How to know if you're pregnant

It¡¯s a rare woman who ¡®feels¡¯ pregnant straight after conception; while it can certainly happen, most of us need a few weeks and a pregnancy test or 13 to be convinced a baby is indeed on its way.

If you¡¯re driving yourself crazy waiting around until you can take a pregnancy test (the earliest you can take one reliably is a solid week to week and a half after your ovulation date, although it if comes up negative, it¡¯s best to wait a few more days and then test again), ask yourself whether you¡¯re feeling any of the following symptoms:

A missed period

Known as the key symptom associated with a pregnancy alert, you should take a pregnancy test if your period does not arrive when it should. This doesn¡¯t mean to say you won¡¯t bleed at all during early pregnancy however; many women experience an implantation bleed (caused from the implantation of the embryo into your uterus) right before your period would be due and this can often cause confusion. To help clear up matters, note that implantation bleed is lighter in colour and often presents as spotting. It can also cause pain similar to that of a period.

Acne

One minute you¡¯re a composed adult with a career and responsibilities, and the next, you¡¯re a 14-year-old covered in acne wondering what the hell happened. Although unpleasant, facial and body acne in early pregnancy is incredibly common, but happily, they will settle down in a few weeks as your hormone levels begin to stabilise. Hold off on squeezing, and continue with a solid skincare routine in the meantime.

Morning sickness

Spent some time driving the porcelain bus this past weekend? Don¡¯t be so sure your night out was to blame. The deceptively titled morning sickness (it really can go all day and all night throughout the first trimester particularly), affects up to 80 per cent of women and is often one of the first signs baby is on her way. You can help ease your suffering by eating small meals frequently, nibbling on some crackers before getting out of bed in the morning, and sipping on ginger tea.

Fatigue

If you¡¯re finding yourself falling asleep on the sofa before the evening news has even finished, it could be your body¡¯s way of alerting you to something big. Narcolepsy-level fatigue can be common in early pregnancy as the hormone progesterone which floods your body during this time causes a sedating effect. Your best bet? Give in to the feeling as it strikes and take well-earned naps.?

Mood swings

Insurance commercials sending you running for the tissues every time they air? Pregnancy hormones can make mamas-to-be quite emotional and weepy the first trimester particularly. Keep an eye on your moods, or listen when your partner/friend/colleague tells you they¡¯re concerned about your recent emotional reaction to Game of Thrones/the last doughnut being eaten/said insurance commercial.

Breast changes

Pay close attention to the gals; they¡¯re usually the first part of your body to fall under the baby regime with tell-tale signs including fuller, more tender breasts, darkened nipples, larger and/or darker areola, and more pronounced veins. If you haven¡¯t noticed, your partner almost certainly has so if he or she has become attached to them constantly, it might be worth taking another look.

Increased urination

If the constant desire to urinate has left you questioning whether you should just move your laptop into the bathroom, consider this: as the embryo (assuming there is one) starts to secrete the pregnancy hormone hCG, it sends a message for the blood supply to increase in the pelvic region, causing irritation to the bladder and causing you to feel that ¡®must dash¡¯ situation. Sure, it could be a bladder infection, but it could just as easily be something else.

Increased cervical mucus

There¡¯s no polite way of putting this, but a surge in your body¡¯s progesterone levels at this time could leave your underwear a little messier than usual. Some women may notice a small increase in cervical mucus, but others may experience a fair amount. Using a panty liner can assist until things settle back down.

Higher basal body temperature

If you¡¯re in the habit of taking your temperature as you try for a baby, you may notice a higher basal body temperature than normal and this is another common sign of pregnancy. Your temperature may also increase quickly during exercise or in warmer weather so take caution which just how much activity you¡¯re undertaking at this time, and be sure to remain adequately hydrated.

Heightened sense of smell

Pregnancy heightens a woman¡¯s sense of smell, so if you¡¯re suddenly making out what everyone¡¯s cooking within your apartment block, or the scent of things you used to adore are making you gag or retch, you could very well be in the ¡®family way¡¯.

Dizziness and/or fainting

As blood vessels dilate and blood pressure drops, it¡¯s not uncommon for newly pregnant women to feel dizzy or lightheaded. What¡¯s important is you sit down and rest as the feeling takes over, as the last thing you want to do is faint.

Headaches

Plagued by regular headaches or migraine? Although unfortunate, these are caused by hormonal changes and increased blood circulation and are more common than you¡¯d think. If you¡¯re concerned you could be pregnant, speak to your GP first before taking pain relief medication.

If you¡¯re experiencing one or a few of the above symptoms, take a pregnancy test and remember to test again in a few days if the rest reads negative. Good luck!

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