Wondering if you might be pregnant?

Below we list out the presumptive (what you experience), probable (what your doctor can see), and positive (100% sure) signs of pregnancy. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, most women (59 percent) experienced the start of pregnancy symptoms by their fifth or sixth week, while 89 percent experienced symptoms by week eight. Some women have no symptoms at all. If you think it’s possible you could be pregnant, it’s important to contact your doctor!

PRESUMPTIVE

These symptoms are traditionally associated with pregnancy, however, they could also be a symptom of another health condition. It’s important if you experience any of these symptoms to contact your doctor.

  • Missed Period (amenorrhea)

  • Sore, tender breasts

  • Darkening Areolas (area around your nipples)

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Increased fatigue

  • Increased urination

  • Spotting

  • Abdominal cramping

PROBABLE

These are things your doctor can check, which could lead them to thinking you might be pregnant. However, even these symptoms could be a symptom of another health condition, and need to be followed-up by checking for a “positive” sign of pregnancy.

  • Abdominal enlargement

  • Vaginal and Cervical changes (Goodell and Chadwick signs)

  • Positive pregnancy test (elevated HCG levels in blood or urine)

POSITIVE

These are the only 100% ways to confirm that a woman is pregnant, and that she does not have another medical condition that is causing her symptoms.

  • Seeing an embryo or fetus via ultrasound or other imaging

  • Detecting a fetal heart rate activity (usually using doppler)

  • Feeling fetal movement by a trained practitioner (for example, your OBGYN)

You may have noticed that a positive pregnancy test (taken either at home or at the doctor) is not a 100% way to prove you are pregnant. Getting an ultrasound to see the baby or hearing the baby’s heartbeat are the most common and practical ways to confirm a pregnancy. However, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate if taken correctly and can be a first step towards finding out if you’re pregnant. 

If you need a recommendation for an OBGYN, contact us for a list of trusted providers.

We also offer urinalysis pregnancy tests for free by appointment only. Click here to schedule your appointment. 

Please note that urinalysis pregnancy tests cannot diagnose pregnancy, rather, they are a measurement of the HCG hormone in your urine. Glas Za Zivot is not a medical provider and we do not provide medical diagnoses or medical advice. The free pregnancy test service allows you to obtain a urinalysis HCG test to use at our facility, speak with our staff, and follow-up with your healthcare provider for further advice. 

DUE DATE CALCULATOR

Based on the probable date of conception and/or last menstrual cycle, you can calculate how long you have been pregnant and your estimated due date - here 

STAGES OF FETAL DEVELOPMENT

Want to learn more about baby’s development or what you might experience during each age/stage? Learn more below:

 

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    When an egg cell and a sperm unite, a new life begins. This is called “fertilization.” Both mother and father provide 23 chromosomes each, totaling 46 chromosomes. These chromosomes will determine eye color, hair color, sex, height. . . From the moment of conception, this new life has its own unique DNA that never existed before, nor will there ever be an exact replica.

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Because pregnancy is counted from the date of your last menstrual period (LMP), you are actually considered 2 weeks pregnant when conception happens. While some women experience mild cramping during this time, many women won’t know they’re pregnant yet.

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    Baby is the size of a poppyseed. Cells are multiplying rapidly and starting to specialize into their future functions (i.e. heart, lungs, etc.)

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Not all women have pregnancy symptoms yet, but those who do might have breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea.

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    While the heart isn’t fully formed, it’s started to beat. Baby’s eyes, nose, and ears have started to form. 

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Over half of women have started to experience symptoms by this time. Some common symptoms include nausea and vomiting, increased urination, breast tenderness, and mood swings.

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    The baby's eyelids are starting to form, as well as his or her fingers and toes. The baby started moving this week, even though you do not feel it yet. The respiratory system is starting to develop, and nerves are starting to connect.

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    In addition to week 6’s symptoms, some women experience white vaginal discharge, headaches, and abdominal bloating. Nearly 90% of women will have some symptoms at this point in pregnancy.

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    Fingernails and toenails are beginning to grow. The baby can clinch his or her fist. At the end of week 12, all of the baby's vital organs are in place. At the end of week 13, the first trimester has ended!

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    As baby grows, some women experience shortness of breath and heartburn. Food aversions and stuffiness are also common. 

    However, as the first trimester comes to an end, some women experience a relief of symptoms!

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    In this phase, male and female genitalia start to become recognizable. Your baby can hiccup and can suck on his or her thumb. The baby can frown, smile, and make faces. Baby is active and constantly moving, but you probably don’t feel him or her yet.

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    While some symptoms may have gone away, others may start. Some women notice their appetite has returned. Depending on how many pregnancies you have had, you may have already started to show. Remember that every woman is different, as is each pregnancy! There is no right or wrong way to “look” while pregnant. 

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    The baby has his/her own unique fingerprints. Ultrasound reveals that at this time, many babies are smiling and puckering their lips. Baby can hear you, and his or her skin is fully formed. By 18 weeks, most doctors can see baby’s sex on ultrasound.

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Many women experience “quickening” during these weeks, which is feeling baby move for the first time. Many women start to have “pregnancy brain”, and may struggle with memory lapses. Constipation and leg cramps also join the list of common symptoms.

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    Baby can start to show preference for mom’s voice. He or she is gaining weight and growing hair. Surfactant, important  for lung development, is being produced at this time, making sure baby can breathe when he or she is born. 

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Some women will continue to experience breast changes, and may start leaking colostrum (first milk). Itchy skin, linea nigra (dark skin pigmentation on the stomach) are possible skin changes. Fatigue may increase, and taking naps is important!

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    Baby’s brain is rapidly developing and will triple in weight before birth. The senses of hearing, smell, and touch are developed and functional. Baby can see dim shapes and distinguish light from dark. 

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Welcome to the third trimester! Many women will start to feel symptoms associated with baby’s growth, such as swelling, hemorrhoids, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Some women might experience strange dreams, or start to feel “practice contractions” (braxton hicks contractions).

  • BABY'S DEVELOPMENT

    Baby is ready to be born! The lungs are developed and ready to take their first breath. Baby continues to gain weight as he or she hopefully gets into the birth position.

    MOM'S EXPERIENCE

    Many women will feel baby “drop,” or settle down into the birth canal, to prepare for birth, which leads to a relief of shortness of breath symptoms. Increased vaginal discharge, fatigue, and braxton hicks contractions are also common during this time. 

Information from Baby Center, a medically-reviewed website.

YOUR CHOICE

With every pregnancy, a choice must be made. It’s important to know all of your options to make an informed decision. 

Options include:

  • Continuing the pregnancy, and parenting the baby (either with or without your partner)

  • Continuing the pregnancy, and having someone else parent the baby or placing the baby up for adoption

  • Having an abortion and ending the pregnancy

If you want someone to talk through the options with you, our staff is available. Contact us here. 

 

Information on our Web page is intended for the purpose of general education and therefore cannot serve as a replacement for professional and/or doctor advice. Glas Za Zivot is not a medical provider and we do not provide medical diagnoses or medical advice.