You think you’re pregnant
The idea of becoming pregnant can arouse different emotions and reflections. We may wonder about the changes each choice will bring, and what we are or aren’t ready to experience at this point in our lives.
Pregnancy symptoms
The main symptoms of pregnancy:
- Late menstruation
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Tender breasts
- Stretching in the lower abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Vertigo or dizziness (lightheadedness)
- Headache
- Change in appetite (increase or decrease)
- Vaginal discharge
- Higher basal body temperature
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Change in mood (mood swings)
- Feeling pregnant
Some symptoms may resemble premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
From the very first days, it is possible to notice certain symptoms of pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different: some women experience several symptoms, while others experience very few or none at all.
Symptoms to watch for
Bleeding and pregnancy
At the beginning of a pregnancy, in rare cases, some pregnant women continue to bleed every month. This blood loss is usually light (spotting, pinkish or brownish discharge). This happens especially to women who take hormonal methods, because those methods create an artificial cycle.
Pregnancy test
Are you worried about an unplanned pregnancy? Are you feeling symptoms of pregnancy, or do you think you might be pregnant?
It is important to take a pregnancy test so that all your choices (continue the pregnancy, abortion and adoption) remain open.
When should a pregnancy test be taken?
We suggest taking a pregnancy test when your menstruation is late or 2 or 3 weeks after a risky sexual relation. A test taken too soon may be negative because there may not be enough hormones to detect pregnancy.
After a negative result, it is important to take a 2nd pregnancy test 5 to 7 days later, if your period is still late or if you have pregnancy symptoms. Even if the test is negative, it is important for you to protect yourself in the meantime (for example, with a condom), because if you are not already pregnant, you could become pregnant.
By taking a pregnancy test at the right time, you will be able to start thinking about your choice, if it is not already clear to you.
You must take a pregnancy test quickly when…
- You have a long delay in your menstruation
- The longer the delay in menstruation, the more urgent it is to take a pregnancy test to ensure that all options (continue the pregnancy, abortion or adoption) remain possible in the case of pregnancy.
- If your menstruation is long overdue and the pregnancy test is negative, it is important to consult a doctor who can verify by examination or blood tests whether or not you are pregnant (beware of the risk of exceeding the abortion deadline).
- You had minimal bleeding during your last menstruation (pinkish or brownish discharge).
- You took the emergency pill with no bleeding in the 3 weeks that followed.
- You are taking a hormonal contraceptive method and are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy.
- You have several symptoms of pregnancy.
- You have had one or more risky sexual relations.
Do not wait to take a pregnancy test. You can take one now.
Where can I get a pregnancy test?
Free of charge
- If you live near Sherbrooke, you can come take a test at our premises; it’s free and confidential. Just contact us to make an appointment. You can come alone or accompanied.
- You can also go to school health services (school nurses) as well as certain CLSCs and youth clinics.
At a cost
- You can get a pregnancy test in a pharmacy at a cost varying from $7.00 to $15.00 or in a department store at a low cost.
How do I take a pregnancy test?
- Follow the instructions on the package.
- The first morning urine will give better results.
- If you are going through an unplanned pregnancy, you can consult our section for help in making a choice and contact us if you feel the need to talk.
A negative pregnancy test :
There are two possibilities:
- You are not pregnant.
- You are pregnant, but because your pregnancy hormones are low, the test cannot detect them yet.
If you do not menstruate in the next 5 to 7 days, you can take another test.
When pregnancy tests remain negative but there is a long menstrual delay, symptoms of pregnancy, or severe pain, it is important to consult a doctor so that all options remain possible if you are pregnant (continue the pregnancy, abortion, or adoption).
In the meantime, it’s important to use a contraceptive method (for example, the condom), because if you are not already pregnant, you could become pregnant.
A positive pregnancy test
Dark positive:
• You are pregnant. Exceptions are very rare, as the test is 99.9% accurate.
Pale positive:
• If the line is easily visible and it appeared during the test time delay, you are pregnant.
**CAUTION: Pregnancy tests taken too early can give false results.