What if I got pregnant while using birth control?

What if I got pregnant while using birth control? Would I even know?

Yes, it happens. Sometimes, birth control methods fail.

Would it be dangerous to me? To my baby?

Some reassuring news-

"Taking birth control pills during early pregnancy isn't thought to increase the risk of birth defects."
- Roger W. Harms, M.D., Mayo Clinic

Other precautions

"It might be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of pregnancy if you become pregnant while taking the minipill (progestin-only birth control pill) because nausea, breast tenderness and irregular menstrual bleeding — common signs and symptoms of pregnancy — are also possible side effects of the minipill. In addition, if you do conceive while taking the minipill there's a slightly higher chance that the pregnancy will be ectopic — when the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

(Ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency- get medical help asap if you suspect this.)

"As a precaution, stop taking birth control pills if you suspect you're pregnant. Until the pregnancy is confirmed or ruled out, use another method of birth control — such as condoms. If you're concerned because you took birth control pills before you knew you were pregnant, be assured that there's little risk. It's always important to discuss any medication use during pregnancy with your health care provider, however."

-Robert W Harms, MD, Mayo Clinic

Here are some others signs that you may have become pregnant while using birth control

(It can be hard to tell, so as soon as you suspect it, consult a physician.)

Remember to get seen by a medical doctor as soon as possible. 

Come by 1st Way to get a free pregnancy test and a free ultrasound.

Visit us here- 
1667 High Street
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Call 541.687.8651
Email  firstwayeugene@gmail.com

Too much dizziness lately! Is this a normal part of pregnancy?

Dizzy? Worried you might be pregnant? Pregnant? Worried pregnancy might not be normal?

Look no further!

"Dizziness or feeling faint is a normal symptom during pregnancy. It is more common in the first trimester, but it may also be prevalent throughout your pregnancy."
 American Pregnancy Association

Contact your healthcare provider immediately IF
... your dizziness is accompanied by vaginal bleeding and/or pain in your abdomen. This could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, a low-lying placenta, or placental abruption.
You should also contact your health care provider immediately if you have persistent dizziness or dizziness accompanied by blurred vision, headaches, or palpitations; this may be a symptom of severe anemia or some other illness that could have a negative effect on your pregnancy.

More Info About Dizziness- 
Don't stand up too fast. Lie on your back. Drink more water.  Stay cool. Manage stress and anxiety. 

Warning symptoms that you might pass out if you don't lie down immediately-
Besides light headedness, a feeling of warmth, paleness, sweating, nausea, yawning, and hyperventilation.

More details here:
 BabyCenter. com

If you are worried you might be pregnant and would like to talk, come visit us at our Pregnancy Resource Center on 1667 High Street in Eugene. Also, visit our website at 1st-way.org or call 541.687.8651. We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. We'll be happy to help you!

Pregnant in College Survival Guide

When women become pregnant in college, they often feel alone and misunderstood. In today's world, women aren't shunned  the way they once were, but still many women wonder what they will do and how they will cope with such a major change in their lives. Many are worried they just can't do it- It's too much. These feelings are normal.

Collegecures.com has a couple of good articles about this very subject. The article below is about how to find resources at whatever school you're in, and how to think through common concerns, such as where will you live? What will you do about health care?

Pregnant in College? How to Attend College with a Baby Bump.

This  article (below) is more about what to do in those first moments of shock when you realize you're pregnant when you absolutely didn't plan to be. How do you talk to your parents, friends, the baby's father? How do you take care of yourself at a time like this?

Pregnant and in College Survival Guide

One last article, a realistic  story of a SF State student who balanced college and pregnancy. She describes her experience and what it was like. Good to read to get a sense of what might be in store.

Pregnancy SF Student's article

When you're pregnant in college when you didn't plan to be, the realization can turn your whole world upside-down. After all, you went to college to learn so you can develop a career. How would pregnancy affect that?  Take a look at the articles above. I hope you find some helpful answers to your questions!

If you live in Eugene, Oregon, come visit us at our Pregnancy Resource Center on 1667 High Street in Eugene. Also, visit our website at 1st-way.org or call 541.687.8651. We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasounds. We'll be happy to help you!

A Mom? Pregnant? Thinking of Attending Lane Community College?

Did you know that 46% of all college students attend community college?

Nearly half (48%) of community college students have either been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant.

15% of all community college students are single parents.

So, if you are a college student, it's likely that you go to community college and have some experience with pregnancy.

Around a quarter of young people do.
(Stats from-  http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/briefly-unplanned-pregnancy-and-community-colleges.pdf)

Because services for parents are so needed, community colleges need to offer a lot of services to help women who want to continue their education while also becoming moms. 

So, what goes on at Lane? 

Parent Services
Information and resources for parents
http://www.lanecc.edu/lfc/parent-services

Click on the last link in the orange block, "Lane County Resource Centers" for a comprehensive list of "support and activities for families including: parenting education, play groups, information and referrals to community resources, family fun nights, school and neighborhood connections, computer access, after school activities and volunteer opportunities. Many offer service in Spanish." 

What about in Lane County?

Head Start- Child care at no cost
http://www.hsolc.org/


Parenting Education
http://www.lanekids.org/home

If you are faced with an unplanned pregnancy, come and visit us at 1st Way in Eugene. We're located close to the colleges and we offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasound. We can also help provide you with information about different options you have and help you think through what to do.

Call us at- 541.687.8651
Visit us on the web- http://www.1st-way.org/

Some of the Best College Scholarship Programs for Moms

Did you know that there are lots of college scholarship plans that young mothers may be eligible for?

(1) Soroptimist Award
"The Women’s Opportunity Awards program assists women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects.

Each year, more than $1.5 million in education grants are awarded to more than 1,000 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, domestic violence and/or drug and alcohol abuse. Women’s Opportunity Award recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.

(2) Scholarships for Moms
'This $10,000 scholarship is an initiative to help all moms who want to complete their education, but don't have the time, money or the support to meet their goal. Whether you're a new mom, single mom or working mother, our scholarship could help you get ahead."

(3) PEO International
 "The P.E.O. Sisterhood is passionate about its mission: promoting educational opportunities for women."

(4) Women's Independence Scholarship Program
"WISP is designed to help women obtain the money they need to attend college and earn a higher education degree. The program is suited for survivors of domestic abuse from an intimate partner such as a spouse or a boyfriend. The program prefers to award scholarship funds to those enrolled state community colleges, state colleges or universities, and technical or vocational schools. Those enrolled in other programs may also apply."

 (5) Lifetime Foundation 
A very unique scholarship fund- They offer educational scholarships in deep appreciation to birth mothers who have chosen adoption for their children. They have enabled others to experience the joy of becoming parents and created futures, not only for those families, but also for their children, for a lifetime.

(6) In Oregon, check out this website of resources for our state!

If you are unexpectedly pregnant and wondering if you will be able to go to or finish college, come by our office at 1st Way and we can tell you more about resources that can help you stay in school!

1667 High Street
Eugene, Oregon 97401

Call 541.687.8651
or 1-800-848-LOVE

Come Visit Our Local 1st Way Center!

Take a look at our local First Way Center! 

We're located at 1667 High St, near downtown and the University of Oregon. 

Walk-Ins Are Welcome!

 First Way is a comfortable place for a woman to go when she needs someone to talk to when she's wondering if she's pregnant.

We offer free pregnancy tests and free ultrasound. 


Come in and see us!

Call  541.687.8651.

Unplanned Pregnancies- Successful Moms

Wonderful stories to share today!

Watch or read this powerful interview with Ashlee Bush-
"I felt like I was in movie or a bad dream.  I started to pray, and I kept thinking to myself that this cannot be happening!"
 http://pregnantoncampus.studentsforlife.org/2013/02/12/you-are-not-alone-ashlees-story/

UK Magazine- Ask a Mum-
Real Life Experiences with Unplanned Pregnancies
http://www.askamum.co.uk/Pregnancy/Search-Results/Real-life-experiences/Unplanned-pregnancies-/

What to Expect- Forum for Unplanned Pregnancy
 http://www.whattoexpect.com/forums/young-moms/archives/22-yrs-old-unplanned-pregnancy-story.html