After the increasing number of pregnancy questions, I thought it would benefit many empowHer.com readers to have a post where they can read the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, how to use an at home pregnancy test, and some links/answers to additional questions.
1. What are the usual signs of pregnancy?
- Implantation Bleeding.
Implantation Bleeding may occur 6-12 days after conception and is usually a pink to brown spotting caused by the embryo implanting to the uterine wall and in addition to some bleeding, many women experience cramping.
Other explanations for spotting and/or cramping may be: actual period, changes in birth control, infection, or abrasion from sex.
-Failure to get your menstrual period.
Some women may bleed even while pregnant, but it is usually a shorter, lighter period.
Other explanations for amenorrhea: hormonal problems, excessive weight loss or gain, fatigue, stress, failure to take a birth control pill, or breastfeeding.
-Swollen, tender breasts.
May occur 1-2 weeks after conception.
Other explanations for tender breasts: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, and oncoming menstruation.
-Fatigue/Tiredness.
Other explanations for fatigue: stress, depression, exhaustion, cold, flu or other health illnesses.
-Nausea/Morning Sickness:
Other explanations for nausea: stomach disorder, food poisoning, stress.
- Backaches
May occur early on or throughout pregnancy.
Other explanations for backaches: stress, oncoming menstruation, previous back problems, physical and/or mental issues.
-Headaches.
These may be caused by the sudden increase in hormones.
Other explanations for headaches: oncoming menstruation, caffeine withdrawal, dehyration, or other ailments.
-Frequent Urination.
Usually experienced 6-8 weeks after conception-- you will find yourself going to the bathroom a lot more than normal.
Other explanations for this: Urinary Tract Infections, diabetes, increased liquid intake, or taking diuretics.
-Darkened areolas.
Other explanations for darkened areolas: hormonal imbalance or remained from previous pregnancy.
-Food Cravings.
May last throughout pregnancy
Other explanations for cravings: oncoming period, stress, depression, lack of certain nutrients, poor diet.
2. How short after having unprotected sex will I start to see/feel symptoms?
- Symptoms of pregnancy are normally not seen any sooner than 1 week after conception. Please note that if you have unprotected sex today, you will not feel pregnant tomorrow.
3. How long do I have to wait before I take a test?
Most doctors recommend that you wait until the first day of your missed period before taking a home pregnancy test. However, some tests are more sensitive (and more expensive) than others and can be taken earlier. A pregnancy test with a sensitivity of 20 IU/L is more sensitive than one with 50 IU/L.
A blood test administered by your doctor is much more sensitive and reliable than the early home tests and can be taken between seven and twelve days after you conceive. ( It is possible that these tests can be done too early and show a false negative result.) If you receive a negative result and still do not start your period,
another test should be done.
4. I just purchased a home pregnancy test and I do not know how to use it.
Please visit this link, there are 10 different home pregnancy tests as well as how to use them.
http://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/how-to/signs-pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests/
5. Where can I find a pregnancy calculator:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/duringpregnancy/pregcalc.html
6. I think I may be pregnant, where can I find a free testing center?
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/members/pregnancycenters
7. I am pregnant, now what?
First things first, you need to see an OB/Gyn not only to confirm your pregnancy but to ensure that you and your baby are off to a healthy start.
Need help finding one? Visit http://www.babycenter.com/0_choosing-an-obstetrician_1582.bc for tips in choosing the right ob/gyn for you and help finding one in your area.
Other links:
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/earlypregnancysymptoms.html