Pregnancy Symptoms

Early Pregnancy Symptoms - Imagined Or Real?

2009-05-29T08:30:00.000-07:00

If you're like most women who are trying to conceive, you spend each month obsessing over your possible early pregnancy symptoms. But it can get to a point where you are actually starting to imagine the symptoms that, in reality, aren't really there. Instead of disappointing yourself yet again, try to take an objective look at your symptoms.

So, exactly how do you stay objective while keeping track of possible symptoms?

1. Keep a journal of possible symptoms each day of your menstrual cycle. Feel free, at this point, to write down even the most insignificant symptom, because looking back you may see a trend or something that sticks out to you. Some possible symptoms would include spotting, fatigue, breast tenderness, cramping or bloating. Some possible insignificant symptoms would include headaches, pinching sensations in the abdomen or bluish veins appearing in the breasts.

2. Have a significant person in your life be honest with you about their observations. Someone who sees you every day may notice that your coloring has changed or that you seem more tired than usual. Even things we don't notice in ourselves may be noticed by someone from the outside. Don't put the thought in their head by asking if they've noticed something in particular, but rather just ask them generally if they notice anything different about you.

3. Along with any symptoms you notice each day, write down any events occurring in your life that may explain them. For example, if you write down fatigue as a symptom, but also notice that you have a sore throat, you may want to make a note to yourself that you are possibly coming down with a cold.

It is very important to not only take an honest look at your possible early pregnancy symptoms, but to also look at them as a whole. Many symptoms are very similar to an impending menstrual cycle and so you have to be careful not to automatically assume that a symptom is an absolute sign, one way or another. Carefully listen to your body, but when all else fails, time will give you an absolute answer.

Planning Ahead While in the Early Stages of Pregnancy

Once you find out you are pregnant and you are in the early stages of pregnancy, there are a few things to consider and take care of. You now have a new life growing inside of you and have many changes in the future ahead. Keeping this in mind, preparation and planning are the key.One of the first things you will need to do is to contact your healthcare provider to schedule your first prenatal appointment. Typically your first visit will be some time between 6 weeks to 10 weeks into your pregnancy. During this appointment you will complete a health history, provide blood work and undergo a physical exam.

Next, you’ll need to decide when and how to break the news to your significant other as well as friends and family. Some will share the news right away, unable to contain their excitement. Others are more cautious and will choose to wait until the second trimester, or longer, before they let others know about their upcoming arrival. When the time is right for you, coming up with something unique is always a fun way to let others in on your secret.

And lastly, you should start considering the future of your career. Will you continue to work until you give birth? Will you continue to work after you have the baby? It is important to start to think about this early on because there may be a lot of preparation to do in order to make the transition. You should look into the policies within your company to find out how long your maternity leave can be. Then, iIf you decide to continue working after the baby is born, you will need to arrange for childcare as well as pumping if you’re going to breastfeed.s

Don’t rush things, you’ll soon be experiencing some of the discomforts of the first trimester and beyond. Most of all, when you’re in your early stages of pregnancy, you should be enjoying this special time of your life. You’re nurturing a brand new life that will soon enough make its entrance into this world.

By Leesuh L Smith

Early Pregnancy Symptoms - Imagined Or Real?

Home Pregnancy Tests: Can You Trust the Results?

2009-05-28T08:30:00.000-07:00

Could you be pregnant? Here are the answers to common questions about home pregnancy tests.

Taking a home pregnancy test can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're not sure you can trust the results. Knowing when and how to take a home pregnancy test — as well as some of the pitfalls of home testing — can help ensure that your reading is accurate.

When should I take a home pregnancy test?

Many home pregnancy tests claim to be accurate as early as the first day of a missed period, but for the most reliable results, it's a good idea to wait until one week after a missed period. Home tests may not be as precise at the start of a pregnancy, and some women develop detectable amounts of pregnancy hormones later than others do. In addition, most manufacturers recommend retaking a home pregnancy test in a few days — a negative result shortly after your missed period doesn't necessarily mean that you're not pregnant.

Are there different types of home pregnancy tests?

Various types of home pregnancy tests are available, but most work in a similar way. Typically, you'll place the end of a dipstick in your urine stream or immerse the measuring stick in a container of collected urine for five to ten seconds. A minute or two later, you'll see a plus or minus sign, a line, a color change, or the words "pregnant" or "not pregnant" on a strip or window on the dipstick. Some of these tests are more user-friendly and easier to read than others. If you have confusing results, you might want to try another brand.

With some tests, you'll mix a small amount of collected urine with a special liquid or powder. If the urine changes color, the test is positive.

Instructions may vary slightly from kit to kit. Read the instructions carefully before you take the test. If you have questions about how to do the test or interpret the results, call the manufacturer. Look for a toll-free number or the manufacturer's Web site in the package instructions.

How do home pregnancy tests detect pregnancy?

Shortly after a fertilized egg attaches to your uterine lining, your body begins to produce the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Home pregnancy tests — available without a prescription at most grocery stores and drugstores — can reliably detect this hormone in your urine one week after a missed period. Because the amount of HCG in your body increases rapidly during the first two weeks of pregnancy, home tests that identify the lowest level of the hormone produce the earliest confirmation of pregnancy. A more sensitive blood test to detect HCG can be done earlier in your doctor's office.

How accurate are the results?

Many home pregnancy tests claim to be 99 percent accurate on the day you miss your period. Although research suggests that most home pregnancy tests don't consistently spot pregnancy this early, the tests are considered reliable when used according to package instructions one week after a missed period. If you need to know earlier, ask your doctor about a blood test.

Could a positive result be wrong?

Although rare, it's possible to get a positive result from a home pregnancy test when you're not actually pregnant. This is known as a false-positive.

You may get a false-positive if you have traces of blood or protein in your urine. Various prescription drugs — including diuretics and promethazine (used to treat allergy symptoms and nausea) — also can cause a false-positive result. Using an expired or damaged test kit may have the same effect.

Could a negative result be wrong?

More commonly, you can get a negative result from a home pregnancy test when you're actually pregnant. This is known as a false-negative. You may get a false-negative if you:

Take the test too early. Wait to take the test until your period is at least one day late. That's the earliest most home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy. For the most accurate results, take the test one week after a missed period.
Time the test wrong. If you're collecting urine, do the test within 15 minutes of collecting the sample. And be sure to give the test time to work — but not too much time. You may want to set a timer according to the package instructions.
Use diluted urine. Drinking too much fluid before taking the test may cause a false-negative result. For the most accurate results, take the test first thing in the morning when your urine is the most concentrated.

If your period hasn't started within a week after a negative home pregnancy test, repeat the test.

What happens next?

If your home pregnancy test is positive — or if you've taken a few home pregnancy tests and gotten mixed results — make an appointment with your doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife. You may need a blood test or pelvic exam to confirm your pregnancy. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care.

If your home pregnancy test is still negative two weeks after a missed period, check with your doctor. Many things can cause missed periods, including illness, stress, excessive exercise and hormonal imbalances. Your doctor can help you get your menstrual cycle back on track.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Home Pregnancy Tests: Can You Trust the Results?

How to Recognize Common Or Unexpected Early Pregnancy Signs

2009-05-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

Early Pregnancy Signs

Recognizing and handling early pregnancy symptoms can become a frightening task unless you provide yourself with detailed information about this situation. Pregnancy can be signalled by common or unexpected signs and you will have to learn how to arrange with them in order to stay healthy and welcome your new born baby. Pregnancy is not to be regarded as a source of constant worries and fears. On the contrary, you should relax and learn how to cope with its pleasant or unpleasant signs. But even the most common early pregnancy signs are likely to be related to other causes and you will have to pay a visit to your doctor in order to find out the truth. For instance, you are very likely to experience severe fatigue because the body will be overwhelmed by the constant hormonal changes.

You will have to adapt to these situations in order to stay healthy. The breast tenderness is among the most common early pregnancy symptoms because you will begin to get ready for the future motherhood. Your breasts will change their texture. They will become softer because they are preparing for the future milk production. Even so, the breast tenderness can also be related to other causes such as a sign of impending and severe menstruation. Therefore, you will have to check the real cause of your breast tenderness in order to find out whether you are pregnant or not. Vomiting and nausea are also among the most common early pregnancy signs and they should be taken seriously in order for you to find out their real cause and their effects. These symptoms will be experienced by every woman who is in her first trimester.

They are likely to be quite persistent and you may also experience strange and strong food cravings. You will have to deal with these cravings because they are likely to be quite demanding. For instance, a food that you hate eating before getting pregnant may appear as an irresistible dish right now. Regardless of the nature of these symptoms, you must pay a visit to the doctor in order to find out their real cause. Actually, it is imperative for you to pay a visit to your doctor as soon as you notice something unusual or suspect. He is the one who can provide you with the necessary help and prescriptions in order to keep your unborn baby healthy. Early prenatal care is of paramount importance and you should become aware of the fact that the early pregnancy symptoms are here in order to help you to monitor your baby's health.

Still, these symptoms may vary from one woman to another and you will have to take good care of your pregnancy by paying attention to these extremely useful signals. These signals will tell you the truth about your unborn baby's condition and you can rely on them in order to find out whether she is in danger or not. Your body is designed in order to signal everything that does not go according to the natural plan. So, you need to learn how to listen to your body and pay attention to what it is saying to you. You have to trust your instincts. Your intuition is your best friend when it comes to interpreting the early pregnancy signs. The rest is up to your medical care provider because he is the one who can assist you and provide you with the natal care that you need.

But you can also experience some unusual early pregnancy signs that you must report to your doctor in order to get the necessary help. For instance, you can experience the so-called spider veins. You will have to deal with veins appearing on your upper arms and chest and you have to be prepared for them and consult the doctor in order to learn more. The spider veins are the direct result of the increased blood pressure and you should not worry about this symptom. You can also have to deal with the nose congestion because this symptom may be found among the unusual signs that can affect a pregnant woman. You may also experience metallic taste in your mouth, production of excessive saliva, severe cramping in your legs, flatulence, facial hair and increased pigmentation of your skin.

Sandra B Wilson

Early Pregnancy Signs

Pregnancy Tests

2009-05-23T08:30:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is confirmed with a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test can be performed on either urine or blood. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta about 10 days after fertilization. Levels of the hCG hormone approximately double every two days during the first 60 days of pregnancy.

Pregnancy tests that are performed using the woman's blood are done by a physician and are usually performed to obtain a very early diagnosis of pregnancy or also to confirm an at-home pregnancy test. Blood tests are very accurate and can detect pregnancy by the second week after conception.

Women can conduct an at-home pregnancy test by testing a sample of urine about two weeks after conception, or about the time a period is due. Home pregnancy tests have become more accurate in the last decade. If the test is used correctly, most home pregnancy tests are 97 to 99% accurate. It is recommended that users repeat the test in a few days, whether the result is positive or negative.

Always consult your physician to confirm a positive at-home pregnancy test with a more reliable pregnancy test and physical examination. If your at-home pregnancy test results are negative, and you think you are pregnant, you should also consult your physician.

Credit

Pregnancy Tests

8 Symptoms of Pregnancy You Have to Know

2009-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because each symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs or symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or may not be present at all.

Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following symptoms it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation

A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

Swollen/Tender Breasts

Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

Fatigue/Tiredness

Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can also start as early as the first week after conception.

Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/Morning Sickness

This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches

Lower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches

The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.
Frequent Urination:

Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

Darkening of Areolas

If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.
Food Cravings:

While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

Credit to American Pregnancy Association

8 Symptoms of Pregnancy You Have to Know

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant

2009-05-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

Although a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms, and find signs of being pregnant, other's don't "feel" pregnant. Certain signs and symptoms of being pregnant can be confused with other illnesses. The following list are some telltale symptoms of pregnancy. Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of being pregnant, but you also might be one of the lucky ones who never experience this pregnancy symptom. Missing a period is another sign and symptom of being pregnant. We'll go into greater detail below, and you can read below.

MISSING A PERIOD

One of the most common signs and symptoms of being pregnant, missing a period can also be caused by other reasons. Although missing a period is one of the most common of the pregnancy symptoms, stress, illness, weight fluctuations or coming off the oral contraceptive pill can also be the cause of this. Irregular periods are a common symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur several months apart. If you still feel like you are experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, continue reading the other signs of being pregnant.

TENDERNESS OF THE BREAST

Another sign and symptom of pregnancy is the changing of size and feel of your breast. As early as a few days after conception, this pregnancy symptom may occur. Your breast is beginning to enlarge, as it gets ready for breastfeeding. Many women claim that their breasts are very sensitive and that they experience a very sharp, tingling sensation as well. Being one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant, the tenderness of the breast often disappears a few weeks later.

NAUSEA AND VOMITING

Considered another one of the classic sign and symptoms of being pregnant, nausea and vomiting, (aka morning sickness) has become one of the most feared of all pregnancy symptoms. Feeling sick is a common complaint and is experienced by most women from weeks 5 to 6 of their pregnancy. However, morning sickness can also be felt as early as two weeks after conception. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, and can vary from an occasional faint sensation to overwhelming vomiting and nausea. By and large, morning sickness is one of the pregnancy symptoms that tends to disappear towards the end of the first trimester.

TIREDNESS

Many women experience fatigue as one of their pregnancy symptoms. Although this might be a sign of being pregnant, it can also indicate other things as well.

DARKENING OF THE AREOLA

Being one of the first physical symptoms of pregnancy, the darkening of the areola can occur throughout your entire pregnancy. If you notice the darkening of the areola, this could be considered one of the signs and symptoms of being pregnant.

FREQUENT URINATION

If you experience that you are urinating more frequently, this might be another of the pregnancy symptoms that confirm that you are pregnant. As early as two weeks after conception, you might find yourself experience this pregnancy symptom. The pressure of the literally reducing size of your bladder is the cause of this. Your uterus beings to rise up into the abdomen, and this annoying pregnancy symptom is the result. Rising levels of the pregnancy hormone progesterone stimulate the bladder muscles, so that it feels full, even though you might not need to urinate. Of all of the pregnancy symptoms, and signs of being pregnant, women sometimes find this to be the most annoying.

CHANGES IN TASTE AND SMELL

Don't be surprised if you experience this pregnancy sign and symptom. Many women claim that certain foods make them feel queasy - while others experience a craving for other foods. Another sign of this pregnancy symptom, is a strange metallic taste.

CONSTIPATION

Another of the annoying signs and symptoms of being pregnant, constipation occurs.

CONFIRMING YOUR PREGNANCY

Two weeks after conception, your baby is no bigger than a pinhead, comprised of a few balls of cells. As it begins to develop in the lining of the uterus, the placenta begins to form and produce necessary pregnancy hormones. Below are some ways to confirm that the pregnancy symptoms and signs of being pregnant that you have noticed are accurate, and that you will be having a baby.

HOME PREGNANCY TESTS

Being very accurate, these tests can be purchased at a local drugstore, and can confirm pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Your health care provider may rely on this test, and may only repeating testing if complications arise. If you receive a positive result, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor so that they can confirm you are pregnant and begin follow-up.

OFFICE URINE TEST

Similar to that of a home pregnancy test, and office urine test confirms pregnancy by also detecting the level of HCG in your urine. Being nearly 100% accurate, this test does not require you to urinate first thing in the morning. This type of test also can determine that the signs and symptoms of being pregnant hold true, and that your pregnancy symptoms are right.

PREGNANCY BLOOD TEST

In order to assist dating your pregnancy, your healthcare provider may also perform a pregnancy blood test. This particular pregnancy test can give you a positive or negative result, and once again detects the level of HCG. This time, it detects that level in your blood, and depending on your pregnancy symptoms, helps them determine what kind of care to give you. Pregnancy blood tests are useful if there are any concerns about miscarriage, or if there are indications that an unusual pregnancy is occurring.

INTERNAL EXAM

Four to six weeks after conception, your doctor can receive indefinite proof by examining you internally. Certain signs like the thickening of vaginal tissues and the softening of your uterus will confirm that the pregnancy symptoms are right on!

Brian Gardner is the Founder of PregnancyEtc.com - An Online Pregnancy Resource For 9 Months & Beyond. Having recently experienced pregnancy firsthand with his wife Shelly, Brian has dedicated his efforts towards pregnancy research. The development of http://www.pregnancyetc.com was to ensure that expecting parents had a place to find information on pregnancy and babies.

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant