[iuangel527]

Ok... I have all the symptoms of being pregnant. Such as.. Head aches (about two weeks), itchy breasts/tender breasts (about two weeks). I even thought I had implantation bleeding about three weeks ago. My last period was the 3rd of November. The bleeding happed around the 10th of November, and the itching started around the 14th or so.

However, I don't know if all of that is because I am pregnant, or because I quit taking my pills (which I only took for three days). I took a test and it said negative (but when I went back in 10 minutes later it had a faint blue positive line)

I went to a pregnancy crisis center and had a test done, but it was negative. It was also just a pee test. I can't go and get a blood test done because they are expensive and I can't let my parents know that I may be pregnant.

Any suggestions or know of places that give the free blood pregnancy test? Is there a chance that I could be pregnant or is it just the pills affecting me (remember I only took them for three days and then stopped)

[J_9]

First, read this announcement about implantation bleeding.

I don't know your age, that is a relative factor since hormone levels begin to normalize around the age of 28. It definitely could be because of the pills.

When you first took the test the answer is most accurate immediately, if you wait the chemicals on the test paper tend to get "confused." I had a positive test five years ago and when I waited and rechecked it was negative.

I don't know of any places that give free blood tests because they are rather expensive and many places cannot afford to foot the bill by giving expensive tests for free.

This may sound harsh, and I don't mean it to be, I just want you to think. Okay?

If you cannot afford a blood test and you don't want your parents to know that you may be pregnant, maybe you should reconsider having sex. I know, I know what you are going to say. I have an 18 year old son I just had to have this talk with. He made the adult decision.

Birth control is not 100% effective. I was on the pill, I took it religiously every day at the same time every day, and still I got pregnant, not once but twice. My oldest is 20, and the second time I got pregnant was with the 18 year old son I told you about.

Babies are VERY expensive, they are a lifelong commitment. If you are not ready to be a mother, maybe you should reconsider having sex. I know it is hard to stop once you have started, but consider the consequences.

[iuangel527]

I am 21 years old. I am engaged, but my parents are very religious and don't think that I am having sex. If they find out that I am pregnant before the wedding then my dad my kill my fiancé lol jk. We have talked about the fact that I may be pregnant, and we are ready to support it. He is active military and gets a very generous pay as well as free housing and food. Also his grandparents are living with us and they offer to help take care of the baby.

Its just I can't tell if I am or not right now, and it is driving me crazy! I want to be pregnant (because my fiancé is going to Iraq soon, and if something were to happen to him) but I can't seem to tell if I am or not.

[J_9]

Okay, well then that is a little different from my son who is still in high school!!

So, you are living with him?

[iuangel527]

Yeah we are living together

[J_9]

Okay, if you are living together, don't you think your parents already suspect that you two are intimate?

If they don't then something is wrong with them.

Best thing for you to do is to take another hpt first thing in the morning. If you are not pregnant then you need to be on birth control if you cannot even afford a blood test.

I know you want a child because he is going to Iraq and you want something to "hold on to." My oldest (20) is just about to be deployed, so I understand your feelings. However, if you cannot afford a blood test, then you cannot afford a child.

[iuangel527]

OK before we go any further, how much does a blood test cost? We aren't just talking about the blood test, we are talking about doctor fees also. Until I am married and under the military insurance, I am still under my parents insurance which is about the only way that you can afford anything involving blood test.

[J_9]

The cost is different for every region and every doctor. You may be able to get one for around $60, but it could be as high as $200.

What I would recommend you do is on Monday, if you can, call family practitioners in your area and ask what it would cost for a serum pregnancy test, that is a blood test. Tell them that you do not have insurance and that you will be paying in cash. Due to the terrible insurance crisis in the U.S. these days many doctors offer a discount if you pay in cash.

Then ask if they offer a discount if paying in cash. Be straight forward with them. Let them know you need a blood test and ask how much money you should bring. You could try calling Planned Parenthood in your area too, to see if they do blood tests, I doubt it but it is worth a phone call.

[iuangel527]

Ok well 200 dollars I can do. When I went to the pregnancy crisis center, they said it would cost $1000 minimum. I already called Planned Parenthood and they don't offer blood tests.

[J_9]

Well, I live in a small rural area, way south of you in Tennessee. You need to get on the phone on Monday and make some calls, that is the only way you will have an exact number of dollars it will cost.

I was pretty sure PP did not do blood tests, but it was worth a try.

Would you please let me know the cost when you find out please? Thanks

[iuangel527]

Yeah I will. I was thrown when I was told it was $1,000 minimum. That is why I said I couldn't afford it.

[J_9]

Wow, that is really a lot. I had no idea as I do not deal in billing, yet. However, it could be an overstatement, which I hope it is.

Stay on the phone on Monday, find a doc who can do this for less or one that may take payments.

Have you tried your local health department?