PREGNANCY

Gateway offers free and confidential pregnancy tests as well as information about options and community referrals.

How do I know if I'm pregnant?
Signs of pregnancy vary from woman to woman, and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. You may experience some, all or none of these symptoms:

• missing a period
• a period with less bleeding or fewer days than usual
• swelling, tenderness or tingling in your breasts
• frequent urination
• fatigue
• nausea or vomiting
• feeling bloated or crampy
• increased or decreased appetite
• changes in digestion (constipation or heartburn)
• mood changes
• weight gain or loss

Most urine pregnancy tests, like the one used at Gateway, are sensitive enough to detect HCG (a hormone that is produced during the early stages of pregnancy) levels approximately 7-10 days after conception.

I've had a positive home pregnancy test.
If you have had a positive home pregnancy test, and would like to go over your options then call us to make an ppointment. Gateway is a safe place where you can talk about your specific situation and receive valuable community referrals and support.

You have options.

• Abortion. Gateway does not perform or refer for abortions, but we will offer you accurate information about the procedures and risks. If you are thinking about having an abortion, we can give you the facts you need. And if you do choose abortion and afterwards need someone to talk to, we offer post-abortion support by trained volunteers. Get the facts about Abortion and the Morning After Pill.
• Adoption. If you are thinking about placing your baby for adoption, Gateway can give you referrals to trusted adoption agencies in the area. Gateway does not facilitate adoptions or operate as an adoption agency; however, we will partner with your chosen adoption agency to offer you childbirth classes, some prenatal education and classes to prepare you for the birth and placement of your baby. We want to help you and your family as you make this important decision. We also have post-adoption groups to walk with you on the other side of the birth. You don't have to make the decision or carry it out alone.
• Parenting. If you choose to parent, you may have a lot to do to get ready. We offer a variety of classes to help you do just that. You can sign up for weekly meetings designed to prepare you to become a parent or help you be a better one. We also offer our clients childbirth classes and some prenatal education. Most of all, we are here to support you in whatever way we can as your prepare for the birth of your baby.

How can we help?
We recognize that you are the only one who can make a decision about your body. We want to come alongside you and offer you the accurate information you need to make the best decision you can. We can offer information on all your options in a safe, comfortable and confidential peer counseling setting; limited medical information and educational ultrasounds to qualified clients and ongoing pregnancy support. In addition we can provide you with trusted community referrals for things such as housing (emergency or transitional), professional counseling, medicaid, and prenatal care.

Whether your test is positive or negative, Gateway wants to walk with you through this season of your life. We want to offer you a message of hope and empowerment through education. You deserve that.

How do I tell my parents?
If you are pregnant and struggling with how to tell your parents, talk to us. Make an appointment today to talk with one of our qualified volunteers. No matter what you feel like today, you can get through this and you will get through this.