Are you in a committed relationship and trying to get pregnant? Do you think you or a loved one might be pregnant but don’t know for sure? Are you looking for information on the most common symptoms of pregnancy?
As someone who has gone through a pregnancy with a spouse, I feel it’s important to educate others on the importance of getting proper medical treatment as early and often as possible during this important time.
First, you must determine whether or not you or your loved one are pregnant. And the first sign that a woman might be pregnant is simple: a missed menstrual period.
Though missing a period may be caused by other things-birth control pills, certain forms of prescription medication, illnesses, malnutrition, excessive exercise, menopause-it is still a good idea to determine the cause of a missed menstrual period with your doctor.
Home pregnancy tests, which are available in most any supermarket or drug store, are useful and convenient tools to help women determine whether or not they are pregnant. But are they safe? Are they accurate? How do they work?
Home pregnancy tests usually involve placing a small sample of urine on a test strip. The strip tests for a hormone created during pregnancy, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). After waiting for one to two minutes, the strip produces a result-either positive or negative. Keep in mind, however, that the test will only be accurate if there is enough hCG in your body during testing. If your body is too early in the pregnancy, the test strip could show a negative result even if you are pregnant, so wait seven to ten days after your missed period before you attempt a pregnancy test.
If you still aren’t sure, or if you’ve determined that you are indeed pregnant and want to know what lies ahead, you might want to check out some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. Keep in mind that symptoms differ from woman to woman, as well as from pregnancy to pregnancy. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms found on the American Pregnancy Association website:
Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. About a week into pregnancy, the embryo places itself against the uterine wall, causing occasional spotting as well as cramping.
Tender or Swollen Breasts
Another early sign of pregnancy, tender breasts may be noticeable as early as the first week following conception. Women may notice their breasts becoming sore or swollen, and tender to the touch.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually fatigued can be a sign of pregnancy, and can begin during the first week following conception.
A classic symptom of pregnancy, morning sickness or general fatigue usually surface 2-8 weeks into pregnancy. But not every woman is made to suffer through this ordeal-some women never experience morning sickness at all, while others experience it throughout pregnancy. Personally, my spouse suffered from this less than a handful of occasions.
Dull back pain, specifically in the lower back, is a symptom that can appear early in pregnancy. Back pain is a symptom that can last throughout pregnancy.
Headaches
The increased levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy can bring headaches early in pregnancy. It is best to talk with your doctor before taking any medication, even over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol or Advil.
Frequent Bathroom Breaks
As those of us who have gone through a pregnancy with a loved one have already discovered, pregnant women need to use the restroom often. This symptom typically appears 6-8 weeks after conception.
Darkened Areolas
A woman who is pregnant may find that the skin around her nipples has darkened.
Strong Food Cravings
Another classic is food cravings. Women experience intense cravings for certain varieties of food while pregnant, and are common throughout the pregnancy.
Now that you know some of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy, what should you and your spouse do next? The answer is plain and simple: meet with your doctor!
A qualified medical professional can help you with all stages of your pregnancy, and the earlier you get the process starter, the safer things will be for you and your baby.
If you would like to get help with your pregnancy online, or just want to do some more research on pregnancy, you can visit one of the following websites:
American Pregnancy Association: http://www.americanpregnancy.org/
Pregnancy Help Online: http://www.pregnancyhelponline.com/
Pregnancy.org: http://www.pregnancy.org/
Medline Plus Pregnancy: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pregnancy.html
But remember: nothing can take the place of a qualified medical professional. So if you’re pregnant, or if you suspect you might be, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
I wish you and your family all the best.
