Pregnancy

What is pregnancy?
How does pregnancy happen?
How is pregnancy prevented? 
What are the symptoms of pregnancy?
What are some pregnancy test options?
What to do if you get pregnant?
Can precum cause pregnancy?
Can men get pregnant?
Other resources

What is pregnancy?

Pregnancy is the process of human reproduction. Ovaries in people who have female reproductive systems release an egg — this process is called ovulation. If sperm meets an egg, it can fertilize it, which means it can develop into a fetus.

A person is usually pregnant for about 9 months in which a fetus develops inside the pregnant person’s womb or uterus, and then they deliver a baby.

If someone wants to be pregnant, before becoming pregnant, there are vitamins and tests needed to make sure both the pregnant person and the fetus are healthy — so a visit to the doctor is needed.

How does pregnancy happen?

Pregnancy can happen through vaginal sex or any time sperm comes into contact with an egg, as well as with the help of a doctor. Any person who has a female reproductive system can become pregnant regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

How is pregnancy prevented?

Pregnancy is a big deal for someone’s health, relationship, and life. Some people never want to be pregnant, and some people are trying to get pregnant. To learn how to prevent pregnancy, visit the birth control section.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy?

Many people notice symptoms early in their pregnancy, but others may not notice any symptoms at all.

Common signs are

  • Missed period
  • Swollen or tender breasts
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Feeling tired
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Peeing more often than usual.

What are some pregnancy test options?

A pregnancy test can either be done at a doctor’s office or bought at the grocery store or pharmacy over the counter. These tests show the levels of a hormone in urine (pee).

It is recommended to take a pregnancy test after your period is late — that’s when the results will be more accurate. The earlier you know you’re pregnant, the sooner you can start thinking about your options and what to do to stay healthy.
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Keep in mind that home pregnancy tests can give a false positive pregnancy result (which means that you get a positive result but you’re not really pregnant).

What to do if you get pregnant?

The decision about what to do when a pregnancy happens is a big one, and there is a lot to think about even if the pregnancy was desired. If someone is pregnant, there are a few options​
  • Parenting: they could decide to continue the pregnancy and parent the child.
  • Abortion: they could decide to end the pregnancy through a medical process.
  • Adoption: they could decide to continue the pregnancy and have someone else parent the child through a legal process.
Talking with a health provider is a great place to start. It can also be helpful to talk with friends or trusted adults in your life. Everyone is different; what works best for one person might not be what works best for you.

Can precum produce a pregnancy?

Yes. Getting pregnant from precum is possible. To learn how to prevent pregnancy, visit the birth control section.

Can men get pregnant?

Yes. Transgender men have female reproductive systems that release eggs. Therefore, some men can get pregnant.

Go Ask Tara

Go Ask Tara is on a mission to provide sex education and help the youth of Colorado prevent pregnancy and STIs.