How to Tell If You Have Achieved Pregnancy?

Pregnancy occurs when the female egg is fertilized by the sperm inside the female body. The female body releases one egg per menstrual cycle, a stage called ovulation [1]. The egg released in ovulation travels to the fallopian tube, where it waits for the sperm cells.

When a sperm cell reach the egg and fertilizes it, it marks the start of pregnancy. A woman experiences several characteristic signs indicating that she has achieved pregnancy. This knowledge of the early signs of pregnancy will help provide better care to the mother and the baby.

In this article, we will guide you on some early signs of pregnancy. The article also includes some tips for a healthy and successful pregnancy.

What is the Primary Indication of Pregnancy?

The earliest sign of pregnancy is usually implantation bleeding [2]. This light bleeding from the vagina occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. It usually happens about 10 to 14 days after ovulation [3].

Since Implantation bleeding occurs at the same time as periods, many women confuse implantation blood with period blood. Apparently, the implantation bleeding is different from a period as it is much lighter in color and flow. The blood in implantation bleeding is pinkish or brownish, unlike the dark red blood in menses.

The spotting typically lasts only a few hours to two days. On the other hand, period blood can be seen for several days, which distinguishes implantation bleeding from the period. This is an early hint for women about their pregnancy.

Other Early Signs of Pregnancy

Not every woman experiences implantation bleeding. According to reports, implantation bleeding occurs in 1 in 4 pregnant women [3]. Thus, in addition to implantation blood, you must look for other common symptoms of pregnancy [4].

Other early signs and symptoms that may suggest you have achieved pregnancy are:

1. Missed Period: When you miss periods, it is the most obvious sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you miss a period, it means that your body is preparing for pregnancy.
2. Breast Changes: When pregnancy hormone levels rise after the embryo's implantation into the uterus, you start to experience changes in your breasts. They may feel tender, swollen, or sore. Your nipples may become darker, and the veins in your breasts sometimes appear more prominent.
3. Fatigue: Feeling tired more than usual is another early sign of pregnancy. The body works harder to support the growing embryo, causing a drop in energy levels.
4. Nausea or Morning Sickness: Nausea is a common early sign of pregnancy in most women. Sometimes, it also results in vomiting. This symptom can start as early as two weeks after conception.
5. Frequent Urination: Studies show that hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect kidneys [5]. An increase in urination can occur as early as two to three weeks after conception.
6. Mood Swings: Mood swings in females are normally associated with hormonal changes. Hormonal shifts during early pregnancy can cause mood changes, making you feel more emotional than usual.

Pregnancy Tests to Confirm Pregnancy

When experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, women often ask, how do I know If I have conceived? The most reliable way to confirm if you have achieved pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test. There are two main types of tests:

• Home Pregnancy Test: This is a quick and easy method to check for pregnancy at home. Home tests detect the presence of the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced by the placenta after implantation [6].

• Blood Test: A blood test by a testing facility can detect pregnancy earlier than a home test, typically within 6 to 8 days after ovulation. This method is more accurate and can also measure the exact levels of hCG in your bloodstream.

What to Do if Your Pregnancy Test is Positive?

If your pregnancy test comes back positive, it's time to start taking care of yourself and your growing baby. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Contact Your Doctor: Set up a visit with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and start your prenatal care. Your doctor will perform tests, including blood work and possibly an ultrasound, to ensure everything is progressing normally.
2. Begin Prenatal Care: Prenatal vitamins with folic acid are essential for the healthy development of your baby's neural tube. Your doctor will likely recommend other supplements or lifestyle changes to support your pregnancy.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on eating nutritious foods that will provide the essential vitamins and minerals you need for a healthy pregnancy. In addition to diet, you can also get these essential nutrients from fertility supplements for women.
4. Avoid Harmful Substances: Stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and using any recreational drugs immediately, as they are risk factors for pregnancy. These substances can harm your and your baby’s health.

Conclusion: Importance Of Early Pregnancy Signs

Early pregnancy symptoms will tell you that you are pregnant through missed periods, implantation bleeding, and morning sickness. You can notice the changes in your body through these symptoms. By finding such signs, you can take a pregnancy test to confirm whether it is true.

Once the pregnancy has been confirmed, it is important to start taking care of oneself by consulting a doctor and developing healthy habits that are beneficial to the mother and the baby.

Resources Used

1. Thiyagarajan, D. K., Basit, H., & Jeanmonod, R. (2022, October 24). Physiology, Menstrual Cycle. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/ 
2. Shahid. (2024c, September 29). Implantation Bleeding: What Every Woman Should Know. Conceive Plus®. https://conceiveplus.com/blogs/blog/implantation-bleeding-what-every-woman-should-know 
3. Professional, C. C. M. (2024k, August 9). Implantation Bleeding. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24536-implantation-bleeding 
4. Lutterodt, M. C., Kähler, P., Kragstrup, J., Nicolaisdottir, D. R., Siersma, V., & Ertmann, R. K. (2019). Examining to what extent pregnancy-related physical symptoms worry women in the first trimester of pregnancy: A cross-sectional study in general practice. BJGP Open, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgpopen19X101674 
5. Hussein, W., & Lafayette, R. A. (2013). Renal function in normal and disordered pregnancy. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 23(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.mnh.0000436545.94132.52 
6. Gnoth, C., & Johnson, S. (2014). Strips of Hope: Accuracy of Home Pregnancy Tests and New Developments. Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde, 74(7), 661-669. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0034-1368589