Whether you have been trying to conceive for a long time, or suspect that you have become pregnant ‘accidentally’, you will be anxious to find out if you are pregnant and what you should do next. There are often key signs that point to the fact that you might be pregnant. Some women feel a ‘sixth sense’ that they may be pregnant as they just ‘feel’ different both physically and mentally, however there are other more obvious symptoms. Many women complain of nausea, often known as morning sickness. Unfortunately this unpleasant feeling does not always arise in the morning; often it can be an all day nausea that may result in actual vomiting, but may just be a constant feeling of sickness. Some women do not experience this at all, however.
Here are Scotmum’s top 10 pregnancy symptoms to look out for:
- Bloated feeling
- Periods stop
- Swollen breasts/darkening of the areolas
- Tiredness
- Mood swings
- A increase in white vaginal discharge
- Appetite fluctuates
- Implantation bleeding
- Cramping
- Bleeding gums
You could simply do a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your GP (test results may take a few days) for a result that is more of an exact science. However, be aware that even if you get a negative result from a pregnancy test, it may still turn out to be positive a few days later. It depends on when whether the pregnancy hormone is at its strongest when you test. Buy a few tests so that you can be sure. They range in price from about £3 to £10 for one test.
If the result is positive you should make an appointment with your GP so that you may be registered and ‘booked in’ to a hospital to have your baby in 9 months time! If the result is negative, try to remain positive (if this is not the result that you wanted). Trying to conceive can be a very stressful time. Try to relax and not make it the centre of your every thought (although this can be very difficult if you are desperate to conceive). You may find that it will be when you are not actively trying that you will fall pregnant.
Share your experiences on the forum. If you need some further support and guidance, click on the web links below:
British Pregnancy Advisory Service
Pregnancy & post abortion support
