AboutDeborah Expertise I can answer questions about pregnancy symptoms, contraception, abortion, adoption,and
teen parenthood. Specifically, I can give up to date, accurate medical information, latest
studies as well as statistics pertaining to health issues surrounding pregnancy, and factors
to be considered before deciding to become a teen parent.
Experience I have answered over 3000 questions in this area on other health sites, most in the area of teen pregnancy.
Education/Credentials I have a bachelor's Degree in Biology, and am halfway through a Master's Degree, also in Biology. I have access to and read many of the top medical journals, from which I also get the best, most thorough and accurate to answers to pressing medical and health related questions.
Past/Present Clients ehealth over 3000 posts
pro-choice talk over 6000 posts
Expert: Deborah Date: 8/7/2008 Subject: I think i might be Pregnant
Question QUESTION: I came on this site and i read through one of your links to another website about symptoms of pregnacies, and i had most the symtoms. I still dont know how to tell my boyfriend that i might be, and i made myself a doctors apointment but i dont know if my doctor(male) would tell my mother if i told him.. and im really clueless about pregnacies so im doing all the research on my own, but i dont know if im getting the right information.
ANSWER: Dear Heather,
Have you missed a period yet? If not, what is it that is making you think you are pregnant? Did you have unprotected sex?
You do not have to go to a doctor's office to find out if you are pregnant or not. You can buy a home pregnancy test at any drugstore. Anyone can buy it, you do not have to be a certain age or anything.
You do have to wait until you have at least missed a period before you take the test because before then it will be too early, and the test will not work.
Write back,
Deb
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QUESTION: i have an iregular period, but i took a test this morning actualy, and its the closest date to my period as i could, but i did it wrong, so im going to get another one if i dont get my period tomorow.. because thats when i should get it. i have had some spotting in the last month but not a regular period..
Answer Dear Heather,
That sounds like an excellent plan. Make sure you take the test first thing in the morning. That is when your urine is the most concentrated.
If you do need to visit your doctor, he should keep your conversations with him private. There are laws known as "HIPAA", and they preserve the privacy of medical records.
Here is some information you might find helpful:
Question: How does HIPAA apply to minor children who are under the age of 18?
Answer:
* HIPAA guidelines are meant to preserve current state laws regarding minors.
* Minors may have information released with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
* Minors who are authorized to consent to specific medical procedures under state law have control over the use and disclosures of their health information. http://www.raconline.org/info_guides/legislation/hipaafaq.php#minor
