Am I Pregnant?
You have a nagging suspicion that you may be pregnant, but you’re not sure.
Pay attention to yourself – there are signs that may provide you a hint or two besides a missed period. As your body undergoes hormonal changes when you are pregnant, you may notice some of these symptoms:
- Tenderness in the breasts
- Nausea
- Fatigue and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
- Spotting and cramps
- Constipation
- Food aversion or cravings
As early as two weeks into your pregnancy, your breasts may start to feel tender, tingly or sore.
Morning sickness can start as early as two weeks into your pregnancy, and may be caused by the rising oestrogen level in your body, coupled with a heightened sense of smell.
High level of progesterone result in increased sleepiness. The enlarging womb compresses the bladder causing the woman to wake up frequently to pass urine. The sleep disruption can result in fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Some women may experience light bleeding or spotting, which is known as implantation bleeding. This happens when the fertilised egg implants itself to the uterine wall, at around 10 to 14 days of pregnancy. This should not be confused with the usual menstrual bleeding – it is lighter in colour, spottier and does not last as long. Some women may also experience abdominal pains that are similar to menstrual cramps.
The increase in progesterone in your body can cause food to pass slower through the intestines, causing constipation.
You may also suddenly find yourself turning up your nose at certain foods while craving for others, especially during the first trimester.
Knowing for sure
So with all these symptoms am I pregnant? These are symptoms and the best way to settle your curiosity is first to do a home pregnancy test.
When pregnancy begins and a fertilised egg implants on the uterine wall, your body will start producing a hormone known as the human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). Home pregnancy tests can detect the HCG hormone in your urine within one week after your missed period.
You can find a variety of home pregnancy test kits from the pharmacy. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure your test results are as accurate as possible.
If your home pregnancy test is positive, or if you have mixed results from multiple tests, make an appointment to see a doctor or a gynaecologist to confirm if your pregnancy is viable.
What’s next?
Once your doctor confirms the pregnancy, it’s time to spread the good news! Get started on prenatal care and prepare the best for your baby with your other half. Quit smoking, eat healthier and start looking forward to your little bundle of joy!
However, sometimes the unexpected happen. If the pregnancy is unintended, there are a few options you can explore:
- Single parenthood
- Adoption
- Abortion
If you do not intend to marry the father of your child, you can opt to raise the child on your own. It takes courage and strength to be a single mom, but parenting is also a rewarding experience.
If you feel that you are not in a position to raise your child on your own, you may chose adoption to provide your baby a future home. In Singapore, adoptive parents are always screened carefully to ensure your baby is placed with a good family.
It is not an easy decision to terminate your pregnancy. Speak to your loved ones, discuss it with your doctor and learn about the procedure, risks and the psycho-social effects before you make your decision. In Singapore, an abortion must be performed by a gynaecologist in a certified institution after you’ve undergone pre-abortion counselling, and your pregnancy must be under 24 weeks . Do call the National Pregnancy Helpline at 1800-686-8623 (1800-MUM-TO-BE) if you need advice.
Pregnancy is the beginning of a beautiful experience, but you should never have to deal with it on your own regardless of your decisions. It’s important that you have the support of your loved ones or seek counselling if you’re having trouble dealing with your emotions.
