Pregnancy Testing

The Alpha Center offers free pregnancy testing. Each person who comes to the Alpha Center for pregnancy testing meets with a Registered Nurse who will guide you though the process/ Pregnancy tests are designed to detect hCG (the pregnancy hormone), and can often detect this hormone as early as 5 days before a missed period. Call to schedule an appointment and speak with a Registered Nurse.

What are the Early Signs of Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. Commons symptoms include:

• Missed Period
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Breast Tenderness
• Frequent Urination
• Feeling Tired
• Mood Swings

What are my Options?

Maybe you feel confused and alone right now. Maybe this was not where you wanted or expected to be. There are a lot of issues to sort out.

You have the right to medically accurate information - Accurate information to help you make decisions based on the best information possible. This important decision should not be a decision unduly influenced by others.

There are decisions to make, and we want to help you navigate through these because your decision is so important. No matter what you decide, we want you to be able to think through your options in a safe environment. Your Options Counselor can answer many of your questions, and help you through this. Just Contact Us.

Parenting

Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences in life and also one of the most challenging. Making the choice to parent a child is not always an easy one.

Our Registered Nurses will visit with you about the Earn While you Learn Programs that may be available.

Pre and Post Natal Support

The Alpha Center is here for you for more than just a free pregnancy test! We can help connect you to the many wonderful agencies in our community who can work with you to provide the support you need throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Support may also be provided through our Earn While you Learn Programs.

Earn While you Learn Classes:

• Parenting Classes: This is a program designed to prepare parents to care for newborns and infants. Some of the subjects covered include;
  • Getting Ready for Baby
  • Infant Temperament
  • Importance of Bonding
  • Newborn and Infant Care
  • How to Create a Healthy and Safe Environment
  • Health and Nutrition
• Budget Management Class: This program outlines practical steps to set up and maintain a personal budget.
• Nutrition & Exercise
• New Start 4 Single Moms- 10 week Bible Study
• Men’s Mentoring Program – Men in our community are available to meet one on one for weekly counsel and confidential mentoring. Mentoring is also available for first time dads and single fathers.

All classes and mentor programs are available at no charge.

Renea’s Story

I was an 18 year old freshman at CSU when I saw an ad for a free pregnancy test at the Alpha Center. I called the number and was invited to come the next day. A pregnancy test was provided for me and I was shocked as I realized that the result of that test was positive. My counselor sat quietly with me while the reality sank in. She helped me to understand that I did not need to make an immediate decision about this pregnancy – I had time. That was surprising but comforting news. She also encouraged me to start attending the support group that met each week. I started attending right away. After talking with my boyfriend we decided to have the baby. As time passed however my boyfriend was unable to support me – the burden was too much for him. I knew that my family would help me but they were in shock. The Alpha Center filled a big hole for me. I really needed the support they offer as I completed my semester at school.

When school ended I moved home and decided to try and work things out with my boyfriend. Over time we made the decision to get married. Isaac was born In October and I loved him with all my being.

Looking at Isaac today, I can’t believe he was the little knot in my stomach that made all of my life come into perspective. It scares me to think that I had the power to stop the impact of his presence in this world. I am so thankful that the Alpha Center was there to help me choose life.

Adoption

The Alpha Center is here to provide you with accurate information on options including adoption. Adoption is a parenting decision. You can meet with our Certified Adoption specialist who can help you explore making an adoption plan.

For information, resources, stories and facts on adoption go to Adoptioncouncil.org http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/resources/think_adopt.html

Abortion

Everyone has an opinion about what you should do, but you still have to make this choice yourself. It is a woman’s choice and we believe a woman needs to be informed so she can make an educated decision.

Many women who regret their abortion decision express that they wish they had known the potential complications that women who have abortions experience. The Alpha Center will help you process all of this.

The Cost of an Abortion:

The price of an abortion varies. However, there are other aspects to consider when weighing the cost of an abortion. Many women regret their abortion deeply, and have expressed the cost in terms of the emotional, physical, spiritual, relational and psychological costs.

Questions to ask yourself if you are thinking about an abortion

• Have you had an ultrasound to determine if you have a viable pregnancy?
• Are you feeling pressured by other people to make an abortion decision or is it YOUR decision?
• Have you been tested for STD’s? It is important to make sure you don’t have an infection before having an invasive procedure like an abortion. If you haven’t, we offer FREE STD Screening.

If you are thinking about having an abortion, come talk to us first. You owe it to yourself to get as much information as possible before you decide. Whether you choose adoption, abortion or parenting, we’re going to be here for you.

For your own health and safety, we encourage you to come in and talk to our medical professionals as you make every effort to be completely informed.

Limited Ultrasound

First things first, schedule an appointment to come in to verify whether you are really pregnant by taking a pregnancy test. Even if you already have had a positive pregnancy test a Registered Nurse at the Alpha Center will evaluate the need for an ultrasound to confirm that you have a viable pregnancy.

All ultrasounds are performed under a doctor's order and a Registered Nurse will evaluate your need for an ultrasound at the time of your scheduled visit.

You owe it to yourself to get accurate information and an ultrasound can be a valuable tool as you make a decision about your pregnancy.