Question : What is the first sign of pregnancy I should expect?
Dr. Akselrod : I must start by emphasizing that every women’s experience is very different and it can also vary with each pregnancy. Some women notice no change in their body and their only clue that they might be pregnant is missed menstrual period. Other women start experiencing nausea (morning or all day long), vomiting, bloating, breast sensitivity, back pain, tiredness, sleepiness just ab out the time of their missed menstrual period.
Question : I have all the “symptoms of pregnancy” but my pregnancy test is negative. How is that possible?
Dr. Akselrod : One of the explanations is that you performed the test too early. Another possibility is that you are not pregnant and your menstrual period is coming soon. Sometimes, the test may be wrong (“false negative”). See your doctor, if you believe that may be the case.
Question : I never missed my periods but my pregnancy test is positive. Could you explain that?
Dr. Akserlod : This is not so uncommon. If you look back, you may remember that your menstrual period last time was “unusual”. May be it was shorter or lighter and you doctor may refer to it as “spotting”. This generally happens during implantation period (when embryo attaches to the uterus) or at any point later during development of the placenta.
“Spotting” may occur during normally developing pregnancy or can be the first sign that pregnancy is not developing well or is located out side of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). Therefore, you should see you doctor to reassure that the pregnancy is developing well and is located in the uterus.
Question : I am pregnant with my second child. I was very nauseous with my first pregnancy but I am not feeling the same this time. Is this normal?
Dr. Akselrod : Every pregnancy experience may be different. So, enjoy the experience and see your doctor to reassure that everything is developing well.
Question : How soon after I feel I might be pregnant I should see a doctor ?
Dr. Akselrod : You can either do a “home pregnancy test” which are very accurate or see a doctor to confirm pregnancy with a test and possibly ultrasound. You should make an appointment with the doctor as early as possible. First of all, there are tests, that should be done relatively early in pregnancy and you don’t want to miss them. Also, although nausea, vomiting, back pain, spotting, abdominal pain most of the times are signs of normally developing pregnancy, they could also be signs of problem. Again, your doctor would be able to determine that.