Confirming you are pregnant
Home pregnancy tests are 97% accurate, so are one of the best ways to confirm a pregnancy. See our feature on home pregnancy testing to find out how they work. You can buy home pregnancy tests from most pharmacies and one will usually be enough (although most women buy more because they can't believe their eyes!).
Make sure you read the instructions carefully because most have a time in which you have to wait to confirm the result and all tests vary slightly.
Once the test comes back with a positive result you may want to make an appointment with your GP. They probably won't carry out any other tests on you (a positive pregnancy test is pretty certain) but will ask you which hospital you want your baby to be born in, so you can be registered for antenatal care to begin. Your GP can also give you other helpful advice such as what foods to avoid in pregnancy, and can help with any pregnancy concerns you may have.
Here are some other tests and checks to expect during your pregnancy
Blood tests
Your doctor can carry out a blood test to test the Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels in your blood, but this is only done if there is a problem such as bleeding or pain. Rising HCG levels typically indicate a pregnancy, and falling levels typically indicate a failing one — however, HCG levels one way or the other are no guarantee either way. The most reliable way to tell you are pregnant is with a home pregnancy test.
Internal examination
Women have their first ultrasound scan at around twelve weeks, so internal examinations are rarely needed. In the past they were used to confirm pregnancy by looking at the vagina and cervix through a speculum to see if they had a purplish tinge, which is the result of extra blood directed into the pelvic area during pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests are so reliable now that internal examinations are rare.
See our feature am I pregnant? for physical signs such as breast changes, strange tastes in your mouth or a heightened sense of smell.
Why not chat to other mums about this, or other topics, by leaving a message on our chat forum.
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Last Modified: 26/04/2007
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