By Audrey Virgin
Are you wondering if you are really pregnant? Maybe you wish you were, and you are not sure if you are just trying to convince yourself. You might, however, not wish to be pregnant at all, but you have doubts about whether you are or not. In this article, we will look at: ● the signs of pregnancy ● how to confirm if you are pregnant ● where to find help and guidance if you are pregnant Signs of Pregnancy:
💡Absence of menstruation/Missed period = After conception
💡Nausea and/or vomiting (any time of day) = 2-8 weeks after conception
💡Frequent urination = 1-3 weeks (or more) after conception
💡Tingling, tender, swollen breasts = As early as a few days after conception
💡Darkening of areola (area around nipple) and elevation of tiny glands around nipple = First trimester
💡Blue and pink lines under skin on breasts and later on abdomen = First trimester
💡Sudden dislike in some foods ( fatty foods, coffee, tea, cigarette smoke) = First trimester
💡Fatigue/sleepiness = Week 4-5 from missed period
💡Moodiness = Week 4-5 from missed period It is also true that you could experience some or all of the above signs and still not be pregnant.
On the other hand, you might not experience many of the above signs and in fact be pregnant. This is why you will need to get tested to confirm your status. How to Confirm Whether or Not You are Pregnant? The most convenient and private way to confirm whether or not you are pregnant, is by using a home pregnancy test (urine test). These tests are available at pharmacies. It is important to follow the instructions of these tests carefully to get the most accurate results. These tests can be taken 2 days after you have missed your period, and you can get the results after 3 minutes. They say that these tests are 95% accurate. If the test says that you are pregnant, it is more likely to be accurate than a negative result. A result that is negative (that says you are nog pregnant) can be less trustworthy. You should take another test after a week again to make sure that you are not pregnant. A blood test is more accurate than a urine test. If you want a more trustworthy pregnancy test result, you can get your blood tested at a medical laboratory. These tests cost about R200. A home pregnancy test or a blood test does not replace a doctor’s visit. If the home test shows you are pregnant, or you believe that you are pregnant - even though the test shows you are not, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In the mean time, before you are sure if you are pregnant or not, you need to act as if you are pregnant (avoid cigarettes and alcohol and take care of your health) to ensure that you and possibly the baby are healthy and safe. The doctor can do a urine test, a blood test, and a physical exam to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. He can also help answer any questions and concerns that you may have. He/she will guide you on further steps that need to be taken. Where to Find Help and Guidance if You are Pregnant References/Sources Holland, K. (2018) Early Pregancy Symptoms [online] Healthline Media, available from https://www.healthline.com/.../early-symptoms-timeline [accessed 26 May 2021]. Murkoff, H., Eisenberg, A., Hathaway, S. (2002) What to Expect when You’re Expecting, Londen, Simon and Schuster UK Ltd. Stoppard, M. (1985) Swangerskap en Geboorte Londen, Dorling Kindersley. Otte, T. (2000) Swangerskap Sonder Sorge Kaapstad, Struik Uitgewers (Edms.) Bpk.
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