Learning about the Different Signs of Pregnancy
Although there are many different signs of pregnancy, if you think you might be in this position, it is important to get confirmation. A pregnancy test can be purchased at your local drug store or you can go directly to your doctor. Even with an over-the-counter test that comes out positive, you should have this confirmed by your doctor. Today, home pregnancy tests are affordable and developed to be highly accurate.
Even though the home pregnancy tests sold today are much more accurate than they were 10 years ago, they can still produce inaccurate results. For this reason, if you have missed a menstrual cycle or are experiencing morning sickness and your home pregnancy tests comes back negative, see a doctor. This way, more thorough and accurate testing can be performed.
The pregnancy tests used by the doctor include a urinalysis and blood test. Of the two, the blood test is the most accurate, often identifying signs of pregnancy that a urinalysis would miss.
Women who have already been pregnant recognize pregnancy relatively easy but for first time mothers, the symptoms can be overlooked. Even if you have a slight idea that you might be pregnant, do research so you know all the different signs to look for. After all, pregnancy has very distinct symptoms that are easy to identify. Examples of pregnancy symptoms include heightened sense of smell, fatigue, nausea, and mood swings. In the case of smell, foods that were once favourites now smell so rank that it can bring on a bout of nausea and vomiting.
If you are experiencing one or more of these pregnancy symptoms, then having a test done to confirm the condition is critical. If you are in fact going to have a baby, then obviously decisions going forward would not only be for your health but also the health of your child. This is the ideal time to make lifestyle changes to include no more alcohol or cigarettes, both habits that can have a direct impact on the health of the child.
Your doctor will have all types of pregnancy information so you understand better what is happening with your body, symptoms that you will likely experience, and the development of the fetus. The sooner you can gain knowledge about your pregnancy the better off you and the baby will be.
Typically, the doctor will schedule an appointment to see you on a monthly basis during the first three months of pregnancy. Once you get into the second trimester, the schedule will go to every two weeks and then the closer you get to your delivery date, weekly. Keeping each appointment is very important, allowing the doctor to educate you further while also keeping track of you and your baby’s health.
