It can be difficult to know what to expect if you’re experiencing pregnancy for the first time.
While every woman’s body is different, some of the most common early pregnancy symptoms include:
- Missed period
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Tender, swollen breasts
- Mood swings
- Bloating
Next Steps
While recent sexual activity, a missed period, and pregnancy symptoms can be a good indicator that you’re pregnant, it is essential to confirm your pregnancy by taking a test.
You can start by taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test, which examines your urine for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). HCG is produced when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus and the placenta begins to form.
To ensure that hCG levels are high enough to be detected by the test, it is recommended that you wait to test until a few days after your missed period. If you receive a negative result, you can repeat the test a week after your missed period.
Keep in mind that while at-home pregnancy tests are usually very accurate, a false positive is possible. Confirming your pregnancy at a women’s health clinic with a lab-quality pregnancy test will provide the most accurate results.
Additionally, if you are experiencing pregnancy-like symptoms and are not pregnant, for the sake of your health, you should follow up with a medical provider to further investigate symptoms.
Follow-up Ultrasound
If your pregnancy is confirmed, a follow-up ultrasound can provide valuable information about the viability, location, and age of the pregnancy and help determine the options available to you.
Viability
The ultrasound will determine if the pregnancy is viable. It is estimated that 10-20% of pregnancies end in natural miscarriage, and if you have miscarried, you may need additional medical support.
Location
The ultrasound also confirms that the pregnancy is developing within the uterus. If the pregnancy has been implanted outside the uterus, this is known as an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency.
Age
While many women use their last menstrual period to calculate the gestational age of their pregnancy, ultrasounds can be more accurate. After determining how far along you are, you can explore the options available for your unique pregnancy.
Get the Help You Need
If you suspect you’re pregnant, HopePlace Monticello is here for you.
We provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound referrals. After confirming your pregnancy, our trusted medical staff can answer your questions, listen to your concerns, and discuss your options.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.