood, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Adolescence, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive health

Options for Permanent Sterilization

Some individuals do not desire to ever have children, or are done with that stage in their life and want a way to remove the uncertainty without having to take a daily pill or use other forms of contraception. Permanent sterilization is the best way for this to occur. Planned Parenthood clinics offer sterilization procedures to both men and women, as well as counseling and lengthy discussion to make sure the patients know exactly what they are getting into and the permanence of this choice. A staff member will discuss the process with the patient, which for women involves blocking or sealing the fallopian tubes, and for men involves severing the vas deferens and then sealing the ends so that sperm cannot escape. Some men think that a vasectomy is reversible, but the process is painful and meant to be permanent. The procedure for both men and women is surgical, and is usually performed as outpatient so patients can return home the same day. They are usually told to take it easy for a few days, since the incision site will be sore. For men, the failure rate is about 1 in 2000, while for women the failure rate is closer to 1 in 300.

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.

Filed Under: Parenthood, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Pregnancy, Reproductive health, Sterilization

Options for Emergency Contraception

Many couples are careful and use protection when they have sex. However, in some instances birth control can fail or a condom can break. Sometimes accidental unprotected sex happens unintentionally for a variety of reasons. Additionally, some women are victims of rape and do not want a pregnancy to result. For these instances, emergency contraception is a great resource, and another service offered at Planned Parenthood clinics.

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.

Filed Under: Parenthood, Pregnancy, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Abortion, Birth control, Emergency contraception

Vaccination

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With so many sexually transmitted diseases out there, it can be scary to even consider engaging in sexual activity. However, there are steps that can be taken to prevent certain diseases from being spread. Vaccination is one way to help prevent contracting human papillomavirus (HPV) as well as hepatitis. HPV is an infection that can affect the vagina, vulva, cervix, scrotum, anus, and penis. It can also lead to cervical cancer and cause genital warts. The vaccination for HPV is called Gardasil, and is given over a series of three injections. It helps to protect against types 16 and 18 of HPV, which are the most common strains and cause 70% of cervical cancer. It also protects against types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts. The vaccine has been tested and proven to be safe; the side effects are generally mild and can include swelling and bruising at the injection site, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and low fever. Planned Parenthood clinics offer the vaccine, and recommend it for females beginning at age 11. It can also be given to men, although its effectiveness for males is not widely known.

A vaccine can also be administered to protect against hepatitis B, which is given over three or four injections. Hepatitis B is a disease that affects the liver; short-term effects of the illness are fatigue, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal distress, and jaundice, while long term, the illness can cause cirrhosis of the liver as well as liver cancer, both of which can lead to death. It is passed through blood or other body fluids from an infected person, so it can be contracted through unprotected sexual encounters. Vaccination is an important step in limiting the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and Planned Parenthood clinics offer these vaccinations to help protect individuals from being infected.

Filed Under: Advice, Parenthood, Prenatal Care Tagged With: Gardasil, Genital wart, Hepatitis