How to check if you are pregnant

Renita Tisha Pinto, Health Me Up

How to check if you are pregnant becomes easy if you immediately consult a doctor.

But do you really need to keep checking with a doctor every time you get a pregnancy scare? In light of the fact that home pregnancy tests are not 100% accurate, you must be mindful of certain symptoms of pregnancy. Armed with these you will be able to make the right choice in consultation. Today, Dr. Keya Lahiri - Chief Pediatrician at Dr. D.Y. Patil Hospital, helps us out by providing a few possible symptoms which may point out that you are pregnant or not.

Cramps

The first signs after a few days of conception is spotting or cramping. This sign occurs as the fertilized egg attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. It can occur anywhere between 6-12 days after fertilization of the egg. This phenomenon is usually called as implantation bleeding. The cramps are similar to menstrual cycle, so don't get yourself confused. Besides, slight bleeding and cramps a woman may experience slight white, milky discharge from her vagina. This occurs soon after conception. This condition can occur throughout your pregnancy period and is completely harmless, but if you experience stingy smell or burning sensation, then don't hesitate to meet a doctor.

Missed period

Menstrual cycle occurs due to temporary halt in progesterone hormone production. If you have been getting regular periods and you notice that this month you have missed your periods than it indicates that you are pregnant. You miss your periods because your body starts producing progesterone to protect the baby. As your body starts using up progesterone you miss your periods.

Changes in the breast

If you are pregnant then your breast will show quite a few changes, especially if you are first time pregnant. The changes can be soreness or tenderness in your breasts, they will appear larger, and your nipples will turn darker and bulky.

Increased urination

Peeing more than usual or constantly getting up in the middle of the night to pee, is one of the common hints that you may be pregnant.

Morning sickness

This is one of the famous symptoms linked with pregnancy. It can happen any time of the day, so don't assume that it will only occur in the morning due to its name. Nausea or morning sickness is caused due to pregnant woman's hormone which slows down the process of emptying her stomach. This effect can also make you puke your favorite food. Though this symptom can last up till 13th or 14th week of pregnancy, at times it can also last for the entire pregnancy.

Mood swings

The hormonal changes in pregnant women translate to severe mood swings for some. At times sentimental movies or stories can make you weep miserably.

Home pregnancy test

Though this is not a symptom, but if you are unsure about any of the symptoms, then you should go for this test to get accurate results.This test is easily available at any of your nearby drug store. This test is most effective when you use your morning urine sample. Follow the easy directions which come handy with the pack and wait for the results. If your test is negative and you have missed your periods then repeat the test after a few days.

Source: How to check if you are pregnant