I recollect the day I had been to CVS many years back to get my pregnancy confirmed. After staring a lot of tests I finally decided on the EPT which could diagnose and affirm pregnancy before all tests could do. Thus EPT changed my life and affirmed my motherhood.

The next step I took after I got the home test confirmed was to consult a physician for a second opinion like any other women. The nurse did the same test like the one i did to confirm my pregnancy. One may think why the tests again after the home tests confirmed my pregnancy. But this is natural that everyone would like to take a second opinion so as to clear their doubt and get it confirmed by a doctor.

When you walk into a drug store to buy a home based test to affirm your pregnancy you are not the only one every woman does it. Many companies have come up with many home based tests in the market that prices range from normal to a costlier one. The entire tests have the same features and chemicals. All the tests ask the woman to dip a stick in the cup of urine or ask to urinate on a stick.

As science improves there may be more and more home based tests in the drug store and you can choose one according to your convenience. Some women think the more costly test they buy the better the result will be but it is not so. The result is always the same whether it is costlier or cheaper. Finally whatever may be the cost of the test the fact revealed depends on the woman and if she is pregnant through one test that remains unaffected and she need not test it again and again.

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When a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus of a woman she becomes pregnant. The entire period of nine months when the woman carries the fetus is the pregnancy or the gestation period. There are usual signs and symptoms which determine pregnancy.

The first sign of pregnancy is missing the regular menstrual cycle although a missed period need not always be pregnancy. It could be the cause of hormonal imbalances, stress, and illness. I could be also due to polycystic ovary syndrome where the periods occur after many months. So the other signs of pregnancy taken into account are the tenderness and the size of the breasts.

The next indication of pregnancy is morning sickness seen in most of the women which comes nausea and vomiting. This starts from the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy and sometimes starts from 2 weeks of pregnancy. The level of nausea and vomiting varies from woman to woman. Although this sign fade away by the second trimester some woman experience it throughout pregnancy. Tiredness and exhaustion also follows after this during pregnancy.

Frequent visit to restrooms due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder is another symptom of pregnancy. Sensitivity to odor and taster also begins in the first trimester along with craving for certain foods. Though these are the signs of pregnancy it is better when confirmed by a physician after routine clinical tests.

Confirmation of pregnancy is done with the help of home based test available at eh local store which reveals the presence of HCG in the urine. Once when the test gives a positive result consult your health provider for a second opinion to affirm pregnancy through clinical tests.

Blood tests taken also give a clear history of any abortions and any other problem in the pregnancy. The obstetrician confirms pregnancy through physical examination after 4 – 6 weeks. The soft uterus and the thick vaginal tissues affirm pregnancy. The above mentioned information is just for bringing about awareness in the symptoms of pregnancy. All treatment, medications and affirmations are best when done under medical supervision.

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Pregnancy is one of the most joyful moments of womanhood. But this may differ in the case of an unwed mother or a teenager who has had unprotected sex. Married couples rejoice the occasion and wait to hold the bundle of joy in their hands. From the time the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, hormonal changes take place which results in physical and emotional changes in the woman. When the body responds to the hormonal changes the signs and symptoms of pregnancy occur. Here are ten regular symptoms of pregnancy:

1. Recurrent Urination – This is an early sign of pregnancy. The hormone Human chorionic gonadotropin” secreted on the implantation of the embryo results in frequent urination mostly from 7-12 days after ovulation.

2. Mild spotting – This takes place when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This is not heavy like that of the menstrual flow.

3. Rise in body temperature – It is normal to have a rise in temperature during ovulation and also during the early stages of pregnancy.

4. Missed Period – A woman with a regular menstrual cycle can determine pregnancy when she misses one although there can be many reasons to have a missed period which could be due to food, medicines, hormonal imbalances, stress or illness.

5. Exhaustion – As the body starts tuning to the new hormonal level the pregnant woman experiences tiredness and fatigue.

6. Cramps – Uterine cramps start during the early stages of pregnancy due to the movement, exercise and orgasm.

7. Morning sickness – Nausea and vomiting takes places in the first trimester of pregnancy. It happens at any time of the day or sometimes early in the morning. Some women experience it throughout pregnancy while some lucky ones do not experience it at all.

8. Sensitive Breasts – Due to the change in the hormonal levels the breasts become heavy and tender.

9. Darker Areolas – The area around the nipples change color and become darker with the bumps becoming more striking which is found in the early stages of pregnancy.

10. Constipation – As the intestines calm down and have less function due to hormonal changes the pregnant woman tend to have constipation.

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Doubts about pregnancy and its symptoms are very common the time you feel you have conceived. Although a missed menstrual cycle and morning sickness indicate pregnancy, there are many physical changes a women experience which are pleasant but affect your day to day life activities. Detailed information about pregnancy is available from many sources like family planning centers, doctors chamber and also from the internet. Every woman varies in their pregnancy and so are the signs and symptoms. The same woman experiences different symptoms each time she is pregnant and so morning sickness need not be a real factor. Some woman never experience morning sickness at all in their gestation periods.

Now let us find out how to determine your pregnancy before going for tests. The early signs of pregnancy are soft, tender and enlarged breasts. This is because of the growing level of hormones which disappear after the first three months. The pregnant woman due to the high level of the hormone progesterone feels severe exhaustion. Some have little bleeding caused by the implanted embryo n the uterus. The other signs are morning sickness (sometimes it happens in the afternoon or in the evening) which some lucky woman never experience, recurrent urination due to excessive fluid in the body, aversion to some smell due to high estrogen level and also enlarged abdomen. Finally the missed period if you do not have a irregular menstrual cycle indicates you to have a home tests done for pregnancy.

Sometimes it so happens that you take a home test too early that the result is negative. Never lose heart take another test after a few more weeks. Once you find the result positive get ready for the clinical tests given by the ob/gyn. They will affirm your pregnancy clinically and prescribe the necessary prenatal vitamins and also the future appointments for regular check ups. You can browse the internet for more detailed information about pregnancy which can help you to have a safe, healthy and pleasant experience of pregnancy.

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Get a test done to confirm your pregnancy the moment you have a doubt about it. The urine test done in the laboratory is an effective one. But in case you wish to have a home test done there are many available nowadays. When you find out that the result is positive in the home test the next step is to take an appointment with the primary health care provider. This when done determines whether your pregnancy is a healthy one or is there a chance of ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is that where the fertilized egg embed in the fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is a risky type and if left without medical intervention will lead to severe pain and later many problems.

Samples of blood and urine taken to test pregnancy reveals the presence of chorionic gonadotropin a hormone produced once the embryo is implanted. Urine tests give a better report of the HCG present than the blood tests. Other tests which can determine the level of nutrients and vitamins help the doctor to prescribe the necessary prenatal vitamins and medicines for the benefit of the mother and the child.

There are two types of urine based pregnancy test which are available. The first type is to insert a special type of stick into the cup containing the collected urine. The stick when kept inserted for a stipulated period of time gives you the desired results. Follow the instructions properly to get the correct result. The other method is to hold the special stick over the flow of urine for a certain period of time. This is the test usually done over the counter when you visit the primary health centre to confirm your pregnancy. People prefer the second type of test as it involves very little muddle and cleaning. There are many other types of tests which can determine the presence of hCG pregnancy hormone.

Some very eager couples opt for the blood tests that when dispensed for seven days confirm pregnancy. Couples with infertility problems usually practice this type of pregnancy test. The hCG found in the blood also helps to detect the snag in the pregnancy. Remember home tests will not suffice. You have to consult the doctor to get your pregnancy confirmed medically. You will have to incur the necessary costs as visiting and testing fees. If you are short of funds some womens clinic are available who can do the pregnancy test for you at a lower expense.

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The Parvo Virus B19 which produces the Fifth disease is a general infection experienced by 50% of adults either during childhood or adolescence according to The National Center for Infectious Diseases. The person becomes immune to further harm from the disease of parvovirus B19 later.

As this virus attacks most of the people a pregnant woman is immune to this disease and does not harm the unborn child. But sometimes the woman may feel excessively tired and have a running nose with mucus. This disease does not result in mental retardation or any other brain disorders nor does it have any birth defects in the baby. So it is of of no harm both to the pregnant mother and the baby.

Research says that 5% of pregnant woman can suffer abortions by their second trimester due to this parvovirus B19 disease. The miscarriage results due to the acute anemia in the unborn child.

If the mother to be has already been infected earlier with this parvovirus B19 disease she should inform her health provider about it. Blood tests taken during pregnancy can reveal the condition of the disease. Ther blood test taken shows the following results.

When the mother to be is already immune to this virus and does not suffer from any other infection then there is no need to worry about the condition.

In case the pregnant woman has had this B19 virus recently then she needs regular observation. There are no exact tests that done but ultrasound test and further blood tests are done to check about the condition of the unborn baby.

There is no vaccine for this parvovirus B19 so a pregnant woman must be careful and protect herself from this disease. As the mother is not immune to this infection she should endure it as there is no medication to control it. But the doctor should keep a regular check on the anemic condition of the baby for a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

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The moment you have a doubt that you are pregnant the first and foremost job is to get it affirmed. Take an appointment with you doctor and get a pregnancy test done. If you are lucky you will get the appointment fixed the same day or else you may have to wait for a week or two. Being impatient will not help so keep cool as at times the doctor will call up after someday to affirm your pregnancy,.

Your first appointment with you gynecologist/OB/Midwife will be soon after you meet their secretary. Confide all you medical history to the doctor, what are the ailments that run in the family anal other details. Take all the papers related to it to show it to the doctor. Cooperate with the doctor in all the tests before he/she gives you the good news. The doctor may give you another appointment date to get the other tests done thoroughly. If you have conceived for the first time you will have many doubts arising in you mind regarding pregnancy and delivery. There are many good books available in the market which can guide you in the subject. You can also refer to books in your local library too.

The doctor prescribes prenatal vitamins which is good for you and your baby. In case of any aversion to it consult your doctor who will change the dosage. Some doctors refer an ultrasound test around 10-12 weeks. This shows the proper formation of the baby and how well it is developing. But some refer for ultrasound test only in your 20th week. And this depends on your doctor. The next test done is the blood sugar. An orange juice drink for the patient verifies whether the patients has or have a chance of acquiring gestational diabetes through a blood test which is taken after two to three hours after the drink.

The next appointments and check up will be after every fourth week for regular checkups. After you complete 36 weeks the check ups are done once in every two weeks. And later every week till the baby is born. Start preparing for your trimesters happily and enjoy motherhood till you hold the bundle of joy in your hands.

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Although there are some factors that are common in pregnancy for every woman each and every pregnancy is not identical. The moment you doubt the signs to be of pregnancy you can go for a home based test which are available at the local store. Although this home based tests are correct it is always better to take an appointment with your doctor and take all the clinical tests to get the pregnancy confirmed.

The main pregnancy signs experienced by most of the woman are morning sickness, aversion to smell and food, fatigue, and also mood swings. To maintain a healthy pregnancy the mother to be should refrain from drinking and smoking. She should take a balanced diet which should include plenty of fruits and vegetables and also milk in abundance. This will ensure good health both for the mother and the baby.

The next step on affirming your pregnancy is to shop for maternity clothes. Most of the women wear large shirts and elastic pants for their comfort but proper clothing is available in all stores which has a maternity section. Pregnancy shopping includes buying nursery items like baby clothes, blankets, toys, bassinet and rocking chair. In case you plan to change a room into a nursery then it is time you start to work on it. It is also very important for the pregnant woman to keep away from strong odors and harmful things during work for her safety and also for the baby.

The pregnant woman must face the natural changes during trimesters bravely. The mental and physical changes, frequent urination, mood swings are some of the changes that takes place during pregnancy. The woman may wish to shed the extra pounds after delivery but ample rest is important before starting any exercise. The attending physician can advise the necessary exercise taking into account the health of the mother.

The above mentioned piece of writing is just guidelines and information and not a medical prescription. So when a woman suspects pregnancy go for a home based test immediately and then for a professional consultation for further clinical tests to confirm and have a healthy and safe pregnancy.

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Pregnancy is the time when a woman should keep a check on the blood sugar level. Negligence in it makes the labor complicated making childbirth a painful and bad memory. Check you glucose level regularly and maintain it till the delivery date.

The baby to be stable the insulin level balances excessive blood sugar level during delivery. Due to this the baby has excess insulin which is bad for the infant. It turns to a state called hypoglycemic which is hazardous for the baby

The babys glucose level is examination many times to determine the normal level. The blood taken from the babys heel and is tested in the glucose meter just like as it is done with the adults.

Follow the directions given by your doctor about the diet and nutrition during pregnancy. Mention that you have gestational diabetes when you register in the hospital. Proper information provided will help you in hospital and also at the time of labor. Carry your glucose meter and insulin injection and administer them only under the strict advice of the doctor. Avoid insulin injection when going into labor. Keep a proper check of the glucose level throughout pregnancy to avoid labor hassles.

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The journal, Obstetrics and Gynecology, quotes that 50% of the pregnant woman had done diagnostic ultrasound in 1990 and the result was that 80% did not need any ultrasound and had an unnecessary expenditure of $ I Billion per year.

Whenever a mother needs to go for ultrasound it is better to know the advantages of the test and the risks that go with it. She should know if the tests are really necessary and if it would affect her baby or her care. If it is not going to affect her care in any way then there is no need for the ultrasound test. The mother should make herself fully aware of the advantages, risks and the real need of the ultrasound test before going for the test.

The Benefit of Ultrasound

The ACOG patient education flier says that ultrasound is not a must for every mother to be. But nowadays it is more of a practice than the need. But this test helps in detecting ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tumors, uterine cancer, congenital defects, endometriosis and cysts.

The ultrasound also finds out the correct age and weight of the fetus, the proper placement of placenta and the quantity of the amniotic fluid and also some birth defects. In case of gestational diabetics even ultrasound does not give appropriate result as the baby gains the necessary weight. It aids in amniocentesis to check the babys position.

Otto and Platt says that ultrasound helps to know the exact date of the pregnancy. But the error varies from +5 days in the first trimester, +8days in the second trimester and +22 days in the third or the last trimester.

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