October Pregnancy Handbook

Author: Wang Nanning
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: How to Determine Pregnancy
Determining if you are pregnant is not difficult if you pay attention to the following aspects. Of course, after the doctor thoroughly reviews your medical history and performs examinations, a definitive diagnosis can be made.
1. Menstrual Cessation
Normally, women have their period once a month. If a woman who has had sexual intercourse does not experience her period, the possibility of pregnancy is high. However, some women have irregular menstrual cycles due to factors such as fatigue, poor health, or excessive stress, which may cause delayed periods or even short-term amenorrhea. Therefore, it is not necessarily true that a missed period means pregnancy.
2. Basal Body Temperature Not Decreasing
A simple and reliable self-diagnostic method is measuring basal body temperature. Especially for newly married couples, when planning to choose a pregnancy date, they can measure their basal body temperature to help diagnose pregnancy earlier. The method of measuring basal body temperature is very simple: every morning, immediately after waking up, without getting out of bed or engaging in any activity, first place a thermometer under your tongue and leave it there for three minutes. Then, check the temperature and record the results daily. Under normal circumstances, if you are not pregnant, your temperature will rise for 12–14 days and then your period will come again. If your temperature remains elevated for 17–18 days without your period arriving, you may be pregnant.
3. Nausea or Vomiting, Food Cravings
In early pregnancy, especially between the 40th day and two months, an increase in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, increased saliva, and a lack of appetite. These symptoms are usually more pronounced in the morning and are also referred to as "morning sickness" or "pregnancy-related nausea." These changes generally improve after the third month of pregnancy. Of course, if the symptoms are severe, it is important to consult a doctor early. However, some women may not experience these symptoms even if they are pregnant.
4. Increased Urination
After pregnancy, the uterus gradually enlarges, and by the third month, the bladder is significantly compressed, leading to increased urination. Additionally, the rectum may be compressed by the uterus, causing constipation.
5. Changes in the Vagina
During pregnancy, the body produces more hormones, which can cause pigmentation to darken, especially the color of the outer vulva, which may even turn black. Additionally, increased progesterone causes blood vessels to dilate and become congested, making the vagina appear red or dark red and softer and more lubricated.
6. Breast Changes
Many women experience breast tenderness or hardness a few days before their period, and this can also occur in early pregnancy. Due to hormonal changes, the nipples and areolas may darken or turn black. These characteristics become more pronounced as the pregnancy progresses.
7. Confirming Pregnancy with a Doctor
Delayed periods and symptoms like vomiting are generally signs of pregnancy, but they are not diagnostic criteria. To confirm pregnancy, specialized medical examinations are necessary. Before confirming pregnancy, the doctor will ask various questions and record them in the medical history, such as personal, husband's, and family health history; pregnancy and childbirth history; menstrual cycle, menstrual conditions, and the date of the last menstrual period; and whether there is nausea,