Men and women who do not wish to have children need to know how to avoid pregnancy as well as be aware of the various methods that need to be followed in case pregnancy can’t be terminated. Proper knowledge related to pregnancy can help to reduce the growing number of unwanted pregnancies, especially among the teenagers.
Some Pregnancy Prevention Options
- Abstinence: This is the only 100% full proof, guaranteed method that never fails. Abstinence from oral, vaginal and anal sex also helps to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
- Fertility awareness: You can adopt natural family planning techniques by monitoring the woman’s menstrual cycle closely and avoiding or using protection during the fertile period. A regular menstrual cycle makes it easy to predict the days when the woman would be most fertile.
- Use of various drugs and devices: There are various devices such as condoms, diaphragms and spermicides that can prevent conception by creating a barrier. You can also opt for hormonal methods (oral and vaginal inserts, progestin implants and injections, estrogen patches) to avoid pregnancy. Intra uterine devices like Mirena I system and Copper T are also effective in delaying pregnancy.
- Sterilization: It is an invasive surgical procedure, which gives permanent results. Tubectomy and vasectomy are two popular procedures adopted by many men and women who don’t want children.
Pregnancy Treatment
Standard prenatal care is enough in uncomplicated cases of pregnancy. You should visit your gynecologist once during the first 6 months, twice during the 7th and 8th month, and once every week during the 9th month for check up.
Treatments for complicated cases of pregnancy may include bed rest, fetal monitoring by machine, ultrasound assessment, amniocentesis for examining amniotic fluid, recommended stay in hospital for conducting tests and administering medications, etc.
Doctors also recommend taking flu shots during pregnancy and can prescribe iron, calcium and folic acid supplements.
You should take some self-care steps at home like eating small, frequent, well-balanced meals. It is normal to gain 20- 25 pounds during pregnancy unless you have an obesity problem.
You should always consult a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications and should not discontinue any medicine without informing your doctor. If you experience any discomfort, you must tell your gynecologist about it at once. You can talk about morning sickness with your doctor who would be able to suggest ways to alleviate the condition.
It is best to avoid smoking, alcohol and street drugs to have a healthy baby.
Ultrasound biophysical profiles and electronic fetal monitoring are recommended as the due date approaches to see if the baby is getting enough oxygen and to determine its position in the womb.
Following the steps mentioned above can help greatly in bringing a healthy life into the world.