Wondering if you are pregnant? The tricky thing is some pregnancy symptoms can be confused with stress or illness-related causes, so you never really know for sure unless you have a positive pregnancy test.
Pregnancy test are available for everyone regardless of insurance status right here at myHealth. Pregnancy tests may also be purchased at pharmacies, retail stores, and grocery stores. It is important to follow the instructions; these tests are very accurate only when used correctly.
Tip: The best time to take a pregnancy test, whether it’s purchased at a store or done at a clinic, is 2 weeks after a missed period. The best time of day to take a test is first thing in the morning, when urine is more concentrated.
Symptoms
Some people experience only a few, while others experience many symptoms during pregnancy. Some may be mild or feel more intense. Each body is different and experiences pregnancy differently. As the body gets used to pregnancy, some symptoms may go away, and some may continue throughout the pregnancy.
Common symptoms of an early pregnancy:
- A missed period; however, stress and illness can cause a late or skipped period, too. Light “spotting” can happen, though this usually looks different than a typical period.
- Tiredness or fatigue caused by the increased hormones that come with pregnancy
- Tender or swollen breasts that feel sensitive or sore
- Upset stomach: nausea and/or vomiting any time of day
- Increased urination
- Mild cramping (similar to a period)
There are also less common symptoms not on this list. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or suspect you might be pregnant, you can call myHealth and speak to a nurse or walk in to see a nurse for a pregnancy test during clinic hours.
It might seem difficult to tell someone that you are pregnant and can be a hard conversation to have. It can be helpful to talk with someone you trust. A parent, grandparent, friend, partner, teacher, counselor, or school nurse may be one of the people you can talk to for support.
When disclosing your pregnancy to someone you trust, make sure it is safe to do so. Find a time and place where you can talk privately. It can be helpful to have a friend, partner, or close family member with you when disclosing the pregnancy to a parent. If it is not possible to talk to friends or family, you can contact another trusted adult or a professional at myHealth.
Talking a partner of the child
- Identify if it is safe to disclose the pregnancy.
- Find a time to talk. Find a place that has the privacy you may want and make sure there is time to have the conversation.
- Set up the conversation. Let the person know this is an important conversation and you would like their support.
- Tell them. It is best to be direct. Say that you took a test and learned you are pregnant or you think you may be pregnant.
- Give them a chance to take in the information. They might experience a variety of feelings, including surprise. Ask if they want time to process before talking more about the pregnancy.
- Discuss options and feelings. Talk through your options and how you feel about them after you both have had time to process the news of a pregnancy. Look at our Thoughts and Feelings tab to explore questions and our Options tab for more information.
Talking to a parent/guardian or trusted adult
- Identify if it is safe to disclose the pregnancy.
- Take time to set up the conversation. Let your parent/guardian or trusted adult know you need to talk to them and need their support. Let them know if you are worried about their reaction and that you hope they will listen.
- Tell them. It is best to be direct. Say that you took a test and learned you are pregnant or you think you may be pregnant.
- Give them a chance to take in the information. They might experience a variety of feelings, including surprise. Ask if they want time to process before talking more about the pregnancy.
- Be prepared. Plan ahead if you are not sure how your parent/guardian or trusted adult will react. Know the laws in your states regarding your reproductive health. Plan the best time to have a talk, when there are no distractions or other possible interruptions. If you are worried this talk may end with you having to leave, make sure you have your ID, insurance card, and some money.
Talking to a professional
It can be helpful to talk to a professional about the pregnancy and your options. If you aren’t sure who you can talk to, aren’t ready to tell anyone, or don’t feel safe telling anyone, myHealth is here to support you and provide information about pregnancy and options. myHealth offers all options counseling and nurses and counselors are available for you.
Schedule an online appointment for pregnancy testing and/or all options counseling. These services are confidential.
* If you are fearful that you may be harmed if you share that you are pregnant with someone, you can call myHealth to talk to a nurse or counselor or you can talk with someone at the National Domestic Violence Hotline. There are advocates available 24/7 with the Hotline and they can help make a plan and provide you with support. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: (800) 799-SAFE / (800) 799-7233
Text: text LOVEIS to (866) 331-9474
Live Chat: thehotline.org
Give yourself time to think, gather information, and reach out to the support people you trust who will help you to make the decision that’s best for you and your life. You have the right to choose the option that is best for you. In Minnesota, there are three legal options for people who are pregnant: adoption, parenting, and abortion.
Take time to think about your options.
It can be helpful to find a quiet place to sit and write down your feelings and thoughts about your options. Consider some of these questions:
- Are you choosing what you really want or are you making a choice that someone else wants?
- What are your values and beliefs regarding all the options? Before and after the pregnancy?
- How will you handle the decision you choose to make? Can you work through those emotions that come with the decision?
- Are there people in your life who can give you support, no matter what decision you make?
Adoption
Adoption is an option where you decide to give your parenting rights to someone else. If you don’t want to end your pregnancy, but feel you aren’t ready to be a parent, this may be an option for you.
There are counselors at adoption agencies available to provide free and non-directive support and guidance as you decide the best option for you. You can call a Minnesota adoption agency to learn more (see list below).
How does adoption work?
- The best way to learn more about adoption is to make an appointment with a social worker or counselor from an adoption agency. They will meet with you at home, school, or anywhere in the community. The first meeting is informational and does not require any commitment to a decision. This is an opportunity to learn about the process and ask questions.
- The birth parent(s) often is able to select the adoptive family. The adoption agency makes this a smooth process and assists with communication.
- The adoption agency helps the birth parent(s) make an adoption plan. This can include requests during the hospital stay and a plan for future contact with the child and/or adoptive parents.
- An adoption agency will connect you with legal support so you know your rights. There is typically no cost to you.
- Adoption counselors are available to provide continued support to the birth parent(s) as long as needed. There are also support groups available with some agencies.
MN Twin Cities Adoption Agencies:
Adoption Minnesota
Call: (800) 444-3443
Text: (612) 616-4564
https://adoptionmn.com/
Children’s Home Society of Minnesota / Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
General information
Call: (651) 646-7771
Pregnancy Counseling
Call: (651) 287-2599 (Available 24/7)
Text: (651) 419-1951 (Available 24/7)
https://chlss.org/
Parenting
Parenting is when the pregnant person and/or the partner of the pregnancy chooses to provide emotional and financial support to the child for the next 18 years. There are many responsibilities that come with raising a child and it can be important to find support from those close to you.
Ask Yourself
- What are your future goals and plans?
- Do you have hopes and dreams for yourself? How does parenting fit in with them?
- Do you think you are ready to be a parent? If not, when might you be?
- Have you thought about whether you want to be a parent or not? If so, when?
- What are your hopes and dreams for a child you choose to parent? Do these seem realistic with your current life circumstances?
- How will you pay for a baby’s food, equipment, medical and child care?
- Who will support you as a parent? What kind of support will they give?
The Other Parent
- Has your relationship changed since you got pregnant? In what ways? Can you depend on them for emotional support?
- Do they show concern for you? Do they show interest in planning for the pregnancy or parenting? How do you feel about this?
- Can you depend on them for financial support? Are they reliable?
- Will they change their plans for school, sports, social life to help you and support you while you’re pregnant and/or parenting?
- Is there potential to co-parent together? If not, is there someone else you can depend on to help you?
You and Your Parent(s)/Guardian
- What is your relationship like with your parent(s) or guardian(s)? How important are their feelings, opinions and beliefs regarding the decision to you?
- How do they feel about your pregnancy? How do they feel about you parenting?
- What kind of support will they provide for you? Housing? Financial help? Child care?
- Do you want to live with them while you are pregnant and/or parenting? What do they think about that? What will be expected of you?
You can call myHealth and talk to a professional to learn more about this parenting choice. It helps to have lots of information as you decide what’s the best option for you.
Abortion
Abortion is a safe and legal medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. There is a lot to think about when you are not sure if you can continue a pregnancy, whether due to a medical condition or your personal situation. As with all options, a pregnant person is encouraged to discuss their personal beliefs, concerns and questions with the people who support them as they make a decision.
*myHealth offers pregnancy counseling for all options, but does not provide abortion services.
Learn about our Becoming Program for pregnant and parenting teens.
Becoming Program
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