Pregnancy is not something abnormal and when it happens, your body adapts to it.
During pregnancy, your sex hormones work together to make these changes happen. Expect the following changes in your body during pregnancy:
- Your uterus grows bigger as the baby grows and this becomes the large bulging tummy you see in pregnant women.
- The lower portion of your uterus called the cervix softens.
- Your vagina changes in color from pinkish to bluish.
- Your breasts begin to swell and enlarge as you start making milk.
- Your kidneys also enlarge. Pregnant women urinate often and are prone to infections in their urine.
- You gain lots of weight throughout pregnancy.
Q: When does pregnancy take place?
A: During sexual intercourse, sperm from the male are released into the vaginal canal. Pregnancy takes place when a woman is fertile during the time of sexual intercourse. This means that she has ovulated or released an egg from the ovary during that time. The egg cell passes through the fallopian tubes waiting for fertilization to take place. Fertilization takes place when the central portions of the sperm and egg called the nucleus fuse together. Fusion of the sperm and the egg signals the initial phases of pregnancy.
Q: How can you tell if a woman is ovulating?
A: You cannot really tell. Some girls may feel cramps. You will also observe a stretchy and more fluid discharge at this time of the month. You may test this by stretching the mucus between two fingers. If you are not prepared to become pregnant, you have to be more careful during this time. At this point, keep the vaginal area clean and dry to stop infections. Use panty liners to stay clean and fresh.
Q: When is a woman infertile?
A: You are infertile when you are not ovulating. This means your ovaries have not released any egg. This is the time that immediately follows the end of your menses. This is your “dry period” since minimal vaginal discharge is observed.
Q: How does one know that she is pregnant?
A: Missing your period for a month or two following sexual activity may signal that you are pregnant. You may also start vomiting in the morning or get irritated very easily. You can buy home pregnancy test kits which are sold over the counter to test yourself. A positive test usually means that you are indeed pregnant.
Q: What should a girl do when she is not prepared to have a baby?
A: When you get pregnant and you are not prepared, do not panic. Do not commit suicide or abort your baby! Seek help from a trusted relative, a counselor, a teacher, or a doctor. There are also a lot of NGOs and women’s support groups that can help you deal with your situation. Get a lot of support and guidance during this time.
