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Month: October 2025

Pregnancy Quiz

Posted on by Rudy

Pregnancy Quiz Am I Pregnant?

If you are wondering, “Am I pregnant?” you can read the signs that your own body is already giving you.

Please take this early pregnancy quiz for help.

If you are currently having your period, then it is most likely that you are not pregnant. If the time that you normally have your period has passed, then you might be pregnant. According to the Mayo Clinic, a missed period is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. “If you’re in your childbearing years and a week or more has passed without the start of an expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. However, this symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.” 1

When the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, this may cause spotting and even cramping. WebMD says this is called “implantation bleeding.” This “occurs anywhere from 6 to 12 days after the egg is fertilized. The cramps resemble menstrual cramps, so some women mistake them and the bleeding for the start of their period. The bleeding and cramps, however, are slight.” 2

The American Pregnancy Association reports that this is one of the most reported symptoms of pregnancy . “Changes to the breasts can start as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception.” 3

Morning sickness or nausea is a common sign of pregnancy. “Not all women experience nausea, while others experience it throughout their pregnancy,” reported Medical News Today. “Nausea can begin as early as 5 weeks, with most women experiencing some level of nausea by week 8 of pregnancy.” 4

Frequent urination is common early in your pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, the increasing size of the uterus itself and increased blood circulation to the pelvis, you may find yourself visiting the restroom more frequently. Additionally, increased hormone levels may result in constipation.

If you are pregnant, you may start to experience cravings for certain foods. This is common both early and late in pregnancy. It is also common to have an aversion to both the taste and smell of certain foods.

Feeling dizzy or light-headed, especially immediately after standing or changing your position quickly, can be a sign of pregnancy.  Dizziness may be the result of a change in your blood volume and blood pressure or a deficiency in iron.

Due to hormonal changes in your body you may experience headaches.

Early in pregnancy, an increase in hormones may result in mood swings. When added to the potential stress caused by the uncertainty of pregnancy, you may feel sad, sulky or irritated.

“You may feel fatigue early and late in pregnancy,” according to the March of Dimes. “Your body may be tired  because:

It’s working hard to take care of your growing baby. Your body’s making pregnancy hormones and you’re using a lot of energy, even when you sleep.

You may have trouble sleeping at night because you’re uncomfortable or you need to get up to go to the bathroom. Later in pregnancy, leg cramps may wake you up at night.“ 5

Another way to determine if you are pregnant is to take an over-the-counter pregnancy test.  Home pregnancy tests claim to be 99% accurate but there is a slight chance that they can be wrong, which is called a “false-positive.”  A false-positive may result if the fertilized egg is no longer attached to the uterine lining or from side affects from fertility drugs or problems with your ovaries. There is also a chance for a false-negative result. This can happen if you take the test too early, if you use the test kit incorrectly or you have diluted urine. Reading and following the directions precisely will reduce the possibility of this happening. Choice Care will give you a free and confidential clinical grade pregnancy test with more accuracy.

Thank you for taking this quiz. We hope that it has helped you and given you some of the information for which you are looking.  If you would like more information, contact: Choice Care

Can Women Eat Ranch

Posted on by Rudy

CAN PREGNANT WOMEN EAT RANCH DRESSING?

You’re pregnant. The world has changed; your life has shifted. You’re two people now instead of one, carrying a growing child within you. You’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the new rules. Not to mention, your neighbor down the street just told you that you can’t eat ranch dressing.

“When you’re pregnant, everything that goes into your mouth gets shared with your growing baby. Even though some types of foods and even some types of food poisoning may not hurt you, they may harm your little one.” (1)

As soon as someone tells you that you are no longer allowed to have a certain food, it becomes all you can think about. Soft cheese? Deli meats? Soft-boiled eggs? Wine? Regardless of whether or not you ate these foods before pregnancy, they are now all that you can think about.

It’s no secret that there are differing opinions about what pregnant women are supposed to avoid. Some guidelines seem more relaxed, while other articles make you feel guilty for eating anything at all. How are you supposed to know what exactly you should and should not avoid? How can you feel safe consuming foods that no one ever explicitly mentions? What are the main ingredients in ranch dressing? How do you decide whether or not to eat it when you’re pregnant?

WHY WOULD I NOT BE ABLE TO EAT RANCH DRESSING?

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As your baby develops, you are their sole source of nourishment, which means what you eat is important. Women who are pregnant pass nutrients to their babies, but they can also pass on harmful bacteria or viruses (2). Certain foods can affect the baby in a dangerous way, and it’s up to you to ensure that you don’t eat something toxic. Some of these foods include:

  • fish high in mercury
    • (king mackerel, big eye tuna, swordfish, etc.)
  • raw meat
  • raw eggs
  • soft cheese
  • unpasteurized foods
  • excess caffeine
  • alcohol
  • unwashed fruits and vegetables (2).

 

Many of the reasons to avoid these foods come down to harmful bacteria. This bacteria could cause illnesses like food poisoning or listeria. Though these diseases wouldn’t necessarily be fatal to an average adult, they very well could harm your growing baby. The Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch writes that “While adults are able to fend off listeria, unborn children can suffer a life-threatening infection or blood poisoning” (3).

 

Now, this doesn’t mean that if you have the smallest taste of queso fresco at a party, you will harm your baby. However, these foods could be dangerous if an expectant mother eats them regularly (4). 

 

Food guidelines aren’t put in place to keep you feeling on-edge about the life you’re forming. They are there to help you provide the best environment possible for your sweet babe to grow.

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WHAT IS RANCH DRESSING MADE OF?

Ranch dressing, along with most other salad dressings, is delicious. Ranch goes with everything and is a staple in the American diet. Some are afraid the dressing contains raw or undercooked eggs and stay away from it (2). However, if you check the label for egg content, you’ll find that it does not contain eggs. Therefore, you’re free to continue your love affair with one of America’s best dressings.

 

There are plenty of other specific foods you may not be sure about eating. Consider the ingredients while deciding what is safe for a pregnant woman to eat. Watch out for raw eggs, as they may put you and your infant in danger of salmonella poisoning (5). Because hollandaise sauce, bearnaise sauce and aioli sauce are made with partially cooked eggs, they should be avoided. Avoid meringue desserts and homemade ice cream because the egg could be undercooked (5). Pregnant women should not eat sauces made at home like homemade mayonnaise or Caesar dressing, because the eggs may not be cooked up to temperature.

 

This may sound like a lot of restriction, but the good news is that store-bought salad dressings, are safe for pregnant women to eat. This includes mayonnaise, Kraft ranch, Caesar salad dressing, bleu cheese ranch dressing, and most other dressings. This is because the FDA requires all commercially produced dressings to be pasteurized. This means that the milk has been heated to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria (6). Purchasing most dairy products from your local grocery store, like sour cream, and cottage cheese would also be a safe bet. Another important thing is to check the list of the product’s ingredients for pasteurized eggs, which means it is safe to consume.

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GREAT! I CAN EAT RANCH DRESSING, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER FOODS?

If you’re beginning to feel a little overwhelmed by all these guidelines, rest assured, you’re not alone. You’re going through massive amounts of change in this time of life, and it makes perfect sense that the last thing you want to do is to change your diet.

 

When you think about it, though, there are plenty of options open and available. Try swapping out soft cheeses with a variety of hard cheeses. Stay away from homemade sauces and stick to store-bought dressings and ice cream for a while. Simply microwave your deli meat before adding it to your sandwich. Avoid a runny egg yolk by boiling your eggs a few minutes longer. Get in the habit of checking the main ingredients of the products you buy at the store. If you’re concerned about an ingredient you haven’t heard of before, like xanthan gum or soybean oil, simply do a quick check on your phone before adding it to your cart.

 

Though this time of your life is incredibly different than any other you’ve ever experienced, rest assured that your body knows what to do. In fact, you will more than likely know what you should be eating based on your pregnancy cravings. Oftentimes if you’re desperate for a certain food, it could mean that you’re lacking in important nutrients. If you’re craving salty foods, you may be dehydrated. If a huge steak sounds delicious, you may need more iron (7).

 

You are an intuitive being and the most important thing you can do is to tune into your instincts. This will ensure you’re caring for yourself and your baby in the very best way. Listen to your body, listen to your doctor, and feel free to continue to enjoy that ranch dressing!

What about hot Cheetos?

 

Learn why you have cravings

–like Cheetos–and what to do about them.

Read More

Disclaimer: This website is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.  Choice Care does not provide abortions or give referrals for abortions.

Sources

 
  1.  Greenlaw, E. (2021, March 19). Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy. WebMD. 
    https://www.webmd.com/baby/foods-avoid-pregnancy

  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. 
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy-nutrition/art-20043844

  3. Foods to Avoid While Pregnant. OBGYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, LLC. 
    https://obgynwc.com/what-foods-to-avoid-while-pregnant/
     
  4. Food Safety First. Department of Health and Human Services. 
    https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/pdf/hispanic-pregnant-women-soft-cheese-factsheet-508c.pdf

  5. Can You Eat Aioli Sauce When Pregnant? Know Your Pantry. 
    https://www.knowyourpantry.com/sauces/can-you-eat-aioli-sauce-when-pregnant/

  6. Waggot, G. (2022). Can Pregnant Women Eat Ranch Salad Dressing? Is it Safe? Pregnancy Food Checker. 
    https://www.pregnancyfoodchecker.com/pregnant-ranch-salad-dressing-safe/

  7. Bouchez, C. (2008). Pregnancy Cravings: When You Gotta Have It! Grow by WebMD. 
    https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/pregnancy-food-cravings
 

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cheetos?

Posted on by Rudy

Can Pregnant Women Eat Cheetos?

Everyone knows about the unusual things that many women crave while pregnant. (If you read our last article, you know ranch dressing is one craving.) Whether it be pickles and peanut butter or eating two gallons of ice cream a day, it’s fun to laugh about when it’s not happening to you. But now you’re pregnant, and you’re starting to miss eating certain foods that you could once consume without any worry. It may even be foods you never cared to eat before you were pregnant! One of these bizarre food cravings may be Cheetos. We’re here to answer the question you are asking: can pregnant women eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? To start off with, let’s look at why you may be having this desire for spicy food. 

 

Why Do I Crave Cheetos?

Pregnancy cravings can be caused by a number of things, although there is no definite science behind it all. Food cravings typically begin during the first trimester and peak in the second trimester. However, they can happen anytime during pregnancy, and there is no scientific evidence to confirm exactly why. (2) 

 

Despite this, many researchers have tried. So why Cheetos? A 2014 study found that women may crave spicy food because they often feel hot, and spicy foods stimulate them to sweat and cool down. (5) However, this is just one of many theories, so look through the other options before you jump to conclusions about why you have a Hot Cheeto obsession. 

 

These are the main reasons that many researchers speculate a pregnant woman experiences odd food desires:

  • There are many hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy. These changes affect your senses of taste and smell, and in turn, your preferences or food aversions as well. (5)
  • Another likely explanation is that food cravings may be linked to the same changes in hormones that make a pregnant woman feel nauseous early in pregnancy. (5)
  • If you crave a certain food, it may indicate that you have a deficiency of certain nutrients in your body. (1)
  • For instance, if you don’t have enough sodium in your body, you may crave Cheetos, to help with the deficiency. (1)
  • However, this theory is not completely proven. So do not assume every craving is satisfying a biological need. In fact, studies show that many women who report strange cravings tend to gain more weight than is considered healthy during pregnancy. This means that these cravings may be driven by something other than biochemical needs. (3)
  • One of the biggest reasons women experience pregnancy cravings is mental or cultural causes. (3)
  • Think of when you were a kid, and your mother wouldn’t let you eat a cookie before bed. You may not have even wanted the cookie that bad, but now because you know you can’t have it, it becomes all you think about. 
  • Similarly, a strong desire for pickles, potato chips or Hot Cheetos may start out as a simple thought. Overtime, however, it can grow into an obsession that is hard to resist simply because you know you can’t have it. (3) 

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Are Cheetos Safe to Eat While I'm Pregnant?

Now that we know why you may be craving Cheetos right now, let’s look into if they are safe for you to eat or not. And, spoiler, you can stop holding your breath; the science shows that Cheetos, even Hot Cheetos, are OK to eat – in moderation.

What Are Cheetos Made Of?

Cheetos, like many processed foods, do contain some natural ingredients. Most Cheetos are made of around 30% natural ingredients, such as citric acid. (1) The rest, however, are synthetic food additives which enhance flavor and make the food last longer. (1) These additives may be unhealthy for your baby, and for you as well. Let’s look deeper into exactly what Cheetos contain.

Artificial Flavors

In 2018, the FDA banned six synthetic food flavorings because the chemicals have been shown to cause cancer in lab animals. Oftentimes, these chemicals are listed as “artificial flavors” on food labels. (4)

 

Artificial Coloring

Many artificial coloring additives have been banned in other countries. And there are studies that show they may impact behavior in children. For those reasons, they may be harmful to you and your unborn child during pregnancy. (4)

 

MSG

MSG is a flavor enhancer found in many foods, including Cheetos. What it does is replicate the umami flavor, which is basically a taste sensation similar to savory. Although it is valuable as a flavor enhancer, studies have shown that there are possible toxic effects related to it. (4)

What Are the Effects of Pregnant Women Eating Cheetos?

Despite the questionable contents of Cheetos listed above, you shouldn’t worry too much. The health of your unborn baby will not be hurt after a few handfuls of chips. Many healthcare providers agree that Cheetos/spicy foods are not the best meal options while pregnant. (1) But, good news, they are alright in moderation. (1)

 

However, there are some side effects that can come from eating your normal diet that are enhanced by pregnancy. Here are a few of the health issues you may need to consider before grabbing that next bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos: 

Cause Heartburn

During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, spicy foods are more likely to cause heartburn. The baby growing in you creates an increasing pressure on your abdomen, causing lower pressure on the esophageal sphincter. (That’s the area where your esophagus joins your stomach.) This makes acid reflux more common during this time. (5)

Worsen Morning Sickness

During the first trimester, hot foods can worsen morning sickness. Eating spicy snacks can trigger the release of stomach acid, making nausea and vomiting worse. (5) Since you and other pregnant women probably already experience all-day nausea, you might want to skip the spice.

 

Diarrhea

Spicy foods often cause stomach irritations and digestive issues. When you’re pregnant, the main concern with diarrhea is the possibility of dehydration. For this reason, if you are going to eat spicy foods you should increase your intake of fluids. Also, if you’ve never craved hot food before, it is best to start with milder types and consume less to build a tolerance before working up. (5)

Thirsty after all the Spice?

Read our article on healthy drink options!

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Alternative Options to Cheetos and How to Deal with Cravings

Now you know pregnant women can eat Hot Cheetos while carrying an unborn baby, by doing so in moderation. But perhaps you want to stop the cravings or avoid any negative side effects from eating Cheetos or any other odd junk food combinations. Read on for better healthy food alternatives to eat.

 

First off, the main way to prevent pregnancy cravings is to make sure you eat well-balanced meals throughout the day. (2) Also, if regulating a healthy diet is difficult to manage on your own, make sure you have a lot of emotional support. Whether that be from a partner, a friend, or a parent, having someone to encourage you can keep you mentally on track with your food goals. 

 

Another good option which has been mentioned before is eating whatever you’re craving but in moderation. If you have it set up in your mind that you’re never allowed to eat a certain type of food, it makes it very difficult to control yourself once you do have it. (3) This prevents one thing leading to another when you allow yourself some indulgence. 

 

Lastly, here is a list of some alternative food options that are scientifically proven to be healthiest for you and your unborn child! (6) 

  • Artichokes
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Corn
  • Cucumbers
  • Peppers
  • Salad greens
  • Squash
  • Sweet potato
  • Beans
  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Lamb
  • Lean meat
  • Meat substitutes like tofu
  • Nuts
  • Peanut butter
  • Pork
  • Turkey
  • Veal
  • Brown rice
  • Cereals
  • Oatmeals
  • Whole-wheat pasta
  • Apples
  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Citrus fruits
  • Dried fruits
  • Grapes
  • Mangos
  • Pears
  • Pomegranates
  • Strawberries

Low-fat pasteurized…

  • Cheese
  • Milk
  • Yogurt

Limited to 6 teaspoons a day…

  • Canola
  • Olive
  • Safflower

Source: Family Health Centers of San Diego (6)

 

To recap, pregnant women can eat Cheetos, but they may experience heartburn, morning sickness and/or diarrhea. Eat in moderation and listen to your body. Now that you know what may be causing your strange craving for Cheetos and how to help it, hopefully, your mind is a bit more at ease. Being a new mom and trying to take care of the growing baby inside you can be confusing and stressful at times, but you’ve got this!

Sources:

  1.  Yarnell, K. (2022, March 9). Can you eat hot cheetos while pregnant? Wholesomealive.com -a blog about Healthy Living. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://wholesomealive.com/can-you-eat-hot-cheetos-while-pregnant/ 
  2. Dragon, N. (2017, October 27). Why pregnancy can make you have weird cravings. intermountainhealthcare.org. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/intermountain-moms/2016/10/why-pregnancy-can-make-you-have-weird-cravings/ 
  3. Greenwood, V. (2020, July 15). The surprising reason why pregnant women get cravings. BBC Future. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200715-the-surprising-reason-why-pregnant-women-get-cravings 
  4. Brady, J. (2022, May 18). Can you eat Cheetos while pregnant? [with 4 yummy alternatives]. Green Baby Deals. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://greenbabydeals.com/can-you-eat-cheetos-while-pregnant/ 
  5. Macapagal, J. (2021, June 10). Can you eat hot cheetos while pregnant? Spicy Foods explained. Birthing For Life. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://birthingforlife.com/can-you-eat-hot-cheetos-while-pregnant/
  6. Family Health Centers of San Diego. (2022, March 9). An essential guide on what to eat during pregnancy. Family Health Centers of San Diego. Retrieved June 24, 2022, from https://www.fhcsd.org/prenatal-care/what-to-eat-during-pregnancy/  

Your Cozy-Season Reset Guide

Posted on by Rudy

Your Cozy-Season Reset Guide

Cozy-Season Reset

Little Life Edits I’m Making This Fall

From my perspective: just a grad figuring out “real life,” one latte at a time.

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but your life does not have to be perfectly sorted by October. Fall shows up anyway—gold leaves, chunky sweaters, and that first sip of something warm that makes the day feel softer. Honestly? I love that. It’s permission to exhale, take stock, and make small edits that add up.
This summer was a blur for me—internships, late nights with friends who felt like family, a couple “maybe this is something?” moments, and too many sunscreen-in-the-eyes selfies. Fun, yes. Also…a lot. Now the air is cooler, my calendar is simpler, and I’m noticing what I actually want to carry into this next season.
Here are the tiny shifts I’m trying—nothing extreme, just realistic. Think of them as simple lifestyle changes for fall that help me reset without pressure.

Fall Permission Slip

It’s okay if your life isn’t Instagram-perfect. Gold leaves don’t wait for you to be ready—they just fall.

Morning Margins.

Instead of diving into the day with chaos, I’ve been trying something different. One morning last week, I resisted the urge to grab my phone. I made coffee, opened my journal, and scribbled down three things I was grateful for. By noon, I noticed I was less reactive when a work email landed wrong. It’s amazing how 10 quiet minutes can change the pace of an entire day.
 
Fall Selfcare Tip: Try the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding exercise—five things you see, four you can touch, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste.

The Friend Audit (Kindly).

I’m giving more time to people who make me braver and kinder—We all know the difference between friends who fill our cups and those who leave us drained. After that summer party, I asked myself: Who are the people I walk away from feeling heavier—and who leaves me lighter? That reflection helped me gently step back from one social group and lean into deeper one-on-one friendships.
“Connection is why we’re here; it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” —Brené Brown

Move Like I Mean it.

I move not to “fix” anything, but to feel better in my own skin. Walks with a podcast, gym on rainy days, dancing in the kitchen when it’s all I’ve got.
I used to think movement had to mean a long workout or hitting a certain number of steps, but I’ve learned that even ten minutes can change my mood. One humid August morning I tried to force a run and quit halfway through—it felt like punishment. That moment reminded me movement should feel good, not like a chore.
 
Now I ask myself what kind of energy I need. Sometimes it’s slow and steady, like a neighborhood walk while catching up on a podcast. Other days it’s playful, like turning up the music and dancing while I cook dinner. Rainy days might take me to the gym, but even then, I keep it simple. The point isn’t perfection—it’s presence. Every time I move, I feel a little more like myself. These small routines have become part of my healthy fall habits.

Gentle Boundaries.

This one has been the hardest for me, because saying “no” can feel like letting people down. For a long time, I stretched myself thin out of fear of missing out or disappointing someone. But the truth? Every time I said yes when I didn’t have the energy, I ended up showing up halfway—for them and for me.
This fall, I’ve been practicing saying no without guilt. A simple “I can’t this week, but I’d love to rain-check” is saving me from the spiral of over-committing. Last weekend, when someone invited me to yet another packed outing, I replied: “That sounds fun, but I’m prioritizing rest this weekend—let’s catch up soon?” The surprising thing? They understood. The world didn’t end.
 
Remember: Boundaries aren’t walls; they’re doors you control.
I’m learning that gentle boundaries are less about shutting people out and more about protecting the space I need to show up well when I do say yes. And that feels like growth.

Future Me Notes.

Looking back, that night on the porch swing at the summer party feels like a turning point. It was a messy chapter—a moment of realizing I wasn’t in sync. But it also became the nudge I needed to choose quieter, more intentional days. Fall reminds me that letting go, just like the trees dropping their leaves, makes room for something better. What decisions today will thank me six months from now? That’s the heart of any fall reset—making space for the future you’re growing into.”
 
Self-Care Reminder: If overwhelm hits, pause and ask: What one small thing can I do right now to feel 1% better?
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If your summer came with a few messy chapters (same), you’re still welcome here. Fall is basically the season of do-overs. It’s okay to pivot, to ask for help, to say “I don’t know yet,” and to choose what’s healthiest for you next. You’re not behind. You’re building.
I’m also reminding myself: caring for my whole self matters—mind, body, heart. Sometimes that means booking a check-in with someone who listens well; sometimes it’s a practical health step so I can move forward with peace of mind. If that’s you, I wrote a quick, judgment-free guide that might help.

NEXT READ → Your Quick Health Check: STI & Pregnancy Testing + Ultrasounds

You’ve got a lot of exciting, adventurous days ahead. Life doesn’t have to be perfectly sorted by October. Make the small edits. Choose the kind thing. Trust that your life can be both a work-in-progress and really, really beautiful.
 
“Fall is proof that change is beautiful.” —Unknown