Question 1: Are you using birth control?
Birth control can be effective at preventing pregnancy, but only when it is used correctly (and remember it’s not always guaranteed to work 100%). Unfortunately many people who use birth control don’t always use it properly. Other birth control methods, such as the withdrawal method, reliable. If you’re using an alternate method – or not using birth control at all – you’re much more likely to be pregnant.
Question 2: When did you last have your period?
One of the most reliable signs of being pregnant is if your period is late or never comes. However, some women also experience cramping and spotting in early pregnancy that makes them think they are having a period. Other women have irregular menstrual cycles that are difficult to track. In these cases, you may want to schedule a pregnancy test or medical consultation.
Question 3: When did you last ovulate?
Ovulation is the process of releasing an egg from your ovaries to be fertilized. If you have sex around the time of ovulation, your chances of becoming pregnant go up dramatically. Ovulation usually occurs around 2 weeks after your last menstrual period starts, though this timing can vary between women. Keep in mind, too, that a man’s sperm can live inside your body for several days. This makes pregnancy much more likely around the time of ovulation.
Question 4: Are you experiencing early pregnancy symptoms?
There are many symptoms of early pregnancy, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore or tender breasts
- Cramping or light spotting
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Food cravings or food aversions
- More frequent urination
- Indigestion and constipation
However, not all women have the same pregnancy symptoms or experience them the same way. If you’re experiencing a combination of the above symptoms, pregnancy is more likely, but only a pregnancy test can tell you for sure.
Question 5: Have you already taken a pregnancy test?
If you’ve already taken a pregnancy test, you might be wondering whether or not your result was accurate. There are two kinds of inaccurate tests: false negatives and false positives.
False negatives – where the test says you aren’t pregnant but you really are – are common. The usual reason for a false negative is not waiting long enough to take the test. Pregnancy tests are more accurate when you wait longer for pregnancy hormones to build up in your body. To get a definite reading from a pregnancy test, you’ll need to wait until after you should have started your period.
On the other hand, false positives – where the test says you are pregnant but you’re not – are extremely rare. They generally only occur when you are taking specific medications or have other health problems. In almost every case, if you have a positive pregnancy test it means you are pregnant.
Question 6: Have you gotten an ultrasound?
If you’ve received a positive pregnancy test, your next step is to schedule an ultrasound to make sure your pregnancy is healthy. Our clinic provides free pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds, and other pregnancy support services. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment.