IF YOU HAVE A POSITIVE PREGNANCY TEST...

 

(Scroll down to view the Pregnancy Calendar, divided into each trimester).

Positive Pregnancy Test

HEALTH

  • Some normal signs of early pregnancy:
    • No menstrual cycle
    • Sick to stomach, maybe vomiting
    • Increase urination
    • Breasts are bigger and more tender
    • Increase appetite
    • Moody
  • Student should be encouraged to start prenatal vitamins
  • If appropriate, student should be encouraged to stop smoking and stop other risky behaviors
  • Student should check insurance status or eligibility; www.healthcare.gov
  • Student should identify a doctor or nurse midwife for prenatal care: Meharry Centering Pregnancy, Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center
  • Student should make an appointment with a provider or Health Department to confirm pregnancy
  • Student should be encouraged to get lots of sleep

SUPPORT SERVICES

  • Student Should be encouraged to inform parent or guardian (resources for help)
  • Student should be encouraged to inform partner
  • Student should discuss options with family and/or a counselor
  • Student should be helped to identify a birth friend (confidant)
  • Student should check eligibility for Women, Infant, Children (WIC)
Months 1-3, First Trimester
 
HEALTH:
 
Some normal signs of early pregnancy: 
    -No menstrual cycle/increased appetite
    -Sick to stomach, maybe vomiting
    -Increased urination, constipation, gassiness, feeling tired
    -Breasts are bigger and more tender
Monthly prenatal care appointments, taking prenatal vitamins and increasing folic acid rich foods (green leafy veggies) are key.
Avoid caffeinated beverages and drink lots of water.
Do not smoke or hang around those who smoke; Do not take over the counter medications without medical permission
See a medical provider immediately for bleeding, cramping, or continuous vomiting; most early pregnancy losses occur in the 1st trimester (about 15% of pregnancies).
 
EDUCATION:
 
 Pregnancy can affect memory. Encourage students to write things down in order to keep track of assignments, etc. 
 Review Standard Attire rules and regulations as it relates to pregnancy with student.
 Student should continue to get exercise, as long as Ok’d by provider. Modified physical exercise class is better than no PE at all.
 Students should carry snacks with them to limit nausea.
Months 4-6, Second Trimester
 
HEALTH:
 
Most students will start to show.
Some normal signs of middle pregnancy: 
    -Feeling tired, Less nausea and increased hunger
    -Stuffy nose and ears, nose may bleed and bleeding gums
    -Faintness or dizziness and headaches
    -Continued bloating, constipation
    -Baby movements can be felt
    -Swelling of ankles and feet, itchy belly and back pain
    -Increasing heart burn
Get First ultrasound (the sex of baby might also be shown); other tests might be done
Shortness of breath or windedness is common during pregnancy;
See a medical provider immediately for bleeding, cramping, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, severe headache, blurred vision.
 
EDUCATION:
 
Students may need to elevate feet and legs during class.
Pregnancy can affect memory. Encourage students to write things down in order to keep track of assignments, etc.
Students may start having difficulty going up and down stairs.
Students should be discouraged from carrying a load of heavy books. Two smaller bags are better if books must be carried.
Student may need to eat several small meals instead of 1 big lunch.
Months 7-9, Third Trimester
 
HEALTH:
 
Most students will start to get uncomfortable.
Some normal signs of middle to late pregnancy: 
    -Discomfort from baby stretching, kicking
    -Bleeding gums, Swelling of the ankles and feet
    -Decreased ability to sleep well
    -Practice contractions increasingly common (Braxton Hicks)
    -Increased clumsiness, Leg cramps and back aches and Aches in pelvis
Learn signs of preterm labor and how to count fetal kicks twice a day. If there are less than 10 kicks in an hour, provider should be contacted.
Prenatal appointments occur every two weeks, and then weekly during the last month; testing for gestational diabetes will likely occur.
See medical provider for bleeding, cramping, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, severe headache, blurred vision, less than 10 kicks in an hour, vaginal bleeding, water breaks.
 
EDUCATION:
 
Student may have difficulty sitting for long periods of time.
If student has decided to breast feed, special arrangements might need to be made for pumping and milk storage.
Student should have all Home bound papers completed and filed.
Student should have information on Daycare options and expectations around returning to school (childcare vouchers are available from the state; however, students cannot apply for them until after the baby is born).
SUPPORT SERVICES:
 
Finding out that there is a positive pregnancy test can be an emotionally intense and scary for a young person.  When a student comes to you, show her/him that you CARE:
 
Contact Central Referral: Student should be referred to a home-visiting program.  Referrals can be made through Central Referral, (615-880-2187). Some home visiting programs in Nashville include: Nurses for Newborns, Help Us Grow Successfully (HUGS), and Healthy Start
Apply for Health Insurance: Student should be assisted in starting health insurance enrollment if needed. Insurance to cover the costs of prenatal visits are available through TennCare or the Marketplace
Refer to School Nurse:  Student should be connected to school nurse who can help with additional support services. 
Ensure WIC is in place:  Student should be encouraged to use WIC to maintain a healthy diet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPORT SERVICES:
 
The second trimester of pregnancy can be physically demanding on the body. During this time SHARE with the student:
 
Staying on track: Student should be encouraged to stay on track with prenatal appointments and school course work.  Connect student with a mentor and/or coach. The Music City Birthing Project offers additional support for pregnant teens.
Home Visits in place: Student should be in a home-visiting program.  Referrals can be made through Central Referral, (615-880-2187). Some home visiting programs in Nashville include: Nurses for Newborns, Help Us Grow Successfully (HUGS), and Healthy Start
Apply for Health Insurance: Student should be assisted in maintaining health insurance if the 45-day coverage has or is about to expire.  Insurance to cover the costs of prenatal visits are available through TennCare or the Marketplace
Refer to School Nurse:  Student should be stay connected to the school nurse to answer questions and assist with physical symptoms. 
Ensure WIC is in place:  Student should recertify and continue to use WIC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SUPPORT SERVICES:

The third trimester of pregnancy can be very physically, emotionally and financially demanding as the due date approaches.  During this time, help the student PREPARE:

Pick a Pediatrician: Student identify a pediatrician or other provider for the baby.

Reproductive Life Plan: Student should be encouraged to complete and share a written plan for having future children and achieving future goals for self and child.

Ensure Birth Plan is in place: Student should be encouraged to establish a birth plan to take to the hospital, including family planning options.

Pack hospital bag: Student should have a hospital bag packed by the end of the 8th month.

Apply for Health Insurance: Student should be assisted in reviewing health insurance plans for the baby. Mom’s health insurance may end at 6 weeks after the baby is delivered.  Insurance to cover the costs of well-baby visits are available through TennCare or the Marketplace.

Refer to Birthing Classes:  Student should complete birthing classes; follow up to see if there are any questions or concerns.

Ensure safe place for baby to sleep:  Student should be reminded to make plans to get a car seat as well as a crib, bassinette or pack & play for safe sleep.

CLICK HERE to return to the main page.