Pregnancy
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy refers to a series of stages and the implantation of an joined egg and sperm (embryo) in the body of a person assigned female at birth. This occurs after the introduction of sperm to the vaginl cavity that surpasses the cervix into the uterus. The ways that sperm can be introduced to the vaginal cavity are typically through one of two ways: heterosexual penetrative sex (a penis penetrating a vagina), and the medical introduction of an IntraUterineInsemination with intended/donation sperm.
Not all pregnancies result in a baby, and that is a truthful part of the pregnancy process. It's important that we seek maternal fetal healthcare throughout our pregnancy process.
Maternal Fetal Medicine:
Maternal Medicine is updating all the time, but the spread of knowledge has a dependency on their ability to practice what they are learning. Maternal health providers are typically OBGYN-MDs, OB Nurses, Midwives, Doulas, and other possible caregivers. When talking to any physician centering your consent to any and all interventions should be the focus of conversation. Having a plethera of knowlegde when going to the birthing process is vitally important, we should encourage all people who can get pregnant to learn about pregnancy during their adulthood.
Currently in several states in America where providing any kinds of diagnoses, or treating pregnancy-related conditions, can possibly have consequences of arrest, fines, and jail time. Which has caused many of the maternal physicians and care givers to move their practices to other safer states. This has also resulted in the creation of maternal healthcare deserts, which increases the likelihood of birth complications and maternal mortality.
Sexual Partners... to Parents:
So you just found out you are a parent, and it's time to tell your sexual partner about this. Regardless of your decision of how you'd like to proceed with the pregnancy, you have that right to make that decision. When you are in a position where you and your significant other are definitely planning on becoming parents, you can center the ways that your child's future and safety maters to you. Think about the ways you are wanting to influence your children and the ideals you want to be presenting in your household(s). These are all awesome conversations to have throughout those 9 months of pregnancy. When it comes to pregnancy and parenthood there are many things to do together to set yourself up for success, but the best advice will come from your doctors, therapists, supportive community, etc. Take your time to think through all the ways that you can prepare for the future, but that don't put to much pressure on you in the present.
Knowing what kinds of relationships we have with the people around us can be very important. Our page on Relationships explains some of the ways that we can identify or relationships with others, but also how these relationships may effect us and the people around us. Avoiding Predators can also be something to look into that we prefer that all individuals prepare for.
Anti-Choice States: Any Fetal/ Fetal Developement Tissue leaving the Uterus.
Medical Term: "the removal of pregnancy tissue, products of conception or the fetus and placenta (afterbirth) from the uterus. In general, the terms fetus and placenta are used after eight weeks of pregnancy. Pregnancy tissue and products of conception refer to tissue produced by the union of an egg and sperm before eight weeks." (Harvard Medical School)
For those who experience infertility they may have to go through other procedures and medication treatments in order to conceive. These procedures and medications can cause side effects and are hard for many to endure, so we should definitely understand the physical burden infertility makes people face.
The postpartum time is delicate and different for each possible birth experience. Not all mothers go home with their babies, and not all births are traumatic. It's important to ask the people you know going through this time what you can to do to support them through this time and support the forming of their boundaries.
Its important to mention that during this time many people experience postpartum depression. The people who are experiencing pregnancy experience a huge shift in hormones during and after the pregnancy. So when we are thinking about the time we have after birth, it's a good time to take our mental health extra seriously and seek out extra help if were in need.
Teen Pregnancy:
Knowing that you're pregnant is a big step, and many people figure this out via a test, or a late period; however, we also need to discuss the ways that not having sexual health education from a young age, can effect people long term. Not every young person who becomes pregnant knows how that happen. Not knowing what sex is, can be just as scary (if not scarier) than sexual education itself.
Teen pregnancy is real, and many people make the choices about their pregnancies and they see fit; however, we know that in a minor's medical treatment, parents are often involved. We know that accessing the necessary medical treatments is really important to younger people, and we hope that more access becomes available. We also want to recognize our teen moms who choose to continue through their pregnancies. Choosing to carry on with a pregnancy is a huge effort and takes lots of energy and mental effort. It can be tough to navigate relationships as a teenager and also navigate a pregnancy. We have to make sure that we are being as supportive as we can to our younger parents, because they are still growing themselves. Many teens also run the risk of beign kicked out or having to leave their home due to violence or values. It's important that we be clear about the ways that that family support effects all young people as they grow up.
Pregnancy without a Partner:
Pregnancy is a delicate time and doing so without a partner, can be stresfful. We know that this experience is going to vary for everyone; so may be wanting to be with their partner but life had different plans, or you may feel safer and more supported now that an ex partner is out of the picture. We also know that some parents in this area of life may also be battling for custody or needing legal during this time. We hope that as we begin to expand our website that we can bring more resources when it comes to legal battles and where to get professional legal advice, as we will likely not be providing that in the near future.
When it directly comes to preparing yourself for parenthood and pregnancy without a partner, we encourage to find your 'village' or groups of supporters that can be there for you throughout this time. We believe these people can be friends, family members, neighbors, and doulas; however, we do not want to mislead you, your trust and safety with the people you bring around you are the most important things to base your relationships on. We hope that people remember that whether or not you want to keep your pregnancy, your choice is yours and no one should try to make that decision for you. For those parents that are excited for their fetus, we hope that you discuss with your doctor the best course of prenatal treatment is right for you.
Pregnancy with a Partner:
When you are starting a parenting journey with another person, there is a lot ahead of you. You have to make sure that there is a solid understanding between you and your partner on how you plan to raise your child. Many people have a lot to sit down and talk about ablong the way, and there are always going to be more questions as more things happen along the way. Take your time and make sure that every decision is right for you.