To be sure you are pregnant, take a pregnancy test. Many early signs of pregnancy can be misleading.
Confirming Pregnancy
While symptoms like a missed period, nausea (morning sickness), and tiredness can suggest pregnancy, they can also be caused by other factors like stress or illness. Therefore, definitive confirmation requires medical testing. Here’s how to confirm:
Home Pregnancy Test (Urine Test)
- These tests are readily available at most drugstores.
- Follow the instructions carefully for accurate results.
- A positive result is highly likely to indicate pregnancy.
Medical Consultation
If you suspect you are pregnant, consult your General Practitioner (GP). They can provide more accurate confirmation through several methods:
- Urine Test: Similar to home tests, but conducted in a clinical setting.
- Blood Test: A blood test performed by your GP can detect pregnancy earlier than a urine test.
- Ultrasound Scan: This can confirm the pregnancy and also estimate the gestational age.
Summary
| Method | Details | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| Home Pregnancy Test | Urine test; readily available | High if instructions are followed correctly. |
| GP's Urine Test | Urine test performed by a healthcare professional | High accuracy. |
| GP's Blood Test | Blood test performed by a healthcare professional | Can detect pregnancy earlier than urine tests; very accurate. |
| Ultrasound Scan | Imaging to confirm the pregnancy and estimate gestational age | Provides visual confirmation and additional details about the pregnancy. |
