Pregnancy

Unplanned pregnancies often bring medical problems and cause emotional upset and abrupt change of lifestyle. If you, or someone you know, are pregnant and uncertain about what to do, there are resources available. This is a difficult time but, remember, there are options. It is important to get a pregnancy test as early as possible and discuss it with your family or someone you can trust, and to get medical attention right away.

Although your pregnancy is not apparent to anyone in the early stages and may not seem real to you it is important to know if you are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are not always accurate. The options available to you should be discussed with a counselor or health professional. Contact one of the family service agencies listed in this section, or inquire through local mental and medical health centers. Also, the earlier you know, the earlier you can begin to take care of yourself, especially by avoiding alcohol, drugs, caffeine, and cigarettes.

Warning: Drinking or using any drugs during pregnancy is extremely dangerous to the unborn baby. The effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome such as mental retardation, physical deformities, brain damage, and learning disabilities are permanent.

• SD Department of Social Services
  • (605) 347-2588
• Lutheran Social Services
  • (605) 644-0826
• Catholic Social Services
  • (800) 727-2401