FAQs - A New Generation

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that pregnancy and parenthood can spur a lot of important questions in your life. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the most common and important questions to help you understand what your next steps may be.

Common Pregnancy Questions

How could I get pregnant when using contraceptives?
Even the most accurate forms of birth control will not prevent pregnancy 100% of the time. Condoms, for example, can break due to many causes such as high heat, the type of lubricant used, or even its shelf life. With perfect use, you still have a chance of getting pregnant. “The Pill” is another common form of birth control. This has a 5% failure rate. Pregnancy can occur if it is not taken correctly. Examples include taking the pills too late in your menstrual cycle; two or more pills missed in a row; not taking them in the correct order; even half a day late taking a lower dose pill; taking them while on antibiotics; being a heavy smoker; or being overweight. These can all increase your chances of getting pregnant. There are many other types of birth control that you may have used. It is important to understand that even when used correctly, there is still a chance of getting pregnant.
I didn’t know I was pregnant, could I have harmed the baby?
Almost half of all pregnancies are unplanned…it happens. And a large majority of these women most likely took part in activities they wouldn’t have considered if they had known they were pregnant. However, use of alcohol and drugs during your pregnancy can be very harmful to your baby, and you should stop use immediately when finding out you’re pregnant. While it is known that drinking in pregnancy is the cause of some major problems from fetal alcohol syndrome to fetal alcohol effects, miscarriage, birth defects and other problems, drinking in very early pregnancy, usually before a pregnancy test would be positive, may not have caused a problem. If you are concerned about any of your previous activities or behaviors, talk with your doctor and be honest.
How long is pregnancy normally?
A full-term pregnancy lasts approximately 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are split up into three trimesters. The first trimester includes weeks 1 through 12. The second trimester includes weeks 13 through 28. The third trimester includes weeks 29 through 40. At the moment of conception, your baby’s genes are already determined including sex, hair, eye color and more.
What is conception?
Conception occurs when, during an act of sexual intercourse, a single sperm unites with the egg to form a unique and brand new human life. At the moment of conception the chromosomes and genes from both parents combine to determine all the physical characteristics of the new baby: sex, facial features, body type, hair color, eyes and skin.
How does ovulation work?
Each month inside your ovaries, a group of eggs starts to grow in small, fluid-filled sacs called follicles. Eventually one of the eggs erupts from the follicle (ovulation). It usually happens about two weeks before your next period.
What are the common pregnancy symptoms?
Nausea and/or vomiting, Fatigue, Frequent urination, Dizziness, Sensitivity to smell, and Breast tenderness are all common pregnancy symptoms. If you think that you may be pregnant and want to get tested to be sure, feel free to call us or book an appointment.
I’m Pregnant… What do I do now?
If you think you may be pregnant, you need to confirm the pregnancy. We offer lab quality pregnancy tests that are performed by our medical staff. We provide ultrasounds to determine if you have a viable pregnancy and how far along you are.
How does Pregnancy work?
Pregnancy starts with ovulation: Each month inside your ovaries, a group of eggs starts to grow in small, fluid-filled sacs called follicles. Eventually one of the eggs erupts from the follicle (ovulation). It usually happens about two weeks before your next period.
Hormones Rise: After the egg leaves the follicle, the follicle develops into something called the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum releases a hormone that helps thicken the lining of your uterus, getting it ready to receive the egg.
The egg travels to the fallopian tube: After the egg is released, it moves into the fallopian tube. It stays there for about 24 hours, waiting for a single sperm to fertilize it. All this happens, on average, about two weeks after your last period.
If the egg isn’t fertilized: If no sperm is around to fertilize the egg, it moves through the uterus and disintegrates. Your hormone levels go back to normal. Your body sheds the thick lining of the uterus, and your period starts.
Moving to the uterus: The egg stays in the Fallopian tube for about three to four days, but within 24 hours of being fertilized it starts dividing very fast into many cells. It keeps dividing as it moves slowly through the fallopian tube to the uterus. Its next job is to attach to the lining of the uterus. This is called implantation. Some women notice spotting (or slight bleeding) for one or two days around the time of implantation; the lining of the uterus gets thicker and the cervix is sealed by a plug of mucus. It will stay in place until the baby is ready to be born. Within the first week, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can be found in your blood. It’s made by the cells that eventually become the placenta. A blood or urine test at your doctor’s office will usually detect hCG. It may take three or four more weeks for it to show up as a positive result on a home pregnancy test.

Common Parenthood Questions

Where can I learn more about parenting?
At A New Generation, individualized parenting programs are available for both moms and dads who want practical, real and applicable lessons on parenting topics that can be used right away. Lessons on early pregnancy all the way through temper tantrums are all available in both English and Spanish to suit your needs. If one-on-one confidential peer counseling is needed, it is also available. All parenting classes are provided on an individual basis to allow us to meet the unique needs of each of our clients. Contact us for more information.
I’m uncertain about being a father, what can I do?
First of all, we want you to know that we are here for you. Pregnancy and having a child can be complicated and scary. You can read more about parenting and pregnancy for men here.
How expensive is raising a child?
It’s a common thought that having and raising a child can be very expensive, however, there are many programs and organizations that can help reduce the financial strain from having a baby. In fact, for many qualified parents, giving birth can be completely free. If you’d like to learn more about how A New Generation can help you and your family, contact us.

STD/STI Questions

How can I get tested or treated for STDs?
At A New Generation, testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are offered by staff medical professionals. Treatment for Chlamydia is provided in the clinic. Gonorrhea treatment is provided by a partnership with the Hernando County Health department.
What is an STD?
STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease, which is a disease that is spread through sexual behavior like vaginal intercourse, oral sex, anal sex or sometimes intimate skin-to-skin contact. Some types of STDs are Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, HPV and HIV.
How do I know if I have an STD?
There is no way to know for sure without being tested. Many STDs don’t have obvious symptoms. Being sexually active can include vaginal intercourse, anal and/or oral sex. When doctors or nurses ask this question, they are really asking if you’ve done anything since your last check up that might have exposed you to an STD or pregnancy. STD tests should be part of your regular check-up. But, if you have any concerns at all that you may have been exposed to an STD, see a doctor and ask to be tested.
What are the symptoms of STDs?
Many STDs may have no symptoms at all or the signs are so mild that you may not notice. However, if you have any of the symptoms described below, you should seek care right away because they may be signs that you have an STD.
• None
• Discharge or unusual fluid that may be white or yellow that comes out of the vagina or penis (not semen).
• An unexplained rash
• A burning sensation when urinating (peeing), going to the bathroom.
• Bumps, sores, blisters, or warts on the genital area – in women this includes the outer and inner lips, vagina and clitoris. In men this includes the penis and testicles.
Is there a cure for STDs?
Some STDs are curable while others have no cure and if you get one of those, it may stay with you for the rest of your life.
How many people have STDs?
The easiest answer is about 1 in 4 young adults have an STD. It could be even more because many people who are infected don’t realize it.
How can I avoid getting an STD?
There are many things you can do to reduce your chances of getting an STD.
• Be faithful. Have sex with only one other person whom you trust. Having sexual contact only with someone who is not infected means that you won’t get an STD from them and they won’t get one from you.
• Use condoms. Used correctly every time you have sex, latex or polyurethane condoms can be very good protection against many STDs.
• Have fewer partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chances of getting an STD. Go with new partners to get tested.
• Don’t mix drugs and alcohol with sex. Getting drunk or high can affect your ability to make smart decisions about sex.
• Don’t use IV street drugs and never share needles. Many STDs are transmitted through blood.
• Don’t have sex. Abstinence is the surest way to avoid getting an STD.
Can I get an STD from oral sex?
Yes. A common misconception is that you cannot get an STD from giving or receiving oral sex. This is not true. Gonorrhea and herpes are commonly transmitted through oral sex.
Are condoms effective against all STDs?
Not 100%, but if used correctly every time, condoms are a great way to protect yourself from STDs that are spread through body fluids, like semen or vaginal secretions. They don’t protect as well against STDs that are spread through skin-to-skin contact.
Can I get an STD even though my partner has no symptoms?
Yes, many people who are infected have no symptoms but are still very contagious.
Should I get tested for an STD?
Anyone who has had vaginal, anal or oral sex with a new partner should be tested. Everyone who is sexually active should be tested during regular check-ups. Pregnant women should be tested.
Can I get an STD more than once?
Yes. You can get bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis more than once, even if you’ve been treated before. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your partners are tested and treated.