The first pregnancy symptom is the missing period (Amenorrhea). Pregnant woman also feel, some
degree of nausea or vomiting. Symptoms of pregnancy may not always confirm pregnancy & also
might appear quite late, say after 6 – 7 weeks. The best way is to do a pregnancy test at home with
the help of a pregnancy test kit.
What is a pregnancy test kit?
A pregnancy test kit is a very simple strip that lets you know your pregnancy status by testing your
urine. It works by detecting the presence of 'hcg' hormone in agglutinating sera reagent strip.
What is "HCG"?
"HCG" (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone), present in the sample of urine of a pregnant woman.
Placenta starts developing after the fertilized egg implants in a women’s uterus. HCG is secreted by
the placenta into the blood & urine.
When & how to do the pregnancy test?
It can be detected as early as the sixth day after conception or on the first day of the missing period or
any day after that. If anybody does the test before the expected date of the periods, the result might
not be 100% correct. Test should be done with the first morning urine sample, though it can be done
any time during the day with fresh sample (test urine has been in the bladder for atleast 4 hrs.)
What are the chances of becoming pregnant from a single act of sex?
The likelihood of becoming pregnant from a single act of unprotected sex varies from person to
person, and also depends on the stage of a woman's menstrual cycle. The probability is highest
around the time of ovulation (when the egg is released), when, on an average, up to one third of
women will become pregnant from having sex once.
How long should I wait before carrying out a pregnancy test?
It depends on the type of test you buy. Most tests recommend testing on the day your period is due,
although you can buy some that can detect the pregnancy hormone in your urine up to four or five
days before this. Make sure you read the instructions thoroughly to find out how long you should wait.
If you are not sure when your period is due, the best idea is to wait for at least 10 days after having
had unprotected sex before testing (although it is worth remembering that it can take up to nineteen
days or more to show a positive result). If you get a negative result but your period still doesn't arrive,
you should test again at three-day intervals, until your period starts or you get a positive result. The
sooner you find out you are pregnant, the sooner you can start thinking about what to do next.
Is My Pre- Pregnancy Diet Sufficient During Pregnancy?
Good diet and nutrition before you’re pregnant means a healthier you and baby. Eating a well-
balanced, nutritious diet before pregnancy means less dietary changes during pregnancy.
What kind of diet is recommended in pregnancy?
Plenty of water and roughage in the diet is essential. Fresh fruits and vegetables are helpful in
providing necessary vitamins and minerals. Small frequent meals are helpful in the first three months
to reduce nausea and bloating. It is advisable to restrict yourself to food prepared at home.
