What Early Pregnancy Symptoms Can Mean and What Happens Next

“More Babies Aren’t the Only Solution to Falling Birthrates” is a headline from The New York Times. When we think about declining birth rates in America, the issue is more nuanced than it first appears. Many assume people are not having children at all, but that is not entirely true. The fertility rate has fallen to historic lows, even though the total number of births can still fluctuate year to year. Recent CDC data shows the U.S. fertility rate dropped to around 1.6 children per person in 2024, well below the replacement level of approximately 2.1 needed to keep the population stable over time.

This trend has been ongoing for years, as more people delay having children or choose not to have them at all, according to Gray Media. A few weeks ago, President Donald Trump announced a new government program known as “Trump Accounts,” aimed at incentivizing couples to have more children. Under this proposal, the federal government would deposit a one-time $1,000 into a tax-advantaged Trump Account for every U.S. child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. These accounts are designed to grow over time through investments in stock market index funds and could be used for education, a first home, retirement, or starting a business once the child reaches adulthood.

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Additionally, philanthropists Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25 billion to contribute $250 each to similar accounts for 25 million children ages 10 and under who were born before the federal program’s eligibility period. This initiative is intended to give children a financial head start, but it is not a direct cash payment to parents. The funds are placed into an investment account and cannot be accessed until the child turns 18. While this sounds promising in theory, the larger question remains whether it is enough to convince people that having more than one child, or a child at all, is worth it.

Since the announcement of Trump Accounts, public opinion has been divided. Some see the program as a catalyst for change, possibly the reassurance they needed before deciding whether to conceive. Still, the issue is far from black and white. The cost of raising a child in the United States far exceeds $1,250, but the sense of long-term financial security has people talking and revisiting their stance on parenthood. Beyond financial strain, however, many people are also struggling to find a suitable companion.

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Finding a fulfilling career that pays well, offers flexibility, and supports a healthy work-life balance is one challenge. Finding love is another. Many prospective parents want to ensure that a child is raised in a stable, two-parent household. Despite these concerns, people are still engaging in unprotected sex. According to the CDC, the overall burden of sexually transmitted infections in the United States remains high, with more than 2.2 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2024, even with recent declines. People may be hesitant about parenthood, but they are not abstaining from sex.

We all have personal reasons for why we have chosen to delay starting a family or opt out altogether. Still, as humans, we have needs and crave companionship. What many people may not realize is that pregnancy symptoms after sex can closely resemble signs of PMS. So even if you are casually hooking up with a friends-with-benefits partner, accidents can happen.

Condoms break, and unplanned pregnancies do occur. Fatigue, breast changes, bloating, mood swings, light spotting, and cramping can all be associated with both early pregnancy and the onset of menstruation. Either way, if you are sexually active and think you might be pregnant because you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should consult a physician right away. If it is determined that you are pregnant but not ready to have a baby, it is reasonable to consider your options.

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One of those options may be Carafem. Carafem is a healthcare provider that offers expert abortion care and birth control tailored to individual needs. Abortion is a sensitive topic, which is why clinics like Carafem are designed with client comfort in mind. Their services are private, protester-free, and efficient. Carafem also offers abortion pills by mail for those who prefer not to visit a clinic in person. These pills can be mailed in the following 20 states: CO, CT, DC, DE, IL, MA, ME, MD, MI, MN, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, RI, VA, VT, and WA.

Orders ship quickly, arrive discreetly, and include 24/7 medical support from Cara, their text-based abortion companion backed by licensed medical professionals. Their clinics are open to anyone who can get pregnant, including BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients, as well as individuals in rural areas or those facing systemic barriers to care. Pricing for abortion pills online typically ranges from $0 to $399, depending on financial eligibility, which is significantly less than many other online providers.

For many of us, choosing to remain childfree for the time being does not mean giving up companionship. From an evolutionary standpoint, humans are a social species. Psychologically, companionship fulfills core needs such as belonging, emotional validation, safety, identity formation, and a sense of meaning and purpose. Thankfully, clinics like Carafem exist. Our advice is simple: stay protected, remain open-minded, and be thoughtful about the decisions you make today, as they can impact your life tomorrow. Wrap it up, Missies.

by Harley Miller