AboutSierra Glinatsis Expertise I can answer questions that pertain to pregnancy signs and symptoms, young girls having scares with being pregnant and often mistaking early pregnancy symptoms for menstrual symptoms, I have been there as well...I can answer questions about where to go and what to do if you have had any unprotected sex and have questions about Birth Control or testing for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. I can also answer questions about fiction vs. fact on if you could be pregnant. For example, a question like, "Can I get pregnant the first time I have sex even if I use protection?" My answer would be, "Yes you can get pregnant the first time you have sex, even if you do use protection...any time that you have sex there is some chance that you could get pregnant." I can also answer any questions that you may have on adoption and different types of adoption, or abortion.
Experience I have had a lot of personal experience in this area, as I have practiced unsafe sex before, and had a few pregnancy scares. I have even psyched myself out a few times into thinking that I was pregnant when I wasn't; as a lot of girls do. So in my mind there are no silly questions that you can ask about this topic... If you are unsure, then by ALL means, you should ask a question. I have also counselled other close friends when they had pregnancy scares, miscarriages, and were pregnant. I have been and taken various friends to Planned Parenthood, and have gone through their counselling process as well. I am also an adoptee, my birth mother was sixteen when she had me, and gave me up for adoption. Since then I have also met both of my birth parents, and keep in touch with them
Organizations In High School I was in AFJROTC, Marching Band, Orchestra, and Colour Guard (aka Flag Team) I was also a volunteer for Teen Korps and worked with kids a lot. I have also been a volunteer Camp Counsellor for a Teen Korps volunteer project and Assistant Counsellor for YMCA Camp Surf. I have also been a volunteer for over ten years with Special Olympics, so I have a lot of experience working with disabled Children.
Publications None.
Education/Credentials . I am a high school graduate and currently in my second year of college. I am a Nursing major and after attaining my Master's degree in Nursing, intend to continue my education and get a Doctorate in Public Health Administration. I have taken various Science courses, including Biology and Human Anatomy/ Physiology, so I have been through sexual education more then a few times, and done research on my own to find out what is fact or fictional when it comes to sexual topics. If I am unsure about it, then I ALWAYS look it up, and provide a source of where I got my information.
Awards and Honors I have received various Academic Scholastic Awards, and The nicest Person in Orchestra Award.
Past/Present Clients Past and current "clients" would have to be friends that came to me for advice and help when they were having troubles with the kinds of situations that are dealt with in this forum. If I can't help them with something medically related, as in they are having stomach cramping and don't know why, or are having a ectopic pregnancy and need surgery, then I will always highly recommend they see a doctor.
Expert: Sierra Glinatsis Date: 6/25/2008 Subject: could i be pregnant?
Question QUESTION: okay on June 9 me and my partner had sexual intercourse. right before we wrapped things up all of a sudden i felt i warm sensation in my vagina. now lately i have been having chest pains, cravings for certain foods, dizziness, sleeping a whole lot, headaches, and lower abdominal pains which are not usual for me at all. and on June 18 i had something like a period only it was not a heavy and the blood was a bright red color? it there a chance that i could be pregnant?
ANSWER: Shan, there is definitely a chance that you could be pregnant, I would suggest you either go to a planned parenthood or a grocery store and get a pregnancy test done to see if you are pregnant or not. If you are then you would need to get prenatal care immediately, and should go back into a planned parenthood, or if you want, your doctor's office so you can get more information about your choices...planned parenthood is a place you can go without your parents finding out anything.
~Sierra
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: ok. actually we did not use protection. and now the only pains i am having now are headaches, and i am having a funny feeling in my stomach and my breast hurt time to time through out the day. what are some symptoms of preganacy?
Answer Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all. Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to take a pregnancy test.
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Implantation Bleeding:
Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.
Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.
Join our pregnancy forums to discuss your symptoms & more
Delay/Difference in Menstruation:
A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.
Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.
Swollen/Tender Breasts:
Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.
Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.
Fatigue/Tiredness:
Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.
Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.
Nausea/Morning Sickness:
This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.
Backaches:
Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.
Headaches:
The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.
Frequent Urination:
Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.
Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.
Darkening of Areolas:
If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.
Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.
Food Cravings:
While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.
Your Next Steps:
Having symptoms? Find a Free Testing Center.
Unplanned pregnancy? Call 1-866-942-6466
Pregnant? No Insurance call 1-800-450-0183 or request free info from Maternity Advantage.
Trying to conceive? Order Fertility Products.
If you think you are pregnant you may purchase a home pregnancy test such as those made by Clearblue Easy, or find out more about taking a pregnancy test.
