Pregnancy Tests

All home pregnancy tests, available over the counter, basically work the same way, by detecting pregnancy hormones in your urine. The chemical strip on the dipstick detects human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which the body starts producing after an embryo implants. Some tests also detect a variation of this hormone, known as hyperglycosylated hCG (H-hCG), which starts being released some time after fertilization and can be detected before hCG, indicating pregnancy even earlier.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test You've seen those commercials that promise a particular test can tell you five or even six days before your missed period. However, most pregnant women will not see a positive result that early. Also, a "test may pick up a chemical pregnancy, where the hormones started but the pregnancy didn't take," says Teresa Hoffman, M.D., an ob-gyn and director of Theresa Hoffman & Associates in Baltimore, MD. If you want a more accurate result (and to save some money) wait at least until the day after you miss your period. For the most accurate results, it's best to wait until a week after your missed period. The best time of day to take the test is with your first morning pee. Many tests instruct you to hold the stick in your urine stream and then place it on a flat surface for a certain number of minutes, although some may ask you to place the stick in a cup of your pee instead. Read the instructions carefully, and follow the directions exactly. Also make sure the test hasn't expired, since that may affect the accuracy of its results. What To Do if It's Positive Looks like you're pregnant! calculate your estimated due date, and then call your ob-gyn or midwife to find out if you need to come in for a blood test to confirm the results, and to make your first prenatal appointment. Also, if you're not already, start taking some prenatal vitamins with folic acid. What To Do if It's Negative If you got a negative result but still don't get your period when you expect it, wait a few days and test again. It could just be that your body wasn't making enought hCG for the test to detect yet, or that you ovulated later than you thought. For more information check out the parents.com website

Unintended Pregnancy

Planned Parenthood

Location: 1319 N Veterans Pkwy Suite 3A, Bloomington, IL 61704 

Hours:   Monday 9:30am-7:30pm Tuesday 9:30am-6:00pm Wednesday & Thursday 8:00am-4:30pm Friday-Sunday Closed

Phone: 1(309)827-4014.  They are now taking calls 6 days a week! They have also updated their electronic patient system.

Website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org

Services offered: Birth Control. There are many types of birth control out there. People have used birth control for thousands of years. Planned Parenthood can provide many different kinds of birth control such as the pill which costs around $15-$50 per month . -There are also condoms which can cost $1, or free in some places. -The Emergency Contraception (Morning-After Pill) -HIV Testing -Pregnancy Testing and Services -Abortion Refferal This center doesn't provide abortion services, but can provide you with a referral list of health care providers in the area that offer abortion services.

Pregnancy Resources Available in Bloomington-Normal 

Throughout the twin cities, there are a number of resources available to any mom; whether you are expecting or already have a child(ren). These are there for moral support, basic needs, and anything in between. Each of these services both employ and host volunteers that love what they are doing. Their mission is to help in a time of need, and make the mother feel like they are never alone. All of these places welcome all women with open arms and would be more than happy to assist with whatever you may need. 

Family Case Management: Working with the Illinois Department of Human Services, Family Case Management is a free program offered that connects pregnant women and children under the age of one to smaller health and wellness services around the area. This program offers support to families so that they will be able to lead the healthiest and safest lifestyle possible. This acts as the 'pathway' to external organizations that will be able to help provide optimal care for infants and expecting mothers. 

Women, Infants & Children Nutrition, Education & Supplemental Food Program (WIC): WIC is a federal program that offers a variety of services to pregnant, postpartum, or nursing women. They support breastfeeding, encourage regular and prenatal health care, emphasizes the importance of good nutrition, provides the foods necessary for optimal health, growth, and development. To view the WIC Eligibility Guidelines for July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016, click here   If you have any questions or would like more information about WIC, please call (309) 888-5457.

Birthright: Birthright of McLean County was founded in 1973 and is currently located at 507 N. Center St. in downtown Bloomington. This service offers free pregnancy tests Monday through Friday during office hours, or, by appointment, after hours. Volunteers from the community attempt decrease in the number of abortions by encouraging pregnant women to have their babies. Volunteers provide whatever particular help a woman needs to carry her baby to full term, in no harm. Birthright aims to make a distressed pregnant woman feel supported and worthwhile and to ensure that she is never alone. This service allows women to receive information about parenting or adoption as well. At Birthright, women can meet with her specific volunteer as needed and receive help in gaining more personal and community resources. The Bloomington center also provides maternity clothes, baby clothes, referrals, and financial assistance if necessary. Phone: (309) 824-1447

Prenatal/Postnatal Exercise

The No-Sweat Pregnancy Workout 1. Stand with your back against a wall, arms out, palms facing forward. Take a deep breath, exhale, and slowly raise your arms until you feel resistance. Hold for 15 seconds. If you can't keep your hands on the wall, lower your arms until you can. Hold the position, then try to stretch up. 2.Sit on the edge of a stable chair. Put a resistance band (or a bathrobe tie) under one foot; grab each end. Take a breath, then exhale, slowly leaning back until you feel your abs contract. Hold for five counts. Return to starting position; repeat 10 times. Switch feet. 3.Stand with your feet wider apart than your shoulders, arms straight out to the sides, palms facing up. Take a breath, exhale, and bend to the right. Keep your knees straight; don't twist your body. Slide your right arm down your right leg as you bend. Hold your leg or ankle a few seconds. Repeat on left side. 4. This pose is perfect if your muscles feel tight, which is common in late pregnancy. Slowly get down on hands and knees on a soft surface. Inhale deeply. Exhale and pull in your abdominal muscles, tailbone, and butt. Pressing down on your hands, lift your back toward the ceiling so that your spine rounds. Return to starting position. Repeat 5 to 10 times. 5.Slowly get down on hands and knees on a soft surface. Hands should be under your shoulders, knees under your hips. Extend one arm until it's level with your shoulder. Extend the opposite leg until it's level with your hip. Hold for five seconds, then switch sides. Build up to 5 reps on each slide.