When Do Women Find Out They’re Pregnant?
Pregnancy can be a momentous time in a woman’s life. Many women look forward to the moment they find out they’re expecting a child – so when is this moment?
The Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
Many women are able to recognize the signs and symptoms of pregnancy and can tell they’re pregnant before even taking a test. These signs and symptoms may include:
- • Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination
- A missed period
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Fatigue
- Food cravings and aversions
- Increased sensitivity to smells
Home Pregnancy Tests
Once a woman has noticed any of the above symptoms, she can take a home pregnancy test to confirm her suspicions. This simply involves collecting a sample of the woman’s urine and testing it with the product.
Most brands of home pregnancy tests give accurate results from the first day of a missed period. However, some sensitive tests can detect a pregnancy several days before a missed period.
It’s important to remember that home pregnancy tests are not always 100% accurate, so a woman should always receive confirmation of a pregnancy from her doctor or health care provider.
Confirmation at the Doctor’s Office
When a woman suspects she may be pregnant and receives a positive result from a home pregnancy test, she should call her doctor’s office and make an appointment for confirmation.
At the doctor’s office, a woman will be tested with a more sensitive home pregnancy test. In addition, blood tests may be administered to provide more definite results.
If the tests are positive, the doctor or health care provider may order an ultrasound or other imaging at this time in order to confirm the date of conception. This is important in order to accurately calculate a due date.
Confirmation of pregnancy at the doctor’s office may also occur during an annual gynecological visit.
In Summary
Many women first suspect they’re pregnant when they experience early signs and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, breast tenderness, fatigue, and food cravings and aversions.
Home pregnancy tests provide accurate results from the first day of a missed period, although some may be sensitive enough to be used several days before.
Confirmation of a pregnancy should come from the woman’s doctor or health care provider. The doctor may order testing such as a more sensitive pregnancy test and/or blood tests, and in some cases an ultrasound. This may occur following a positive home pregnancy test result, or during an annual gynecological visit.
Welcome to my fertility blog. This is a space where I will be sharing my experiences as I navigate through the world of fertility treatments, as well as provide information and resources about fertility and pregnancy.
