Although there are many presumed signs of pregnancy, there are only a few sure signs that you're pregnant. Many presumed signs of pregnancy, such as a positive pregnancy test, can be caused by other things, such as certain types of cancer that occur after a previous pregnancy. False pregnancy can also cause many of the presumed signs of pregnancy.
Fetal Ultrasound
An ultrasound that shows the fetus is a sure sign of pregnancy. A fetal ultrasound that shows the developing fetus can't be done until 6 to 7 weeks of pregnancy, and all body parts aren't visible until 10 to 11 weeks, according to Obstetric and Newborn Care.
X-ray
An x-ray of the fetal skeleton is a sure sign of pregnancy, but x-rays can be harmful to a developing fetus and shouldn't be done unnecessarily. The fetal skeleton can be seen by week 12 of pregnancy, according to Obstetric and Newborn Care.
Distinct Heartbeat
A heartbeat that is different from the maternal heartbeat is a definite sign of pregnancy. Because a woman's heartbeat is usually between 60 to 90 beats per minute (bpm) and a fetus' heartbeat is normally over 120 bpm, it's usually not difficult to tell one from another. The fetal heartbeat is first seen on ultrasound by 7 weeks and can be heard by Doppler around 10 weeks, depending on maternal weight, and around 16 weeks by fetoscope, according to Obstetric and Newborn Care.
But if the woman's heartbeat is exceptionally fast, as in the case of exertion or illness, and the fetus' heartbeat is slow, confusion could arise. If both heartbeats are amplified at the same time, the difference can clearly be heard, or if two people count the beats at the same time, there should be a distinct difference.
Palpation
If a doctor or other trained medical person is able to definitely palpate, or feel, fetal parts on examination, this is positive proof of a pregnancy. According to Obstetric and Newborn Care, all fetal parts must be palpated, including the head, back and limbs. This is only possible in women who aren't obese and can't be done until after the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.
Delivery
The best positive proof of pregnancy is the delivery of a baby, but it can't be verified until the baby actually emerges.
