Am I Pregnant?
If you think you may be pregnant, look out for these tell-tale signs. Keep in mind, however, that the stress from simply suspecting you are pregnant can cause some of the symptoms detailed below.
DETAILS OF SYMPTOMS | TIME OF APPEARANCE | OTHER REASONS FOR SYMPTOM |
|---|---|---|
| Delay/Difference in Menstruation | During entire pregnancy | Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill. |
| Tender/Swollen Breasts Fatigue | 1-2 weeks after conception 1-6 weeks after conception | Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation. Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu. |
| Nausea/Vomiting | 2-8 weeks after conception | Food poisoning, stress, other stomach disorders. |
| Frequent Urination Backaches | 6-8 weeks after conception During entire pregnancy | Urinary tract infection, diabetes, taking excessive diuretics. Impending menstruation, other back problems, physical or mental strains |
| Frequent Headaches Food Cravings | Sometimes entire pregnancy During entire pregnancy | Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, other ailments. Poor diet, stress, depression, impending menstruation |
Symptoms alone cannot confirm a pregnancy. If you are concerned that you are exhibiting some of these symptoms..
Please call Life on 6798989 or call in person to
29/30 Dame St, Dublin 2.
When does ovulation occur?
Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed down the Fallopian tube, and becomes available for fertilization. The lining of the uterus has thickened to prepare for a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining, as well as blood, will be shed. This secretion is the menstrual flow. The diagram below details a woman's average monthly cycle. Counting the first day of a woman's menstrual cycle as Day 1, the most fertile period of a woman's cycle (where there is a higher probability of getting pregnant) is between Days 12 and 18. Thus, women with a very consistent cycle will be most able to get pregnant for a short time about 2 weeks before her next period comes. However, many women mistakenly estimate when their next period will come. Other women have such irregular menstruation that pinpointing their ovulation is more difficult. In either case, becoming pregnant unintentionally is common. Be aware, that ovulation can occur at various times during a cycle, so some women can conceive at very different times in their menstrual cycle. Remember also that sperm can live for at least 3 days.
Ovulation Chart
