What is Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a biological process in which a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus of a female mammal, typically a human, and develops into an embryo and later a fetus. It usually lasts about 40 weeks, divided into three trimesters. During pregnancy, various hormonal and physiological changes occur in the woman’s body to support the growth and development of the fetus. Pregnancy can result from sexual intercourse or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). It’s a remarkable journey that involves physical, emotional, and psychological changes for the expectant mother.
Pregnancy brings about significant hormonal shifts that can lead to a variety of symptoms. While some women may experience several of these signs, others may only notice a few.
Early pregnancy symptoms often include the absence of periods, changes in breast tissue, fatigue, frequent urination, and morning sickness characterized by nausea and vomiting. It’s important to note that these indicators can also stem from other causes, so if pregnant is suspected, taking a home pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.
As progresses, a multitude of bodily changes can occur. These may manifest as backaches, headaches, leg cramps, or varicose veins. Additionally, sensations like itching or tingling, constipation, hemorrhoids, or indigestion may arise. Vaginal issues such as vaginitis or abnormal discharge, as well as mood fluctuations or feelings of depression, can also be experienced.
Should any concerns arise during pregnancy, seeking guidance from a GP is recommended. Prompt medical attention should be sought if symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, premature rupture of membranes (water breaking), persistent pain, fever, severe headaches, or changes in vision occur.
Indication of pregnancy:
Signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman and can also depend on individual factors such as overall health and lifestyle. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
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Missed Period: One of the most common early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. However, some women may experience light bleeding or spotting, which could be mistaken for a period.
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Breast Changes: Many women notice changes in their breasts early in pregnant. These changes can include tenderness, swelling, and darkening of the nipples.
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Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness): Morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day, is a common symptom of early pregnant. It may be triggered by hormonal changes and typically improves after the first trimester.
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Fatigue: Increased levels of progesterone can cause fatigue and exhaustion, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy.
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Frequent Urination: Hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the kidneys can lead to more frequent urination, even in the early stages of pregnancy.
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Food Cravings or Aversions: Changes in hormone levels can also affect your sense of smell and taste, leading to food cravings or aversions.
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Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormone levels can impact mood, leading to feelings of irritability, moodiness, or emotional sensitivity.
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Elevated Basal Body Temperature: Some women track their basal body temperature as a method of fertility monitoring. A sustained rise in basal body temperature beyond the usual post-ovulatory phase can indicate pregnancy.
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Changes in Cervical Mucus: can cause changes in cervical mucus, such as increased production and a creamy or milky appearance.
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Positive Test: Ultimately, the most definitive sign of pregnant is a positive result on a home pregnancy test. These tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced by the placenta after implantation occurs.
Check pregnant at home
Salt Test
Every kitchen shelf will have salt in it. All you need for a pregnancy test at home with salt is a urine sample collected in the morning, a pinch or two of salt and a clean glass to mix the ingredients.
| Method | Positive Sign | Negative Sign |
| Add urine sample to the glass and drop a pinch or two of salt. Wait for three minutes. | If you are pregnant, you will notice that creamy white clumps have formed from the reaction. | If you find no reaction happening between urine and salt, you are not pregnant. |
Sugar Test
Since sugar is a common household item, this method is often considered the simplest. To perform this test, you’ll only require a urine sample collected immediately upon waking, a bowl, and a tablespoon of sugar. Here are the steps to follow.
| Method | Positive Sign | Negative Sign |
| Add sugar to the bowl and pour the urine sample over it. | hCG present in the urine does not dissolve the sugar easily. If you see sugar forming lumps in urine, you are pregnant. | In case the sugar readily dissolves in urine, it indicates that you are not pregnant. |