Signs like missed period, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, frequent urination are the early signs of pregnancy. Read on to know how pregnancy is confirmed.The moment of confirming the pregnancy comes with the mixed feelings while planning a pregnancy. The feeling of joy to see the positive results accompanies the feeling of anxiety caused due to the fear of negative results. Let us take a look at the phase which a woman has to undergo while confirming her pregnancy.
How do I know that I am pregnant?
Possible SignsSome of the early
signs of pregnancy are:
- Absence of menstruation (periods)
- Nausea, vomiting (morning sickness)
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Tender or enlarged breasts
Note that you could be pregnant even in the absence of any of the above symptoms. On the other hand, you may experience some of the symptoms and still not be pregnant (could be due to other reasons).
Definite SignsThe only way that a woman can be certain she is pregnant is to take one of the following tests:
- A blood test or a urine test will help in determining the presence of the hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone.
- An ultrasound scan will also detect a pregnancy at 4-6 weeks.
- Foetus can also be felt through abdominal palpations at around 3 months.
I have had no morning sickness, could I still be pregnant?
Yes, because many would-be mothers go through the entire pregnancy without even a hint of
morning sickness, tingling and tender breasts, or any other symptoms. Note that 'morning sickness', or nausea, could occur anytime of the day.
How accurate are the home pregnancy tests?
If home pregnancy test is carried out perfectly, the results can be 99% accurate. However, if the test is not performed appropriately, it can show incorrect results. One has to properly follow the guidelines mentioned on the home pregnancy test kit and read the results correctly in order to get accurate results.
When to take a home pregnancy test?
A home pregnancy test can be taken on the day when the period is missed. The menstrual cycle for different women is different. The cycle length differs. Some women get their periods after 28 days, some get after 30 days, some get after 35 day and some even get after 45 days. So, the day of your missed period can be determined based on the length of your menstrual cycle. For example, your regular menstrual cycle is of 30 days and if on completion of 30 days after your last period you do not get periods, your periods are said to be missed.
If your cycle is regular, you can wait for a day or two after your period is missed. For, best results, you can take test after a week of your missed period in this case. If your cycle is irregular you must not wait for longer for the period to come, take the test if the period does not come on the expected date.
How to take a home pregnancy test?
It is very simple to take a home pregnancy test. The best thing is that the results can be kept secret as no assistance is needed while taking this test. Read the instructions carefully before performing the test. All you need to do is, take three drops of urine and put it in the window provided for putting urine on the test card. Wait for five minutes to read the results. Two red lines indicate the positive result and one red or pink line indicates negative or invalid result. Do not put urine in result window and perform the test early in the morning for best results. Home pregnancy test kits are easily available at chemist shops.
When should I visit an obstetrician?
As soon as you think you are pregnant, you should take a home pregnancy test to confirm your suspicions. If your home pregnancy test results are positive, or if they are negative but you still think you are pregnant, you should go to your family doctor or obstetrician for confirmation.
Since adequate prenatal care is crucial to the mother and the foetus, the sooner you see your doctor and begin a medical regimen, the healthier your pregnancy will be. Your doctor will make arrangements to ensure you are properly cared for during the months leading up to your baby's birth. (See also
Antenatal Care)