Pregnancy- early symptoms and signs that might mean you have become pregnant.
When will I know and how can I tell if I'm pregnant?
Wait until you miss a period. Once the egg and sperm hook-up, the fertilized
egg still has to travel down to the uterus, which takes about a week. Often, the
fertilized egg just keeps going and gets flushed out of your system with your
menstrual cycle. It's not until the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus
that you are officially pregnant. That's when your body starts making new
hormones and responding. A pregnancy test won't be accurate until your period is
due because it tests for pregnancy hormones. Now just because you miss a period
doesn't mean you're definitely pregnant. Many things can cause a period to be
late, especially stress (like worrying about if your pregnant). Some other
symptoms of pregnancy--like nausea, tender breasts, high emotions--are also
signs that your period is coming! Some women don't get any symptoms except a
missed period. So the only way to really know if you are pregnant is to get a
pregnancy test.
What do I do if I think I might be pregnant?
Wait to see if you get your period and then get a
pregnancy test. While you're waiting, try not to stress-out about it,
since there's really not much you can do until your period is due. If
your period is late--or you think it might be late and you're not
sure--then get a pregnancy test. You can start with a home pregnancy
kit from the drugstore, but it is recommended that you go to a clinic
for higher accuracy. There are many places where you can get a
free pregnancy test. One is Planned Parenthood at
1-800-230-PLAN. Some groups offering pregnancy advice have a
strong agenda. Sometimes this is clearly stated, and other times such
groups represent to be neutral, but subtly or not so subtly try to
instill their views onto the client during a very emotional and
challenging time.
Once you miss a period, there's no reason to wait to get a pregnancy test.
The sooner you know, the sooner you can either relax if you're not pregnant or
start thinking about what you want to do next if you are pregnant.
These are early
indicators or symptoms that you may be pregnant, If you have any of
these and feel you might be pregnant, you should go to a clinic to have
a professional pregnancy test done.
Missed menstual period.
Tender,
Swollen breasts. (tender breasts may simply indicate your period is
approachinig, but swollen breasts suggest the possibility of pregnancy.
morning sickness, vomiting or nasea.
Fatigue
frequently urinating
some spotting
Lightheadedness
or feeling of faintness or weakness (smaller and more frequent meals
can help this, as it is often low blood sugar due to changes in
metabolism and hormones.)
indigestion
(sitting up, standing or walking for at least an hour after meals can
help-not laying down after meals unless necessary)
Constipation (exercise can help)
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