Are you wondering: How can I tell if I’m pregnant?
Here are some of the top 10 signs early on in pregnancy
- Missed period:
Some of those who experience irregular periods might decide to wait 1 to 3 weeks until they take a test (it can take 5-14 until a fertilized egg fully attaches to the lining of the uterus).
- Implantation bleeding:
Slight bleeding or abdominal cramping can occur but it’s typically a few days before your expected period. Can consist of pink or brownish spotting and can last about 1 to 3 days.
- Nausea:
Due to suspected increase in the hormone estrogen.
- Food aversions:
Are there certain foods or smells bothering you lately? Some people experience morning sickness and some may just have heightened sensitivities. Also, even though it’s labeled as morning sickness, this feeling can unfortunately occur for some people throughout the entire day.
- Bloating.
- Frequent urination:
As the uterus expands, pressure is placed on the bladder. Early on, hormone changes are also responsible. The increased blood flow to the urinary system and more fluid going through the kidneys, can speed up the filling process in the bladder.
- Change in breasts:
There are many hormone changes happening which can cause the breast to feel firm, larger, or just more tender in general. Even early in pregnancy, some people may notice other changes in breast appearance like lines or darker veins.
- Constipation:
Due to the levels of the hormone progesterone, muscles of the digestive tract can be more relaxed causing food to move slower through your system. Also if you take iron or prenatal vitamin, those could also contribute.
- Mood swings:
Feeling more emotional, weepy, or extra irritated? This can occur given the amount of hormone changes experienced in early pregnancy. This cam improve once your body adjusts to the higher levels of hormones. Of course on top of that, if a person has sickness, metabolism changes, changes in sleep, stress, and fatigue, emotions can certainly be running high anyway.
- Fatigue:
In the first trimester, an increase in your progesterone hormones can cause you to feel unusually tired. Also the increased blood volume Blood vessel dilation, can also result in mild headaches, dizziness, lower blood sugar or lower blood pressure.
Lastly:
*Keep in mind that (like many things), Everybody is different.
Some may experience symptoms prior to getting sick or prior to their menstrual period, but other pregnant people may not have many symptoms at all.
*Which test should I take and Where should I buy it from?
-Blood test with your doctor, nurse, community clinic, local Planned Parenthood Center, grocery store, dollar store, drugstore, local pharmacy, even ordering one offline.
*Home tests:
There are a lot of brand names to choose from with home tests. Many home tests claim to be about 97-99% accurate if used correctly, and
keeping the following in mind:
- make sure you actually read the directions. It’s important to not read the test too early or too late for unreliable results.
- Some tests could get false positives if the person was taking birth control, antibiotics, fertility meds, etc.
- Check the expiration dates to make sure the test is not expired.
- Typically accuracy is increased of taken in the morning when your urine is less diluted.
*Is there really one brand that is more reliable than the others?
-Ask your pharmacist or provider.
-Another resource is the website: www.verywellfamily.com/Best-pregnancy-tests, where you can read about some tests that could be more sensitive to reading early levels of hCG.
*Your hCG levels double every 48 -72 hours. Therefore, some people may choose a 2-3 pack of tests to repeat a few days after they’ve actually missed their period.
*Other resources:
972-550-0140
FDA, food and drug administration
888-463-6332
800-230-7526
APA:
Www.AmericanpregnancyAssociation.org
800-672-2296
References:
Mira J MD Mayo Clinic: guide to a healthy pregnancy, 2nd edition, 2018
-Capstone Doula Services
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Disclaimer:
*This blog is not medical advice and any concerns you should bring to your providers attention.
Capstone Doula Services 