Pregnancy Overview
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Missing your period can make you worried if you’re not planning a pregnancy. A missed period can be a symptom of pregnancy, but it is possible to be late for a period without being pregnant. A woman might miss her period for many reasons. A change in diet, exercise, or stress level could cause a late period. Sometimes, women have late periods for reasons they’re never able to trace.
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If you're worried about pregnancy, the first step is to find out if you’re pregnant.
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If you’re wondering if it’s too early to test, a good rule of thumb is that a pregnancy test should be accurate right around the first day after a missed period. If your period is irregular or you don’t know when to expect it, waiting 17 days after you had sex to take the test can usually give you an accurate reading.
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Take a pregnancy test - you can buy one at the pharmacy. Read more about Pregnancy Tests.
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If you're not sure if you should take a pregnancy test yet, call us/chat to get more information.
If you're worried about pregnancy, you might have lots of thoughts racing in your mind. You might feel excited about the possibility, but you may also be feeling stressed, anxious, confused, or scared. That’s totally normal.
Pregnancy Helpline India is here to help you determine if you’re pregnant and help you with your next steps. Call us now 0444 631 4300. We're here to help from 8 a.m. to midnight all the days of the year.
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Pregnancy Tests
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When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
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"Am I Pregnant? Is that even possible?" If you had unprotected sex or missed your period you might be asking yourself these questions. If you're not sure if you should take a test yet, it might help to try our free online Pregnancy Quiz now.
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A pregnancy test is usually a simple urine test that can show you if you are pregnant. It is recommended you take a test after the first day of a missed period or a few weeks after sex.
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One thing to keep in mind is that a pregnancy test is only an indication not a confirmation of pregnancy. Generally, you’ll need an ultrasound as a confirmation. The ultrasound can also tell you if your pregnancy is viable (viability means a pregnancy that is capable of developing under normal conditions) and give you an estimate of how far along you are. An ultrasound is also the only way to find out if you have an ectopic pregnancy, which could be life-threatening for both a mother and her child.
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When you take a pregnancy test, make sure you read the instructions carefully. In most tests, even a hint of a line is an indication of pregnancy.
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Keep in mind that for a test to be correct, it’s best that you wait until after you have missed your period. If you don’t know when to expect your period you can usually wait 17 days after you’ve had sex for the test to read correctly.
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You may want to take another pregnancy test if you took your first pregnancy test before your missed period—even if the test said you were not pregnant.
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If you are having trouble reading or understanding what your pregnancy test is telling you, you can always get help. For some of you a pregnancy can be a very stressful time for you.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Our friendly, knowledgeable counsellors at Pregnancy Helpline India can come alongside you and help you to understand your pregnancy test.
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To find out more, you can chat with us here on the website or call us at 0444 631 4300. We’re here to help between 8 a.m. to midnight.
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
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Any time you have sex, there is a chance you could get pregnant. Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. One of the most common symptoms is a delayed or missed period. You may see signs of pregnancy within a week of conception. It is also possible for symptoms to start a few weeks later.
If you think you could be pregnant watch for these early signs and symptoms - missed period, headaches, tender breasts, nausea, and lower backaches. Keep in mind that because these symptoms are not unique to pregnancy, you could be pregnant even if you don't have any of them.
If you have been sexually active and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take a pregnancy test. If that test is positive, confirm the pregnancy is viable with an ultrasound as soon as you can.
Not sure if you should take a pregnancy test yet? Take our free online Pregnancy Quiz to get
answers now.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
In addition to a missed period, the earliest symptoms of pregnancy might include:
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Tender, swollen breasts
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Nausea with or without vomiting
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Increased urination
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Fatigue
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Food aversions or cravings
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Bloating
Sometimes symptoms of pregnancy are less familiar or obvious. If you’re pregnant, you might also experience:
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Moodiness
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Light spotting
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Cramping
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Slight bleeding or cramping.
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Backaches
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Headaches
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Mood swings
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Dizziness
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Constipation
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Darkening of the Areolas
If you anxious you may find it helpful to talk with someone. Remember, our counsellors are here for you from 8 a.m. to midnight to assist you in this time of decisions.
Note: Pregnancy Helpline India and our network of participating life care organizations offer peer counselling and accurate information about all pregnancy related queries; however. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice.