Pregnancy
Hear this word Pregnancy
Also known as: pregnant, expecting, knocked up, bun in the oven, with child, eating for two
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
Pregnancy can happen when a sperm and egg meet and attach to the uterus.
The fetus will develop during the pregnancy and the baby will be born after about 9 months.
An Example
Gwen realized that had been more than six weeks since her last period. Gwen went to her health care provider, who asked if Gwen wanted to take a pregnancy test. Gwen agreed to take a pregnancy test at the doctor’s office. Gwen’s doctor shared the pregnancy test result – Gwen was seven weeks pregnant. Gwen was excited to be pregnant.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- A person with a confirmed pregnancy has three options: parenting, adoption, and abortion.
- If a pregnant person chooses parenting or adoption, then the health of the fetus and of the pregnant person will need to be checked by a healthcare professional such as midwife or obstetrician throughout the pregnancy.
- Some people also work with doulas. A doula provides emotional support and guidance to pregnant people before, during, and sometimes for a few days or weeks after having the baby.
- Doulas, midwives, and obstetricians can help pregnant people create a plan to help prepare for labor & delivery and to support their self-advocacy.
- There are two types of childbirth. Some babies are born by coming out of the vagina. Other babies are delivered through a medical operation called a cesarean or c-section, where the baby comes out of a cut in the abdomen and uterus.
- Some people who want to be parents, may not want to be pregnant or may not be able to carry a pregnancy. There might be other options for them such as surrogacy (when a person’s embryo develops in another person’s uterus with the help of a pregnancy or fertility doctor), adoption, or fostering children.
- Some people worry that sexual activity will bother or harm the fetus during a pregnancy. The fetus is in the uterus which is blocked off from the vagina and other parts of the body. A pregnant person can have sex or do sexual activities as long as they feel comfortable. They may need to try new positions or use pillows to support parts of their body such as their back or legs.
Think about
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What did you learn about pregnancy?
To learn more about pregnancy, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What other questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.
