How can I be sure I'm pregnant?[top][next]
If you miss a regular period and have been having unprotected sexual contact you may be at risk of pregnancy. MWC can offer you a free urine pregnancy test here in our office. The test is an approved over the counter pregnancy test and you perform the test yourself in the presence of a volunteer.
The test is most accurate a few days after a missed period but it can be done as early as 5-7 days after you think you may have gotten pregnant. The urine pregnancy test provided to women at MWC is designed to detect hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin), the hormone present in a woman's urine. All women naturally have a certain level of hCG in their urine, but in a pregnant women the levels increase over the life of the pregnancy.
MWC is not a medical clinic. Our staff and volunteers will not tell you that you are pregnant. They will assist you by providing the pregnancy test and assisting you in understanding the manufacturers directions on the test. A pregnancy must be confirmed by a medical doctor. We can refer you to a medical doctor for prenatal care if you find that you have a positive test.
Click here for a list of Birth Facts
How should I tell my baby's father and my family about this?[top][previous][next]
Every woman's situation regarding her family and the baby's father is different. Our volunteers will help you think about how to tell anyone about your pregnancy. We are available to go with you to tell your parents or the baby's father if you need that support. If you would like, your family and baby's father can come to the office with you when you have your test done or they can come with you for a second visit.
Should I parent my child or look at adoption as a way to meet my parenting goals?[top][previous][next]
There is no "right answer” to this question. MWC has resources which will help you to consider all the options you have regarding your baby’s future. MWC is not an adoption agency and we do not represent adoptive couples. Through a series of meetings with an MWC advisor we can help you explore parenting, adoption or marriage to the baby’s father to help you find out what the right decision is for you.
Click here for a link to www.itk.org an organization that can offer you information about looking at adoption as an option for you and your baby.
Should I get married if I'm pregnant?[top][previous][next]
Just because there is a child on the way doesn't mean you must get married but it is something to consider. Things to think about would be: your age, length of relationship with the father, do you want to spend the rest of your life with this person, would you marry him if you weren't pregnant, do you have the same or similar life goals, and many other issues. MWC volunteers can help you and your baby’s father consider this option.
Where can I live before and after my baby is born?[top][previous][next]
Depending on your age you have many choices about where to live during your pregnancy and after the baby is born. If you are a minor (under age 18) it is usually best to live with your parents or other relative. In some cases, staying at home is not possible because the family has asked the pregnant person to leave or there are family problems which make staying at home difficult.
In any case there are maternity homes in the MPLS area and in other areas of the country that exist to help women who are pregnant and single. Those that house women under age 18 must be licensed foster homes. For women over age 18 another option would be to live with a private family that is walling to open their home to a pregnant woman during her pregnancy and for 6 weeks after the birth of her baby.
There are also programs which help single parents with housing after the baby is born by providing low cost rents or housing as part of a larger program.
Click here to check out information on Support Homes on our site.
What about school and my job?[top][previous][next]
It is illegal for someone to fire you from a job or to deny you access to a public high school education strictly because of a pregnancy. There are pregnant teen schools at various locations around the country which will help you continue your education while you are pregnant. You may also continue to stay in your own high school during the pregnancy. Most women are able to continue working throughout their pregnancies unless their doctor has given them physical restrictions against it.
Ask our staff to help you find educational resources and for information about where to go for help in finding employment contact WorkForce centers for the location nearest you at 1-888-GEG JOBS/ 1-888-438-5627.
Where do I find a good doctor and what about medical insurance?[top][previous]
MWC can refer you to a good
medical doctor in your area
who will care for you and
your baby during your pregnancy.
If you do not have insurance
through your parents that
will cover the pregnancy you
can apply for medical assistance
or Minnesota Care through
the state of Minnesota. MWC
has those applications here
in our office and will be
happy to assist you in filling
them out and in sending them
to the correct office for
processing.
Information on federal and state public assistance programs such as Cash Assistance, Food Support and Health Care are are available at www.dhs.org.