Pregnant or not? How can you tell?

1.   Missed period

This is one of the earliest sign of pregnancy symptom. You may be late by a day or even weeks but the only way to confirm is to do a home pregnancy test or a blood test.

2.   Spotting

Spotting may occur for some women and it happens when the embryo implants in the uterus. Spotting will likely take place earlier than your expected period and it is rarely red and mostly light to medium pink.

3.   Rising Temperature

You might notice that the first morning basal temperature is higher (about a degree) when you conceive and throughout pregnancy.

4.   Sensitivity to Smell

You may notice a sharp sense of smell compared to before and this is one of the early signs some pregnant women notice. Some of the smells which never bothered you before may even be a bothersome.

5.   Nausea

Nausea and vomiting is a common symptom most pregnant women notice. Although it is called the morning sickness, it could strike anytime throughout the day. Some women experience it soon after conception; however, it is most likely to start around day 40 or so. For some the phase diminishes after the first trimester and for some it lasts longer.

6.   Fatigue

You may notice that you are extremely exhausted than usual and this happens for a variety of reasons. Your body is creating life which requires more energy. Your hormone levels are up, metabolism is working overtime etc.

7.   Frequent Urination

Frequent urination is a common symptom during pregnancy, especially down the road. And some of the reasons for this symptom is the work of hormones, higher blood flow, more efficient kidney and the growing uterus pressing on your bladder.

8.   Bloating

Bloating is another symptom some women experience. It does not mean that you are pregnant as bloating could be a result of other issues. The only way to confirm is a visit to the doctor.

9.   Tender Breast and Nipples

Tender, swollen, sensitive breasts are a common sign of pregnancy. Some may mistake it for the tender feeling women get prior to the arrival of their period. But the pregnancy tenderness is stronger than the menstrual. And it often becomes more prominent throughout pregnancy.

10. Darker Areolas

Your areolas may be darker and even increase in diameter. This will become more noticeable throughout pregnancy.

The above mentioned symptoms are not a foolproof sign of pregnancy, there may be other reasons for the symptoms. The only way to find out for sure, whether you are pregnant or not is home pregnancy test, medical exam and a blood test.

Confirming Pregnancy

1.   Home Pregnancy Test (HPT)

HPT’s are readily available and very affordable. They measure the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) which is produced by placenta and makes its way in to your blood stream. HPT will detect pregnancy as soon as hCG has made its way into your blood stream which is immediately after the implantation of the embryo which typically occurs between 6 and 12 days after fertilization.  If you are unsure how to use it, most walk in clinics in Ontario offer the tests for free (as long as you are covered by OHIP) and the test will be conducted by a medical professional.

2.   Blood Test

Blood tests can detect pregnancy with almost 100% accuracy as early as a week after conception. It can also date your pregnancy based on the level of hCG.

Even if you take a home pregnancy test, it is important to visit your doctor soon after a positive test to confirm with a blood test and also to start on the necessary multivitamins, if you have now started already. Doctor will also start the proper assessment.

If you received a negative result from the HPT even after experiencing the early pregnancy symptoms, don’t be alarmed. First of all, the HPT may not be accurate and a blood work will shed some light. If the blood work comes back negative, don’t be discourages and keep trying. Pregnancy is a precious life changing event and it is definitely worth the wait.

First Doctor’s Appointment

Prenatal care is a vital part of pregnancy to ensure a healthy baby. So make sure to call your doctor’s office to make an appointment. Although prenatal vitamins can be purchase over the counter, certain vitamins such as PregVit require a prescription. PregVit is Halal Certified for those who require it for religious purposes. Furthermore, if you have medical coverage from your workplace a prescribed prenatal vitamin will be paid by your insurance.

Although the first prenatal checkup does not take place till six to eight weeks after pregnancy, it is still important to visit the doctor for the above mentioned reasons. The doctor’s office may also be able to provide information and brochures regarding pregnancy to give you a head start.

Due Date

Only 1 in 20 babies are actually born on their due dates. A normal full term pregnancy can be anywhere between week 38 to 42. As a result, the due date given is merely an estimation. The estimation will never materialize if your period is usually irregular. However, other milestones such as the size of uterus and ultrasound may predict a more precise due date. However, at the end of the day, nobody can confirm the exact arrival of your bundle of joy.