Even with the increased embracing of effective birth control methods, an error can still occur. After all, our body is an abyss of possibilities and it only takes a single ejaculation and a single sperm to fertilize an egg. Besides this, there comes a time when a woman feels the need to experience the joy of motherhood. Unfortunately, this joy may drag along a few hitches especially when the woman is not fully prepared to receive her bundle of joy. Moreover, the mother may not be fully aware of the fact that she is expectant.
HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT?
The most accurate way of determining whether you are pregnant or not is by taking a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test can be gotten over the counter (OTC) or at a doctor’s place.
SIGNS THAT YOU SHOULD TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST
- If you miss your period
The most reliable way sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Majority of the women have a 28 day menstrual cycle. Therefore, if it has been more than one month since your last period, you should consider taking the test.
However, it is pertinent to note that a missed period is not always a proof that you are pregnant. Sometimes your period may be delayed or skipped if you are under duress, a change in diet, lack of exercise or the presence of certain medical conditions that may alter your cycle.
You should also beware of the fact that you can experience light bleeding or spotting during at the onset of a pregnancy as the ovum buries itself deeper into the uterine lining during implantation. In contrast to a normal period, its amount, color, and texture are different.
- The presence of cramps
The implantation process can as well produce a feeling similar to menstrual cramps. This discomfort can make you feel that you are about to receive your period but it never comes.
- Tender breasts and/or hurting breast nipples
The presence of a pregnancy prompts the release of more estrogen and progesterone hormones. These two hormones facilitate changes in your body in preparation for the baby’s growth. Consequently, your breasts may feel tender and appear bigger owing to increased blood flow. Your nipples may also hurt and the veins might look darker under the skin.
Other signs include:
- Nausea- when one feels like vomiting/throwing up
- Food aversions or cravings
- Exhaustion
- The urge to urinate more often than you normally do
HOW SOON CAN YOU TAKE A PREGNANCY TEST?
A pregnancy test can be taken after a missed period but if you are too anxious to wait you can wait for at least two weeks after having a sexual intercourse. This is because the body needs time to produce detectable levels of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) hormone. The afore-mentioned hormone is released when a fertilized egg is attached to the lining of the uterus at the onset of a pregnancy. This may take 7-12 days after a successful implantation of the ovum.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
A pregnancy test is very easy and convenient owing to the fact that it is very cheap and available at all pharmacies countrywide.
PROCEDURE
Collect a urine sample for the test in a cup or a basin.
Dip the testing stick into the liquid bearing in mind the recommended level
You can also place the testing stick into the area of your expected urine stream for it to get into contact with the urine midstream
Wait for the recommended time period
Interpret the results as per the guidelines given on the test kit.
