SIGNS OF PREGNANCY

Am I pregnant?  

Many women don't suspect they're pregnant until they've missed a period, but there may be other indications, sometimes even before that. These include:

 Sickness and/or feelings of nausea

A strange, 'metallic' taste in your mouth

Breast tenderness, tingling and enlargement

The small bumps - 'Montgomery's tubercules' - on your nipples becoming more obvious

Stomach pains

Tiredness

Constipation

Needing to urinate more often

Going off certain things, such as coffee and fatty foods

Increased vaginal discharge

Some women experience very light bleeding (called 'spotting') that they mistake for their period

It is also quite common to not experience any of the above, yet to still be pregnant.

When should I do a test?

Home pregnancy tests can be used on the first day of your missed period, and some very sensitive tests can be used sooner than this.

The tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your urine. A chemical in the stick changes colour when it comes into contact with this hormone, so the usual way of testing is to urinate on the end of the stick and watch for the result in the window of the stick.

Pregnancy tests are very accurate as long as you use them properly. It's possible to have a false negative, when the test says you aren't pregnant but you are. If your period still doesn't arrive, repeat the test or check with your doctor.

You can buy home pregnancy tests from supermarkets and at your local chemist.

When is my baby due?

The length of your pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last period, even though you actually conceive two weeks or so after this date (depending on the length of your cycle). Your baby is likely to be born two weeks either side of the due date.