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PREGNANCY

After an egg is fertilized by a sperm cell after sexual intercourse, it may become implanted in the uterus, and this is called pregnancy. A full term pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks (9 months). 

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​Symptoms of pregnancy:

 

How does one know if they are pregnant?​

 

There are many possible “signs” of the hormonal changes that are brought about by pregnancy, but the only way to really be sure if one is pregnant is by taking a home pregnancy test or by visiting a doctor! If you find yourself with any of these signs DON’T PANIC! They do not ALWAYS indicate pregnancy! Stay calm and get a pregnancy test or visit a professional for the next course of action!

 

  • ​Keep in mind that these signs are not exclusive only to pregnancy: they can occur due to different hormone levels as a normal part of the menstrual cycle! They are also not all encompassing; some people may feel many of these signs while pregnant, while others may not! Everybody is different, but here are some possible signs that one can look out for to see if further action is needed (like visiting the doctor or taking a home pregnancy test!).​
  • Missed period: A missed period may indicate pregnancy, but it does NOT always mean pregnancy! Especially if one’s cycle is irregular, a missed period may be caused by a number of other health or hormonal reasons. â€‹
  • Headaches that are especially painful or persistent
  • Spotting / light bleeding (again, this isn’t exclusive to pregnancy, it can happen in many different cases!)

  • Cramps or pain in the hips, back, etc

  • Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn

  • ​Breast tenderness or changes, weight gain

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  • The terms of pregnancy

    • Pregnancy is divided into 3 trimesters, each of which include important developmental milestones. 

    • First trimester (week 1-12)

      • The baby typically grows rapidly during the first trimester: it grows a brain, spinal cord, and other organs. The heart also starts to beat during this trimester! 

    • Second trimester (week 13-27)

      • The baby continues to grow and will start to move around! A healthcare provider is able to use an anatomy scan ultrasound during this trimester to detect any abnormalities and also the baby’s sex! 

    • Third trimester (week 28-40) 

      • The baby can now sense light, open and close its eyes, and its bones have formed! As labor approaches, the person who is pregnant may see more weight gain, discomfort, or pain. They may also experience Braxton-Hicks contractions, which are contractions of the uterus that do not lead to labor.

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