The prospect of being pregnant can be very frightening, especially if you are struggling to find housing, medical services, and other necessary support. There are numerous resources available to you in the Dickson area. At CareNet, we can provide you with referrals and information on the following resources. You do not have to face the challenges of pregnancy alone!
Pregnancy Testing & Symptoms
Are you pregnant? You may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- A missed period
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue/Unusually tired
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Need to pee frequently
- Mood swings
Source: Mayo Clinic
At CareNet we have trained medical professionals available to perform highly sensitive urine-based pregnancy tests. Our staff is here to provide you with accurate information regarding your possible pregnancy. If you do not have a current physician, we can offer you a list of obstetricians who can help you with prenatal care.
There is no charge or financial obligation for our services. As always, our services to you are kept confidential.
Ultrasounds
Your complimentary ultrasound will be performed by a medical professional. The ultrasound will always be free and confidential.
Our limited non-diagnostic ultrasound can tell you approximately how far along you are.
Our free ultrasound may aid you in making this important decision. A positive pregnancy test alone will not tell you if your pregnancy is able to continue.
Finding out if your pregnancy is a viable one (able to continue) before choosing abortion is very important. For example, making sure that the pregnancy is located in the uterus and not in the fallopian tube, and whether it is an ectopic pregnancy.
Did you know that on or around 21 days after conception, your baby’s heart begins to beat?
During the limited non-diagnostic ultrasound appointment, we answer the questions above as well as measure the heart rate.
Abortion Recovery
We’re here for you.
Immediately after an abortion, many women report a sense of relief. They are often surprised to find that abortion can be a traumatic experience, and that in some cases “post abortion stress” symptoms don’t appear until many years later.
We recognize that not every woman who has an abortion will experience symptoms of post abortion stress. However, for those that do, CareNet Pregnancy Medical Center is here to help.
Post Abortion Stress Checklist
The following checklist has been designed to help you identify symptoms in your life that may be related to a past abortion experience. Select the symptoms that may pertain to you:
- sadness
- feelings of loss
- regret
- guilt
- recurring thoughts about the abortion(s)
- crying episodes
- anxiety
- inability to sustain an intimate relationship
- preoccupation about anniversaries, i.e. date of the abortion(s) or due date(s)
- obsession with children or childbearing issues
- avoidance of small children and/or babies
- increased alcohol use
- drug abuse
- repeat abortions
- multiple sexual relationships
- engaging in any of the following to excess: school, work, exercise, eating, dieting
- difficulty sleeping
- feelings of numbness
- lack of self-esteem
- suicidal impulses
- desire for secrecy about the abortion
- disinterest in sex
If you have selected symptoms from this list and would like to talk with a trained, non-judgmental peer counselor in a confidential environment, please call (615) 446-0701.
M.A.R.Y. Program
An unplanned pregnancy definitely brings every mother-to-be to a crossroads. Will I parent this baby? Will I abort this baby? Will I present this baby for adoption? Is foster care an option for me? There are many decisions to be made in our current society. We are here to help each woman confidentially work through her options.
The M.A.R.Y. Program offers:
- one-on-one peer counseling
- ongoing friendship and support
- parenting/prenatal classes
- nutrition classes
- first aid classes
- postpartum wellness
- maternity clothing, baby clothing, and supplies
- baby furniture
- budgeting information
- referrals for doctors, lawyers, and adoption agencies
Fun Facts about Pregnancy Health Benefits
Did you know there are several health benefits of pregnancy? While there are many changes our bodies will go through while pregnant, there are also several pregnancy health benefits that could positively impact your body, long after you deliver your baby. Five Fun Facts about potential pregnancy benefits we thought you might like to know:
- Easier Periods
Many women experience more manageable periods after childbirth. Say hello to less cramps! As stated by the Mayo Clinic, “Menstrual cramps that aren’t caused by another condition tend to lessen with age and often improve after giving birth.” Source
- Lower Risk of Some Cancers
Women who have been pregnant may experience a decreased chance of being affected by certain types of cancer, such as breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. This is because tumor cells can divide and increase when there is more exposure to estrogen and progesterone in your body.
Those hormones become more prevalent in your body when you ovulate. And since you don’t ovulate when you’re pregnant, the chances of exposure to estrogen and progesterone decreases. Source
Plus, if you decide to breastfeed, that can also reduce your risk of having breast cancer. Studies show that breast cells undergo certain changes in the breastfeeding process that makes them more resistant to transforming into cancer cells. Source
- Protection from MS (multiple sclerosis)
Because a woman’s immune system adjusts to avoid attacking the baby during pregnancy, a small study in Australia found that having a baby can actually cut your risks for developing MS in half. The immune-system activity found in a woman post-childbirth can keep multiple sclerosis from developing, and that immunity keeps increasing with the more children you have. Source
- Increased Sex Drive
With all the hormone changes that come along with pregnancy, one of the benefits can be an increase in your sex drive. Testosterone and estrogen are the sex hormones produced by your growing baby, so when you have those flooding your body, plus the progesterone that naturally ramps up during pregnancy, you may experience a significant boost in your sex drive.
During delivery, some of the prostaglandin receptors in the uterus are no longer present. These receptors are known to be involved in producing severe menstrual pains, so as they decrease in numbers, the amount of pain experienced during the menstrual cycle will reduce.
Plus in your first and second trimesters, there’s ample blood flow going all throughout your pelvic region, which in turn makes everything more sensitive. So you may be able to orgasm more quickly and/or more frequently. Source
- A Happier You
Oxytocin is the hormone that produces a warm and fuzzy feeling, and it is typically increased with physical touch, specifically of the nurturing kind – like holding and caring for your new baby. So as it turns out all those baby snuggles are scientifically proven to make you a happier version of yourself. Source
Now don’t get stressed out if you don’t feel warm and fuzzy all the time. While motherhood has its joys, we all know it is a challenging job too. We’re here for you if you need to talk anytime! You are not alone!
Of course, all of these fun facts are generalizations based on studies, but with every generalization comes outliers. There are no 2 people that will experience the same thing, but based on the research it is likely you may experience some of these benefits from pregnancy.
To sum it up, there are many health benefits of being pregnant and delivering a baby.
And the majority of these benefits last well-beyond your pregnancy. This information is for education and fun. It is not intended to diagnose treat or recommend any course of action. Please see your doctor for any medical advice you may be needing.