5 Signs You Might Be Pregnant Health Article

5 Signs You Might Be Pregnant

Soon after conception, pregnancy changes your body, so it might not take long for you to become aware that something is different.

Symptoms of Early Pregnancy

• Missed menstrual period
• Swollen, tender breasts
• Feeling tired
• Nausea
• Frequent urination

If You Think You Are Pregnant

Pregnancy begins when a sperm fertilizes an egg. This usually occurs within one of the two fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg moves along the tube and implants into the uterus approximately one week after conception. Some women experience minor vaginal bleeding ("spotting") at this time. A home pregnancy test kit can usually confirm a pregnancy around the time of your missed period. If the result is positive, indicating that you are pregnant, make an appointment to see your health care provider to take a blood test to confirm your pregnancy. Your provider will also arrange for you to receive appropriate prenatal (prior to birth) care.

Take good care of yourself and your growing baby:

• No smoking
• No drugs
• No alcoholic beverages
• Eat healthy - plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Exercise regularly under the supervision of your health care professional
• Get plenty of sleep
• Consult your health care provider before discontinuing any current, or taking any new, medications
• Take at least 400 mcg of folic acid daily to prevent birth defects and other vitamins and supplements as recommended by your provider
• Get regular prenatal care as advised by your provider
• Let someone else clean the cat litter box to prevent you acquiring toxoplasmosis
• Stay out of the hot tub or sauna
• Do not eat raw or undercooked meat or seafood or drink raw milk
• Avoid vaginal douches

Call your provider

• For any severe, unrelieved headache
• Bleeding or fluid discharge from your vagina
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Facial swelling
• Burning upon urination or flank pain
• Decreased urine output
• Chills
• Fever
• Swollen fingers or hands