How Do I Know If I’m Pregnant?

A woman was once heard saying; “I am either pregnant or have a tumor.” If that sounds insane to you, I would dare say you have never been pregnant. In the very early stages of pregnancy, it is difficult to know whether or not you are ‘expecting.’ Just because your body has taken on a second ‘life form’ does not mean you will feel an immediate difference. The changes which take place in a pregnant woman’s body are at first, very subtle.

Pregnancy hormones are secreted into the body soon after fertilization. These hormones are delivered in tiny amounts. For this reason the body begins to change before the first period is missed. Most women consider the first missed period as an indication of pregnancy. These are women who have regular, on time, ‘set your clock by it’, menstruation. Even then a woman can not be certain.

Here is a bit of irony for you; While the first missed period is a pregnancy indicator, an earlier sign, is the feeling that you are about to have your period. A pregnant woman may be fooled into believing she is not pregnant, because she experiences pre-menstrual symptoms. Surprise! You may in fact be pregnant. It may be a tiny, tiny ‘little bundle’ causing that pelvic discomfort, and bloating.

If, you think you are pregnant, the very first thing you should do is get a pregnancy test

Home pregnancy tests on the market today are generally reliable. The test is conveniently administered by you, in the comfort of your own home. Simply follow the instructions provided with the test. You will be instructed to test your urine. If you are pregnant the test will detect HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). HCG is produced by the placenta. If you are conducting the test a few days after conception you will be surprised to know, that while there is no true placenta formed yet, cells which contribute to its’ formation are present. HCG is produced only in pregnancy. (With the exception of certain types of cancer and abnormalities associated with previous pregnancies)

Home pregnancy tests are not more reliable than a blood test administered in a doctor’s office.

However, it is recommended that pregnant women not visit their doctors, until after the second missed period. If your test at home is negative, but you still feel you are pregnant, take the test again a week later. If you are in the very early stages of pregnancy, and the test reads positive, do not hand out the cigars just yet. Though slight in percentage, there are a few factors which may affect test conclusions; a kidney or bladder infection, or medications etc. Take the test a second time for clarity. You may wish to wait until after your first missed period.

Home pregnancy tests are a miracle of medical science. How appropriate that a modern medical ‘miracle’ is designed to detect what is miraculous.