Pregnancy Symptoms

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Pregnancy Symptoms

If you believe you could be unexpectedly pregnant, this may be an emotional time. You may be feeling confused, scared, anxious, or a mix of many other emotions. You are in the right place to get the help and support you need.

If you missed a period, have a positive pregnancy test, or other early signs of pregnancy, the next step is to medically confirm the pregnancy with a medical grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound.

An ultrasound helps you know your options by determining:¹

• if the pregnancy is viable.
• how far along the pregnancy is.
• if a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy can be ruled out.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside of the uterus. Almost all ectopic pregnancies – more than 90% – occur in a fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, it can cause the tube to burst (rupture). A rupture can cause major internal bleeding. This can be a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate surgery.²

• Missed period
• Light spotting or cramping
• Changes in breasts
• Feeling tired
• Nausea
• Frequent urination
• Food aversions
• Dizziness or headaches
• Constipation

Between 5 ½ to 6 ½ weeks, a fetal heartbeat may be detected by vaginal ultrasound. Generally, 6 ½ to 7 weeks is when both a heartbeat can be detected, and viability can be assessed. A normal heartbeat at 6 to 7 weeks would be 90 to 110 beats per minute. The presence of a fetal heartbeat is a positive sign of the health of the pregnancy. Once a heartbeat is detected, the chance of the pregnancy continuing ranges from 70 to 90% depending on what type of ultrasound is used.⁴

It is advisable to start taking prenatal vitamins before conception or as soon as you discover you’re pregnant. If you are already pregnant and haven’t started prenatals yet, start as soon as possible. Starting them early and continuing them throughout your entire pregnancy helps nourish your body with essential nutrients.⁵

Pregnancy gestation is measured from the first day of the last menstrual period, not from the actual date of conception.6 Because of this, if sex that led to conception occurred 4 weeks ago, a woman is considered 6 weeks pregnant. This is because with a regular cycle, ovulation usually occurs 2 weeks after the first day of her period.⁷

Many of these signs and symptoms aren’t unique to pregnancy. Some of these signs can indicate that you’re getting sick or that your period is about to start. Also, you can be pregnant without experiencing many of these symptoms.³

However, if you miss a period and notice some of the symptoms listed, you should get a medical grade pregnancy test and an ultrasound. The ultrasound is needed to:

• rule out a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.
• confirm viability and not a miscarriage.
• gestational age of fetus. Gestational age is important information for women who are considering abortion because the various abortion procedures are based on this information. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed with an ultrasound, the better.

Both pregnancy tests and ultrasounds play a crucial role in ensuring accurate pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring. Pregnancy tests detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced in early pregnancy, in urine. Pregnancy tests are about 99% accurate when used correctly.⁸

Ultrasounds are considered highly reliable for confirming viability of pregnancy and assessing fetal development. Ultrasounds use sound waves to create images of the uterus and the presence of a fetus. They are often used throughout pregnancy to monitor both the mother and the developing fetus.⁹

Combining the result of both tests enhances the accuracy of pregnancy diagnosis and ongoing care.

False results, either a false negative or a false positive, mainly happen due to using the test incorrectly. The main reason for a false negative is testing too early. A false positive is rare, but it can happen. Factors like medication, certain medical conditions, or improper test usage can lead to inaccurate results. Also, this may be the case if you experience a chemical pregnancy or lose the pregnancy shortly after the fertilized egg attaches to your uterine wall.¹⁰

If you have taken multiple pregnancy tests and are getting mixed results, a blood test and/or ultrasound may be advised.

If you have concerns about missed periods and your pregnancy test continues to be negative, you should see your personal health care provider for assessment. If you need resources for health care, Network Medical can provide you with referrals.

Get Expert Care! Call us at 805-967-9096 or schedule an appointment.

At your appointment, you will be able to discuss the full range of options (abortion, un planned parenthood / parenting, adoption) including the details for each option, so you can make the best choice for your situation and feel confident about your decision.

Whether you choose abortion, unplanned parenthood / parenting, or adoption, you can trust the information you receive as accurate and unbiased because we do not receive financial profit from any choice you make.

All services are FREE and confidential.

• FREE pregnancy testing – medical grade pregnancy test performed by a registered nurse.
• FREE pregnancy ultrasound – rule out possible life-threatening ectopic pregnancy, determine how far along you are, whether there is a presence or absence of a fetal heartbeat (viability), and assess your options based on your unique circumstances and needs.
• FREE abortion education – answer your questions and provide accurate, up-to-date medical information so you are equipped to make a fully informed choice.
• FREE STD testing and treatment

We value your privacy. You’re free to discuss your circumstances and situation in our neutral, non-judgmental, and confidential setting.

10 Sources / Citations

¹ Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Ultrasound in Pregnancy. Retrieved November 10, 2023 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy

² The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2022). Ectopic Pregnancy. Retrieved December 12, 2023 from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/ectopic-pregnancy

³ Mayo Clinic. (2021). Symptoms of Pregnancy: What happens first. Retrieved November 10, 2023 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853?pg=1

⁴ American Pregnancy Association. (n.d.). Early Fetal Development. Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/early-fetal-development/

⁵Cleveland Clinic. (2022.). When should you start taking prenatal vitamins? Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-to-start-taking-prenatal-vitamins

⁶ Cleveland Clinic. (2021.). Due Date Calculator. Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22052-due-date-calculator

⁷ Cleveland Clinic. (2023.). Calculating a due date. Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/calculating-a-due-date

⁸ Cleveland Clinic. (2022.). Pregnancy test: When to take, Types & Accuracy. Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9703-pregnancy-tests

⁹ Ulrich CC, Dewald O. (2023.). Pregnancy Ultrasound Evaluation. Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557572/

¹⁰ Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022.). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results? Retrieved January 9, 2024 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940#:~:text=That’s%20rare.,attached%20to%20the%20uterine%20lining