Usually having missed one’s menstrual period is the most common signs of pregnancy. A missed period is the best known sign of pregnancy. Even my husband instantly concluded that I am pregnant when I told him so. There are other symptoms that can let a woman know if she’s pregnant or not even before she become aware of her missed period, like:
- sickness and/or feelings of nausea
- a strange taste in your mouth, sometimes described as 'metallic'
- breast tenderness, tingling and enlargement
- the small 'bumps' on your nipples becoming more obvious - these are '
tubercules', which secrete an oily fluid in preparation for breastfeeding - stomach pains
- tiredness
- constipation
- needing to wee more often
- going off certain things, such as coffee and fatty foods
- increased vaginal discharge
Others experience very light bleeding (called 'spotting'). This can make you feel as though you haven't missed your period. In my case, missing my period was the prominent symptom that my husband and I have noticed plus the ten home pregnancy tests that I have taken and the confirmation from our doctor.
After confirming one or all of the symptoms above it is best to take a home pregnancy test to be scientific and accurate about your hunch. Pregnancy tests are very accurate and reliable that is if administered properly. You must read, understand and follow what the instructions said in the package. It’s really easy and simple. Home pregnancy tests are inexpensive and readily available. You can buy it in a pharmacy, family planning clinics, from your favorite doctor or in some health centers.
How does this piece of plastic stick commonly called Home Pregnancy Test work?
The tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your urine. A chemical in the plastic stick changes color when it comes into contact with this hormone, so the usual way of testing is to wee on the end of the stick and watch for the result in the little window. It usually turns red when you are positively pregnant.
Home pregnancy tests can be used two to three weeks after you think you may have conceived or on the first day of your missed period. Use one sooner than this and you may not get a reliable result.
Again pregnancy tests are very accurate as long as you use them properly. It's possible to have a 'false negative', when the test says you aren't pregnant when you are. If your period still doesn't arrive, repeat the test or check with your doctor.
It's also possible that a first pregnancy test will show a positive result, but a later one doesn't. Or the test may show a positive but then your period arrives. Your period may be heavier than you're used to, which may mean your pregnancy has been lost. This is a very early miscarriage, and is probably a way of protecting the body from hanging on to a damaged embryo. It doesn't mean you won't conceive again.
Once you have determined that you are positively pregnant you need to visit your medical practitioner so that you and your baby will be given the best possible care during your pregnancy. It is important to see an OB/Gyn early on to know if you are having a safe pregnancy and if t
here are any complications it will be determined early on. Your doctor will help you determine when you’re due. The length of your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, even though you actually conceive two weeks or so after this date (depending on the length of your cycle). Your baby is likely to be born two weeks either side of the due date. So it is best to know and have a record of your menstrual cycles.
Disclaimer: Parenting And Beyond site is provided for your general information only. Some contents are based on the writer’s personal experiences. The information contained on this site should not be treated as a substitute for medical, legal or other professional advice. Parenting And Beyond is not responsible or liable for the contents of any websites of third parties which are listed on this site.
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