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Early Pregnancy Signs

The first and most notable sign of early pregnancy is a late or missed period. A typical period is anywhere from 21 to 35 days. If your cycle is 29 days and you have not had your period by day 30, your period is late.

The second sign may vary as each woman and pregnancy is unique. Each woman’s experience will be different, so after the first pregnancy sign of a missed or late period, your next sign may be fatigue, nausea, increased urination, and swollen breasts.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Like signs, pregnancy symptoms depend on the woman. Headaches, smell sensitivity, morning sickness, backaches, mood swings, and light implantation bleeding can all be symptoms of early pregnancy. The difficulty with signs and symptoms of pregnancy is that your period could simply be late due to stress, and your symptoms and signs could be PMS. Your next best step to determining if you’re pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Some tests can detect pregnancy 10 days after conception. However, the best time to take a pregnancy test is after you miss your period. If you experience irregular cycles, don’t chart your cycles, or have been on birth control, take a test after the longest menstrual cycle you’ve had. For example, if your cycles range from 25 to 28 days, the best time to take a test would be day 29 or later. 

Now that you know the day, the best time to take a pregnancy test is when you first wake up.

Types of Pregnancy Tests

There are three types of pregnancy tests: an at-home pregnancy test, a clinical urine test, and a blood test. The last two require the oversight of a licensed medical professional. 

Pregnancy tests often reveal lines, positive or negative symbols, and writing such as pregnant and not pregnant to inform you of your result. If you’re taking an at-home pregnancy test, you must follow the instructions carefully to determine whether or not you’re pregnant.

Understanding Your Pregnancy Results

An at-home and clinical pregnancy test measures the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which determines whether or not you’re pregnant. The lines have particular colors, designs, and symbols that respond to the hCG levels in your body. The hCG hormone is referred to as the pregnancy hormone because it is created by cells formed in the placenta. 

It’s important to follow the directions to get an accurate reading. Otherwise, a false-positive result could occur due to user error. Additionally, two different pregnancy tests have specific timing, sensitivities, and accuracy. If you plan on testing multiple times, always use the same brand.

Why Choose First Coast

If you think you might be pregnant and would prefer a clinical pregnancy test, First Coast strives to help you determine if you’re pregnant, verify whether the pregnancy is in the right location, and how far along you are via ultrasound. Additionally, our staff will help you know your options. You don’t have to figure this out alone.