What if I am pregnant?
How soon do I have to decide?
If you just found out you are pregnant, do not feel rushed to make a decision. However, while you are reviewing your options and making a choice, you should take good care of yourself. If you decide to have a child, it is important for you to receive early prenatal care and to stay healthy. If you are considering abortion, choosing to have the procedure done sooner will be safer than if you wait longer.
If there is a chance that you will continue your pregnancy
You should begin prenatal care as soon as possible. You can arrange to have a medical exam early in your prengancy to be sure you are healthy and that the pregnancy is normal. Also, you will want to:
- Eat enough good food - include a balanced selection of fruits, vegetables, cereals, breads, beans, rice, dairy products, fish, poultry, and lean meat in your diet.
- Keep your body in good shape. Stay active and get regular exercise.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Limit intake of drinks with caffeine, like coffee and cola.
- Do not take any drugs or medications (including over the counter products) without checking with a health care provider.
If you decide to terminate your pregnancy
Medicines can be used to end a pregnancy up to nine weeks after your last menstrual period began. The most common method of early abortion, vacuum aspiration (also known as D&C for dilation and curettage) can be performed up to 14 weeks after your last menstrual period. Manual vacuum aspiration can be used up to about ten weeks after your last menstrual period began. All of these methods are legally available to all women in the state of North Carolina throughout the first trimester.
Once you decide to terminate your pregnancy, you should make an appointment to have the procedure done as soon as possible. Abortion is a very safe medical procedure, but the risks increase the longer a pregnancy continues.
Note:
The Duke Student Health Center provides all-options pregnancy counseling through the Office of Health Promotion. Call 681-WELL (919-681-9355) to schedule an appointment with Lindsey Bickers Bock, MPH, to discuss pregnancy options. The counselor will help you make your own decision about what is right for you at this point in your life.
Information last reviewed June 2009