How do I know I am pregnant

Pregnancy – how do you know?

Finding out your are pregnant is actually a scary and sometimes anxious time.

It’s also an exciting time!

I remember vividly the hidden doubts and fears that reared themselves and how many times I checked the pregnancy wee sticks!

The range of feelings are normal.

Am I? Am I really? Surely not? OMG I am!?@##

The range of feelings experienced when finding out you are pregnancy include the following ):

• I am not ready to be a parent
• I don’t think my partner is ready to be a parent – he is still acts like a boy!@#
• I wonder if my baby will be healthy? I haven’t been watching what I eat
• What if I have harmed my baby
• What will my boss say
• What will my parents say
• What will he say? Will he be happy or angry
• How am I going to afford stopping work
• Am I healthy enough

This list is by no means exhausted and excitement and doubt can cross through your mind like a Kaleidoscope.

I’d like to outline what happens in a normal pregnancy – which is majority of pregnancies.

1. Missing a period

Sometimes we miss periods, but if you have been experiencing regular periods and have been having unprotected sex, usually a missed period is the sign that you are pregnant.

2. Confirming pregnancy

This is usually done with a home test kit that you can purchase online or from a pharmacy.

If you are early in your pregnancy you can return a negative test, so if you have doubts, repeat it a week later. You can also see a doctor and have a beta HCG test done (blood test to measure pregnancy hormones).

3. The first 3 months

This is the time where most miscarriages will occur if they are going to occur.

Kick back a little, take it easy.

If you are tired say “no” to social events.

If you feel fine, you can continue to partake in sports, work and most activities.

You should curtail alcohol and coffee consumption.

Consider seeing a naturopath who will follow you through your pregnancy and will supervise the care of you and your baby.

You also have the option of selecting a doctor, doula, or midwife.

Some general practitioners are obstetric certified and are more than able.

Or you will get referred on to a Obstetrician who will become your supervising doctor throughout your pregnancy and early weeks after your baby is born. After your baby is born a paediatrician will check your baby over and you will stay under the care of the person you had pre-natally.

During this time I help you with morning sickness, discussing what you need to know, foods to avoid and more.

4. The middle 3 months

Around week 12-13 you may get a transnuchal test.

This is a blood test and ultrasound carried out to ascertain the health of your baby and to screen for Down’s Syndrome.

Your doctor will order this. They will often run some routine blood tests at this stage and check your STD status.

Often you will be offered a 20 week ultrasound to check for growth and possibly some cervical swab tests (including strep B – a bacteria that is tested for so it can be treated appropriately prior to you giving birth).

During this time I check your hair and make sure you have all the key vitamins and minerals you need for your baby.

It is a really important time of your pregnancy as the baby will be making the pathways for their nervous system and need the right amounts of minerals and omega 3s.

5. The last 3 months

Your baby has done most of its growth by this stage and you may be feeling quite big.

At this stage, doctors often check your weight, blood pressure, fundal height (a measurement of the baby), and sometimes your urine.

You will typically have a pre-admission interview with the hospital around week 32.

You may be offered antenatal classes where a midwife will discuss typical things to expect during labour, birth and post birth (post partum).

During this time I make sure you are prepped for pregnancy, we cover breathing techniques, how to make the labour as stressless and streamlined as possible and other nutrient and psychological elements.

This is an important time to nourish yourself and your baby as it will help sculpt the post partum days which can be a roller coaster ride even for the most seasoned mum.

6. Labour and delivery

From 38 weeks onwards you are considered “full term”.

Which means your baby can come at any time and this is considered a normal pregnancy. Many babies do not come until the 41st or 42nd week, especially first-born babies.

I would love to be a part of your fertility journey and help you have a healthy happy pregnancy and baby. And if you would like some more information about fertility, check out my 8 week online program.