How To Tell If You’re Pregnant Right Away
The only way to tell if youre pregnant right away is by taking a home pregnancy test according to its instructions. Waiting can be difficult, but you can usually take a test three to four days before a missed period though youre more likely to get a false negative if you test too soon. If its negative, wait a couple more days and test again if Aunt Flo doesnt come to visit.
Be sure to test first thing in the morning, when your urine and the hormone that the test is measuring are most concentrated. If you see a line indicating a pregnancy, youre almost certainly pregnant . Pregnancy tests with false positives are rare.
Your Feelings And Emotions During Pregnancy
During pregnancy you will probably feel many ups and downs. You may experience some or all of these emotions :
- surprise if your pregnancy is unexpected. You may then feel joy or fear or both
- happiness, particularly if you have been trying to have baby and you feel well
- anger, which can result from your bodys hormonal changes, from a sense of being vulnerable, or from pregnancy symptoms that are uncomfortable or painful
- fear for the babys health, if you have concerns about your baby having an illness or disability. If you are worried about a particular risk, talk to your midwife or doctor
- fear of birth, which is a recognised psychological disorder. Counselling and talking with your midwife or doctor can help you overcome this fear
- love for your baby, your partner and your family
- sadness or disappointment if you have illness or complications during your pregnancy, or you cant have the birth plan that you would prefer
- general sadness about the world, whereby you find it hard to watch the news or hear sad stories about children or families
- grief, if you suffer a miscarriage, a loss at a later stage of pregnancy, or a stillbirth
- prolonged sadness from perinatal depression. In this case, you will need the help of health specialists.
What Other Symptoms Can Be Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Every person and every pregnancy is different. So, if you are pregnant, youll likely experience a unique combination of common, not-so-common and sometimes overlapping symptoms. And, they may show up earlier or later than expected. Here are more than a dozen possible symptoms of early pregnancy.
1. Spotting or light bleeding
Many women are surprised to learn that spotting or light bleeding can be an early sign of pregnancy, but about one-third of women experience it. This is often called implantation bleeding because doctors believe it occurs as the fertilized egg attaches itself into the uterine lining.
Implantation bleeding typically occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, which is just before or right around the time your period is due. So, you may think youve gotten your period.
But implantation bleeding is a light flow, which may start and stop over a couple days. And while it can take on a range of colors, its more likely to be pink, brown or light red.
Your period, on the other hand, may start off light in flow and in color but after a couple days becomes heavier, changes to a crimson red color and lasts up to a week or so.
2. Lower abdominal pain or cramping
While cramps and lower-abdominal pain can signal a coming period, they can also be a sign of egg implantation.
But menstrual cramps can often feel like a throbbing or dull ache, and typically start a day or two before your period.
3. Higher basal body temperature
4. Changes in cervical mucus
6. Fatigue
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When You Might Need More Support With Your Emotions
It is important to recognise that there is a difference between normal pregnancy emotions and a mental health issue. Pregnancy can be a time when women experience mental health issues for the first time .
More than one in eight women experience depression or anxiety when theyre pregnant, or sometimes both . Always see your GP or your midwife if you:
- have prolonged feelings of sadness
- have intrusive thoughts that you cant control
- have lost interest in things you normally enjoy
- find yourself engaging in repetitive patterns of behavior, like repeatedly washing your hands or checking social media
- feel worthless
- feel unable to concentrate or make decisions
- have difficulty falling or staying asleep
- have lost your appetite
- feel morbidly fearful of giving birth
- have thoughts about suicide.
If you have had depression or anxiety or any other mental health diagnosis in the past, then talk through this with your midwife early in your pregnancy. A relapse can be possible during pregnancy or after you give birth .
Ways To Explain What Being Pregnant Feels Like
- 6 min read
Pregnancy is difficult for many! It also can be heaven for many. The consensus is that it is different for all. Every pregnancy comes with its share of feelings that will take a pregnant mother out of their comfort zone. You have no idea what you are feeling. You have no idea what to expect. Your first pregnancy may be different than your second, and your second may be different from your fifth. The important thing to remember is that mothers are built for it, and your bodies can endure a lot. We should be open to the changes, talk to other mothers, and inform your doctor of anything out of the ordinary. This article will focus on some simple things that you may be feeling during your pregnancy.
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Vulva Change In Colour
One of the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy can be a change in colour of your vulva and vagina. Your vulva and vagina are usually pink, but this changes to dark purplish-red as your pregnancy progresses. This happens because more blood is needed in that area to build the tissue, a change which midwives refer to as Chadwicks sign.
What else could it be?All of the maintenance we perform on our vaginas can contribute to a change in colour. If you have been using razors or hair removal creams you could be suffering from reddening or a rash. Also, watch out for washing products that arent sensitive to the hormone balance as this can have an effect too. Look for gentle products to prevent irritation to your vagina.
How Reliable Are Home Pregnancy Tests
According to the NHS, home pregnancy tests are reliable as long as you follow the instructions correctly. It may not be reliable if you didnt follow instructions or youve taken the test too early.
Most pregnancy tests can be taken after the first missed period, with any tests taken before this time running the risk of being inaccurate. Professionals also recommend avoiding drinking too much fluid ahead of doing a test, as it can dilute the level of HGC.
Negative tests may not be reliable if youve taken it too early, as the level of HGC might not be enough at the time of taking it. Tests can also vary in their sensitivity and so its recommended you read instructions thoroughly before using one, as theres no guarantee each one will be the same.
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Emotional And Mental Wellbeing
How are you today? If you’re feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor. They can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need. You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family. You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don’t bottle it up â you’re important, so ask for help if you need it.
Symptoms With A Negative Test
This is one of the most common questions on pregnancy symptomsyoure feeling pregnant, but the test is negative. So are you or are you not pregnant?
The answer is it depends. Feeling pregnant doesnt mean you are, but a negative pregnancy test can be wrong. A pregnancy test may be negative if:
- Youre not pregnant.
- You are pregnant, but something is wrong.
There are other rare reasons you may get a negative test but actually may be pregnant.
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Considerable Drops In Body Temperature
From Week 8 onward, it’s a good idea to take the temperature of your cat every once in a while. If you have a hard time guessing the due date, the body temperature of the pet is a reliable indicator. Overall, felines with kittens on the way tend to have temperatures between 100.5 and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if the temperature of your fluffy friend drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s going to give birth within 24 48 hours. Hence, it’s strongly recommended that you invest in cat thermometers to monitor your furball.
Get Help And Support If You Need It
Although its normal to have periods of feeling worried or low when youre pregnant, some women have feelings that dont go away and this can be a sign of something more serious.
It can be really difficult to accept that youre feeling low at a time when everyone expects you to feel happy and excited. But try to remember that mental health problems in pregnancy, such as depression and anxiety, are common, so youre not alone. Tell your midwife or doctor how you feel. They can help you find the right treatment and support so you can take care of yourself and your baby.
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Can I Tell If I’m Pregnant By Feeling My Belly
First published on Tuesday 4 May 2021Last modified on Thursday 6 May 2021
Emily Gulla
Have you heard rumours that you can feel your stomach to see if you’re pregnant? Read on to find out the facts, including when you can feel your baby move from the outside, and how to tell you’re pregnant in the early stages.
This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
If you think you could be in the early stages of pregnancy, you might be wondering how to feel your stomach to see if you are in fact pregnant. Here’s what you need to know…
Feeling your belly from the outside
There are a lot of myths out there but, unfortunately, it’s notpossible to tell if you’re pregnant by feeling your stomach or belly from the outside in the early stages of pregnancy.
FREE NEWBORN NAPPIES
Later on in pregnancy, it may be possible for you or others to feel your baby moving by touching your belly from the outside, and you will start to develop a feel-able baby bump but these things won’t happen until much later down the line, around the middle of your pregnancy.
How your belly might feel on the inside
These signs include: period-type pains , cramping or bloating in your belly, and feeling nauseous or sick.
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Are Home Pregnancy Tests The Best Way To Check For An Early Pregnancy
Home pregnancy tests are generally very reliable. These tests involve urinating on a small test strip and then waiting for a symbol to appear in the result window. This window will usually show a test image . This symbol appears first and means that the test is working. Always check the packaging and instructions of your test to make sure it is working correctly. Within a few minutes, the test will show either a positive result or a negative result. Some digital tests will display a word or phrase .
Blood tests for a possible pregnancy are done in your healthcare providers office. This version of the test looks for hCG in your blood. You still need to wait for hCG to build up in your body before taking this type of pregnancy test. Your healthcare provider may recommend this option in some cases. Call your provider if you suspect youre pregnant and discuss the best type of test.
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Coping With Pregnancy Worries And Stress
Dont be hard on yourself if you are anxious and stressed about these sorts of things.
You may have expected to feel excited and happy throughout your pregnancy, but no one can feel positive all the time. There are many reasons why some women dont enjoy being pregnant. It doesnt mean it was a mistake to get pregnant or that you wont love your baby.
Try not to feel guilty about feeling down at a time when some people expect you to be happy. How you feel is how you feel and many people will understand what youre going through.
I felt really reluctant to get any help from anybody because I felt like I was being stupid. I have a lovely partner and a very supportive family unit and in hindsight I should have asked for help.
Kate, mum of one
Here are things you can do to help yourself get through it:
Changes To Your Body That May Indicate Pregnancy
You may first realise that youre pregnant when you miss your period. Thats a good time to take a pregnancy test or speak with your doctor.
In early pregnancy, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- aches and pains
- morning sickness, which may be nausea or actual vomiting, and does not just happen in the morning
- fatigue, or lack of energy
- nasal problems, or shortness of breath
- larger, tender breasts.
Better Health Channel has more information about these pregnancy symptoms.
If any of the symptoms become difficult to manage, talk to your doctor about what to do. In particular, if any morning sickness, aches and pains, dizziness or breathing difficulties make it hard to get through your normal day, ask for advice.
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Reaching The Pregnancy Finish Line
Labor itself was an experience, to say the least. I had awful back spasms and pains for two weeks prior to giving birth. I had to be induced because I missed my due date.
During labor, my son wouldnt descend, so I had an emergency cesarean delivery. Saying I was scared would be an understatement. I was terrified. The cesarean was my first-ever surgical procedure. And I was afraid of the worst.
Luckily, I gave birth to a healthy, chubby, vibrant baby boy. I thought he sounded like a cat when he first cried in the doctors arms. That moment made every single, painful second of pregnancy worth it.
When Do Pregnancy Blues Usually Begin
Feeling alone while pregnant can begin at any point during pregnancy. Circumstances such as how you are feeling physically and emotionally play a huge role. If, for instance, you are sick in the first trimester and feeling horrible, that may trigger feelings of pregnancy loneliness.
In general, physical health can play an important role in how youre feeling overall. If the morning sickness never seems to end, if heartburn seems a constant companion, or if sleep feels impossibly far, you are more likely to feel down.
If you are feeling down, dont hesitate to open up to someone you trust, whether its your own mom or your midwife.
Pregnancy blues are closely tied to circumstances that sometimes feel out of your control. Moms-to-be who dont have a strong support system are more at risk of feeling down. But even those who do have a support system may feel they cant confide their worries or feelings to their family and friends. If you are feeling down, dont hesitate to open up to someone you trust, whether its your own mom or your midwife. Holding in feelings, regardless of how irrational they may seem, is carrying a weight that is not necessary to bear.
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How Does Depression Affect Pregnant Women
If you have depression while youre pregnant, you may have trouble caring for yourself.
Depression during pregnancy can also lead to:
- miscarriage,
- delivering before the due date ,
- giving birth to a small baby .
If depression during pregnancy isnt treated, it can lead to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious condition that can last for months after giving birth. It can affect your health and how well you bond with your baby.
Early Changes To Breasts: Tingling Aching Growing
Breast changes can occur between weeks 4 and 6. Youre likely to develop tender and swollen breasts due to hormone changes. This is likely to go away after a few weeks when your body has adjusted to the hormones.
Nipple and breast changes can also occur around week 11. Hormones continue to cause your breasts to grow. The areola the area around the nipple may change to a darker color and grow larger.
If youve had bouts with acne before your pregnancy, you may also experience breakouts again.
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Sexy Means Different Things To Different People
If you take one thing away from this article, we hope its this: There are a million ways to look and feel sexy while youre pregnant. Whether its wearing cheeky lace panties and lingerie or sweating it out in a hip-hop class, theres no wrong way to settle into a sexy state of mind. By honoring your body, tapping into your biological empowerment and stopping to appreciate the entire experience, youll make it through even the toughest part of those potentially stressful nine months feeling like a seriously sexy mama.
Ways To Feel Amazing During Pregnancy
Being on my second pregnancy, Ive had the beautiful chance to reflect on and compare the two, and figure out what makes me feel like the best me. Because lets face it, life doesnt stop when your second baby comes along. In fact, it speeds up! You have to upgrade your space, raise a child and, in my case, work through it all. So Ive tried to distill the top five things that have made me feel pretty amazing this go-round in hopes that it may help other mamas as they consider how to best maximize this crazy journey that is pregnancy, and the miracle that is motherhood. Read on to check how I learned how to feel amazing during pregnancy.
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