So
you are pregnant - or
not sure? A home pregnancy test will
give you the answer. Most drug stores and pharmacies carry a variety
of pregnancy tests. Usually pregnancy support centers provide pregnancy
tests free of charge and provide follow-up support. Call
800-395-4357 or visit www.optionline.org
for the pregnancy support center nearest you. Not sure which
test to choose, read our testing
review.
Early
Signs of pregnancy include…
Missed
Period
Nausea
and vomiting
Gas
Tender
or swollen breasts
Lower
abdominal cramps
Backaches
Headaches
Food
cravings
Exhaustion
Pregnancy
test options
A home pregnancy test will give you the answer. Drug stores and pharmacies
carry a variety of pregnancy tests. In most cases pregnancy support
centers provide pregnancy tests free or at a minimal charge and provide
follow-up exams and support. Call 800-395-4357
or visit www.optionline.org to
find the closest pregnancy help center near you.
When
should I see a Doctor? A
medical professional should be seen immediately if the pregnancy
test is positive. If you do not have a family doctor or obstetrician/gynecologist,
then consult a Pregnancy
Support Service Center. These centers often
provide pregnancy tests and pelvic exams free or for a minimal charge.
This
first visit to the doctor is the place to talk about your concerns,
the development of the baby and how your body and life will change
over the next few months. The doctor can suggest childbirth education
classes and provide you with pamphlets on how best to take care
of your health and your baby’s health.
If
I am pregnant, what are my options? We
are here to help. We want to give you the tools – the
resources – the
knowledge and the hope – to make the right choice
for you. Since the beginning of time, men and women have
faced unplanned pregnancies.
And many of them have amazing stories of how this frightening experience actually
made them stronger
people. Learn more about the options open to you and read
true stories from others who have been where you are.
For
information on free and confidential pregnancy tests visit Pregnancy
Decision Help Center at www.pdhc.org
or call 800-395-4357.
Signs
of pregnancy
By: Beth Wechter
Information provided by: Michelle Michele Faehnle, RN
Am I pregnant? That is the most common question I hear on Ask Beth.
Some women know if they are pregnant before they miss their period.
But it is important to keep in mind that the only way to know for
sure if you are pregnant is to miss a period and take a pregnancy
test at the doctor’s office. There are other signs you can
look for if your period is not regular, but it is important
to keep in mind that these signs alone will not tell you for sure.
They vary from woman to woman and they can be signals of other things
besides a pregnancy.
1.
Tender breasts/nipples: If you are pregnant, you will notice that
your breasts and nipples become tender around three weeks after
conception (when your period is about one week late). They may also
feel swollen - similar to the way they feel when you expect your
period.
2. Slight spotting or cramping: If you are pregnant, light pink spotting
can occur at the time of implantation - when the embryo attaches
to the lining of the uterus. This happens around eight to ten days
following ovulation, a bit earlier than your menstrual period is
due. You can usually differentiate implantation bleeding from your
menstrual period if: (A) it occurs a bit earlier than expected, (B)
it is scanty, spotty, pinkish (and not red and heavy like a period),
and (C) it does not follow the normal pattern of a period (light,
progressing to heavy and then again to light). Cramping can also
be common in early pregnancy. Until the uterus assumes its mid-position
and becomes better supported by the bony pelvis in the second trimester,
it is prone to menstrual-like cramping. Contractions of the uterus
occur regularly, increasing with exercise, orgasm and even simple
changes in position.
3. Darkening areolas: In very early pregnancy - around the time
of your expected period - you may notice that your areolas (the
darker areas that ring the nipple) begin to darken and increase in
diameter. It is believed that the darker color of the areola helps
the newborn to find the nipple for breastfeeding.
4. Extreme fatigue: If you are pregnant, a very common symptom in
the first eight to ten weeks is exhaustion. When you are pregnant,
your body is going through significant metabolic changes. Your entire
body needs to adjust to the new process of growing a baby. For most
women, the fatigue starts to go away by the 12th week of pregnancy.
5. Nausea and vomiting: If you are pregnant you may find quite early
on - as early as a week after conception - that you are experiencing
morning sickness. And you may also find that morning sickness is
a misnomer. Nausea can occur any time - day or night.
6. Frequent urination: By the time your period is one to two weeks
late, you may find that you are peeing more frequently than usual.
This is because the baby growing in your uterus is putting pressure
on your bladder.
7. Constipation: You may notice a change in your bowels in early
pregnancy. The extra hormones produced during pregnancy cause the
intestines to relax and become less efficient.
8. Missed period: This may be your first sign of pregnancy, especially
if you are normally quite regular.
