Whether you are trying to conceive a baby, finding out if you are actually pregnant is of much significance. In the book, "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition): The Complete Guide," Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, and April Bolding write that there are several symptoms that may indicate you are pregnant, besides a missed menstrual cycle. Bloating, fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea, feeling faint and frequent urination are some symptoms noted. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your primary health care provider. She can accurately confirm your pregnancy by administering a test.
Step 1
Check to see if you are late on your period. Look at your datebook to determine the last time you had your cycle. Count the days from your last cycle to see if you are at least a few days late. Twenty-eight days is the average cycle length.
Step 2
Take your temperature with a thermometer daily. Toni Weschler writes in her book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition" that if during your next cycle, you experience an above average temperature for more than an extended period of days, you might be pregnant.
Step 3
Purchase a high-quality at-home pregnancy test. Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel write in their book "What to Expect Before You're Expecting" that a pregnancy test will be more accurate if it has a lower miU/L measurement written on the label. A 20 miU/L measurement will be more sensitive than a 50 miU/L measurement.
Step 4
Take a blood test with your doctor to confirm the pregnancy as a final step. He will be able to provide you with basic information as the steps to take from there.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are not experiencing any unusual symptoms or have not missed a period, you are likely not pregnant. But if you have missed a cycle, then it is time to purchase an at home pregnancy test. The more expensive the test is, the more likely it will be accurate, write Murkoff and Mazel. So if you are seriously concerned, spend the extra money. Take the test a few days after you missed your period, then several days later to confirm accuracy.
- Before deciding anything, please check with your doctor. Educate yourself on the steps to take if you are indeed pregnant.
Things You'll Need
- Datebook
- Thermometer
- A home pregnancy test with 20 miU/L measurement
References
- "Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn (4th Edition)"; Front Cover Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley, Ann Keppler, April Bolding, Janelle Durham; 2010
- "Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition"; Toni Weschler; 2006
- "What to Expect Before You're Expecting"; Heidi Murkoff, Sharon Mazel; 2009
