Ask Your Partner To Schedule His Own Preconception Exam Too
Your partners health is just as important as yours when youre trying to have a baby. Health issues like obesity, depression or stress, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol are just a sampling of the factors that can impact male fertility. So, get your own appointment on the books and ask him to do the same.
How Far Along Are You
Knowing how far along you are in pregnancy is helpful for both you and your healthcare provider. Your provider will use this information to check on your babyâs growth and development, keep an eye on your health, and schedule tests and exams.
The weeks of pregnancy can be grouped into three trimesters:
-
First trimester: 1 to 13 weeks
-
Second trimester: 14 to 27 weeks
-
Third trimester: 28 to 40-42 weeks .
Check out the illustration below to see how far along you are in your pregnancy:
When Should I Tell My Employer That Im Pregnant
Unless your doctor has told you it is unsafe, it is possible to work while you are pregnant.
There is no law saying you need to tell your employer at any specific time that you are pregnant. But both Australian law and your employment contract, agreement or award will include certain rights and responsibilities.
You need to give your employer at least 10 weeks notice if you are planning to take parental leave. You must give them written notice of your leave and return dates. These dates should be confirmed at least 4 weeks before your leave starts.
Its a good idea to tell your employer you are pregnant before they hear it from somebody else. Thats because there may have to be some changes made to your working arrangements. For example, you may have to avoid certain tasks that are a health and safety risk, depending on what your work involves.
In Australia, you are protected by law against discrimination during pregnancy. That means you cannot be treated unfairly because you are pregnant. This means you cant be sacked, given fewer hours, or overlooked for a promotion because you are pregnant.
You May Like: What Vitamins Should I Be Taking During Pregnancy
Symptoms Of A Rupture
In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy can grow large enough to split open the fallopian tube. This is known as a rupture.
Ruptures are very serious. Surgery to repair the fallopian tube needs to be carried out as soon as possible.
Signs of a rupture include a combination of:
- a sharp, sudden and intense pain in your tummy
- feeling very dizzy or fainting
- looking very pale.
A rupture can be life threatening, but fortunately they are uncommon and treatable, if dealt with quickly. Deaths from ruptures are extremely rare in the UK.
Also Check: Does Birth Control 100 Prevent Pregnancy
Types Of Pregnancy Tests
As recently as the 1970s, you had to miss your period before you took a pregnancy test, and the results could take up to two hours. Today, you can find out that you’re pregnant much earlier, faster, and with better accuracy using home pregnancy tests.
At-home pregnancy tests are easy to use and almost as accurate as those given at the healthcare providers office. However, there are some things to consider when deciding what kind of pregnancy test is right for you.
Also Check: When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Occur
What If I Tell People Im Pregnant And Then Have A Miscarriage
Many women choose to delay announcing a pregnancy at least until the end of the first trimester . This is usually because of concerns about the risk of miscarriage during this time.
When deciding the right time to tell people you are pregnant, you might want to think about how you would handle a miscarriage were it to happen. Many people would consider a miscarriage so devastating that they would be too distressed to discuss it with others.
On the other hand, by telling people you are pregnant, support may be available in the event of a miscarriage.
Blood Tests To Determine Pregnancy
Another way to take a pregnancy test is by having your blood tested for human chorionic gonadotropin , which is a hormone that is produced by the body during pregnancy. This test is called a beta-hCG test or quantitative hCG blood test. An hCG blood test for pregnancy is more common if you have not had a period and dont know when your last period was, or if you have been using hormonal birth control.
Don’t Miss: Can Birth Control Stop Pregnancy
Early Signs Of Pregnancy
If you have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period.
In the first few weeks of pregnancy you may have a bleed similar to a very light period, with some spotting or only losing a little blood. This is called implantation bleeding.
Every pregnancy is different and not everyone will notice all of these symptoms.
What Precautions Should You Take During Early Pregnancy
Even if you havenât spotted any signs of pregnancy very early on, youâll want to do everything you can to stay healthy and safe. In fact, itâs always wise to take some precautions as soon as you start trying to conceive or learn that youâre pregnant.Even simple adjustments can help support you as you start your pregnancy! Though youâll want to consult your healthcare provider to determine whatâs best for you, some worthwhile lifestyle changes and precautions include
-
taking folic acid.
When you start trying for a baby or learn that youâre pregnant, folic acid is essential, as itâs a B vitamin that helps reduce the risk of certain birth defects that affect the babyâs brain and spine. Your healthcare provider can recommend a prenatal vitamin that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Pre-pregnancy is also a great time to eliminate some less healthy habits, including
-
exposure to secondhand smoke
-
drinking alcohol.
In addition, your provider may recommend limiting your daily consumption of caffeine. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best ways to stay healthy and safe when youâre pregnant. For more general advice, download our pregnancy guide!
You May Like: Is It Normal To Have Stomach Pain During Pregnancy
How Early Can You Feel Pregnancy Symptoms
Most symptoms don’t show up until after you miss a period
While some pregnancy symptoms start very early, most of the time, you won’t notice anything right away. Anything that happens immediately after having sex, like spotting, increased discharge, or feeling tired or nauseated, is usually unrelated to pregnancy.
Other than a missed period, pregnancy symptoms tend to really kick in around week five or six of pregnancy. One 2018 study of 458 pregnant people found that 72% detected their pregnancy by the sixth week after their last menstrual period.
Symptoms, such as breast tenderness and morning sickness, tend to develop abruptly. Typically this happens about two weeks from when you missed your last period . Occasionally you will hear of someone who has symptoms right around their first missed period, but this timing is less common.
Check If Your Period Is Late
- Did your last period start more than four weeks ago?
- How far apart are your periods usually? .
Tip: Even if your cycle is inconsistent or longer than 32 days from one period to the next, if you are more than one week past your expected period, and you have been sexually active, there is a chance you could be pregnant.
Recommended Reading: How Easy Is It To Get Pregnant
What Is Ectopic Pregnancy
The word ectopic means not in the right place. A pregnancy is meant to be in your uterus, but it can grow in other places. Your fallopian tube is the most common place for an ectopic pregnancy. However, in rare cases, an ectopic pregnancy can grow in other places, such as the junction of a fallopian tube and your uterus, your cervix, in the scar from a previous caesarean section or even outside your uterus completely.
When a pregnancy grows in the wrong place it will eventually cause bleeding inside your pelvic cavity. Unfortunately, even though it can be very heavy and dangerous, at first you wont know you are bleeding.
You May Like: When Should You Get Pregnant
To 3 Weeks Pregnant: Your Checklist
Yes, itâs early, but itâs also an exciting time! As you anticipate your new pregnancy, consider the following to-dos:
â¡ Even if youâve already taken one, you might want to complete another home pregnancy test after your missed period for the best results.
â¡ Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test.
â¡ Check out our pregnancy calendar to know what to anticipate in the next few weeks.
â¡ Though you canât find out your babyâs gender just yet, have a little fun with our Chinese Gender Predictor!
Don’t Miss: Can I Get Disability For Being Pregnant
What Can I Do To Prevent An Ectopic Pregnancy
Having an ectopic pregnancy isnt your fault. Unfortunately, there is no way to predict or prevent an ectopic pregnancy from happening, Dr. Shah said.
Although any woman can develop an ectopic pregnancy, the following can increase your risk:
- History of prior ectopic pregnancy
- Prior surgery of the fallopian tubes or in the pelvis, such as tubal surgery
Dont Miss: How To Get Pregnant With Pcos And Irregular Periods
Highlights At 1 2 And 3 Weeks Pregnant
Before we get into all the details, here are a few highlights to look forward to during these early weeks of your pregnancy:
-
Watching for symptoms in weeks 1, 2, and 3 of pregnancy. Are you wondering if it’s possible to feel pregnant after two days, or during weeks 1 and 2 of pregnancy? You might notice symptoms like light bleeding, spotting, cramps, or bloating around week 3 when the egg implants into your uterus.
-
Calculating your due date. Most healthcare providers track pregnancy along 40 weeks, starting with the last day of your previous period. That means you arenât actually pregnant until fertilization occurs and your baby is conceived, between week 2 and 3 of your pregnancy.
-
Making healthy choices early on. As early as possible in your pregnancy, youâll want to adopt a healthy lifestyle that supports the development of your baby. Though your healthcare provider may offer specific advice, you’ll likely want to incorporate certain vitamins, foods, and exercise into your daily life.
You May Like: Does Sore Nipples Mean Your Pregnant
How Long Should I Wait Before Becoming Pregnant Again After An Ectopic Pregnancy
You should talk to your healthcare provider about future pregnancies after being treated for an ectopic pregnancy. Although pregnancy may happen quickly after treatment, its often best to wait about three months. This allows your fallopian tube time to heal and decreases the risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
What Should You Do
In the end, the choice over when to share your pregnancy is entirely up to you. You can tell friends and family right away, or wait until you know more about the health of you and your baby.
To help make your decision, you may want to ask yourself these questions:
- Do I have a high-risk pregnancy or other factors that increase my miscarriage risk?
- Will telling everyone make me feel more comfortable, or less comfortable?
- Do I have certain work or lifestyle factors that make telling sooner important?
- Do I want a large network of support if something happens?
Don’t Miss: How Can I Produce More Eggs To Get Pregnant
Fertility After An Ectopic Pregnancy
This depends on the type of treatment, a history of infertility, the reason for the ectopic pregnancy and how long it takes for hCG levels to drop.
Having an intrauterine pregnancy following methotrexate treatment is higher compared to surgical treatment and better after having a salpingotomy compared to a salpingectomy.
It will also depend on the health of your fallopian tubes. It is important that you discuss this with your health care provider so that you know what to expect.
If you had medical treatment only , on average, you have a 60% to 65% chance of an intrauterine pregnancy within the following 18 months.
The Pros Of Waiting To Announce Your Pregnancy
If youve had difficulty conceiving, had a previous pregnancy loss, or had a stillbirth, you may want to wait even longer than 12 weeks to share news of your pregnancy. Its also fine to share later than the traditional first trimester cutoff. Its entirely up to you and what you feel is best.
Though loss in the second and third trimesters is rare, couples may feel sensitive or worried that something will happen.
In these cases, you may choose to share news about the following instead:
- having an ultrasound that shows the baby is healthy
- finding out the sex of the baby
- reaching the halfway mark of pregnancy
- reaching a personal milestone
Sometimes letting a close friend or family member know can be helpful, especially if youre feeling anxious.
If youre still not comfortable sharing the news, your doctor may be able to refer you to a therapist or support group where you can express your feelings in a safe space.
Another option is to search online for forums with women who have gone through similar situations. Examples of online support groups include:
Don’t Miss: How Much Folic Acid Should I Take Before Pregnancy
How Early Can You Tell If Youre Pregnant
Again, youll need to take a pregnancy test at the right time to confirm your hopes or suspicions. But when it comes to the first symptoms of pregnancy, everyone is different. Some people start to notice changes within a week after conception. Others might not notice anything until they miss their period.
Can Pregnancy Symptoms Start Before Implantation
To ensure successful implantation progesterone rises when the ovum fertilizes, so sensitive women may notice very mild pregnancy symptoms before implantation that feels much like pre-menstrual symptoms.
But it has to be said that this is uncommon.
It usually takes a few weeks for progesterone and hCG levels to get high enough to start experiencing symptoms.
We hope weve answered all your questions about finding out how soon you can tell if youre pregnant. If you have any more let us know and well do our utmost to answer them.
You May Like: How Do You Know How Far Along You Are Pregnant
Why Are Hot Baths Bad For Pregnancy
Many pregnant women like taking hot baths in a bathtub to relieve stress and pain. A hot bath with soothing Epsom salts can reduce lower back pain, stress, and help relax the muscles and nerves. However, prolonged hot baths may not be a good idea, especially in the first three months of pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has conducted studies that support the finding that body temperature rising above 102.2 ºF when a person is in a hot bath may increase the incidences of birth defects in babies.
How Soon Can You Take A Pregnancy Test After Sex
Although you might be eager to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible, its best to wait until your period is a week late to get the most accurate result. If you cant wait until your period, let at least one to two weeks pass after you have sex before taking a pregnancy test.
Its important to wait, because your body needs to develop enough of the pregnancy hormone hCG that a pregnancy test can detect it. In most cases, home pregnancy tests can detect levels of hCG around 10 days after successful implantation of an egg . If you take the test too early, you might get a negative result .
Also Check: How To Know If I Got Pregnant
Most Symptoms Dont Show Up Until After You Miss A Period
While some pregnancy symptoms start very early, most of the time, you wont notice anything right away. Anything that happens immediately after having sex, like spotting, increased discharge, or feeling tired or nauseated, is usually unrelated to pregnancy.
Other than a missed period, pregnancy symptoms tend to really kick in around week five or six of pregnancy. One 2018 study of 458 pregnant people found that 72% detected their pregnancy by the sixth week after their last menstrual period.
Symptoms, such as breast tenderness and morning sickness, tend to develop abruptly. Typically this happens about two weeks from when you missed your last period . Occasionally you will hear of someone who has symptoms right around their first missed period, but this timing is less common.
You May Like: What Is Group B Strep Pregnancy
What To Do After Sex To Conceive
Can laying down right after sex increase your odds of conception? Not likely. While some may lay down or put their feet in the air as a way to guide the sperm to the cervix, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.
The best thing you can do after sex is try not to stress! As long as youve tried to conceive around the time of ovulation, youve already boosted your odds.
Recommended Reading: Does Vitamin C Prevent Pregnancy
Best Time Of Day To Take A Pregnancy Test
Taking a pregnancy test first thing in the morning gives you a better chance of getting an accurate result. Assuming you have not been waking up to drink a lot of water through the night, your urine will be more concentrated right when you wake up.
More concentrated urine means there will be a build-up or higher content of hCG in it if you are pregnantespecially if you are testing before your period is expected or just a day or two late.
When you are farther along in pregnancy, there is a greater chance of the test detecting hCG at any time in the day.
