It's important to clarify that checking your pulse cannot determine if you are pregnant. Pulse assessment only provides information about heart rate, not pregnancy status.
Here's how to accurately check your pulse, as per the reference, while understanding this does not indicate pregnancy:
How to Check Your Pulse
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find a suitable location: The best places to check your pulse are in the neck (carotid artery) or inside of your wrist (radial artery).
- Use the correct fingers: Use two or three fingers, typically your index and middle fingers. Never use your thumb, because it has a pulse of its own which can be confused as your pulse.
- Apply gentle pressure: Gently press your fingers on the artery. You should feel a rhythmic throbbing or tapping. Do not press too hard.
- Count for a specific time: Count the number of beats you feel for 15 seconds. Multiply this number by four to determine your beats per minute (BPM), which provides your heart rate.
Where to Locate Your Pulse
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Neck | On either side of the neck, below the jawline near the windpipe (carotid artery) |
| Inside of wrist | On the thumb side of the wrist, where the radial artery is located |
Understanding Pulse and Heart Rate
- What it is: The pulse is a result of the heart contracting and pushing blood through the arteries. Each "pulse" felt corresponds to one heartbeat.
- What it tells you: The pulse indicates how fast your heart is beating (heart rate). This rate can vary based on physical activity, stress, and overall health.
- How to measure: Count the number of pulses for 15 seconds and multiply by four for your heart rate per minute.
- Reference information: Figure 9.5 Use two or three fingers (never your thumb) to feel the pulse in the neck or inside of the wrist. The pulse tells you how fast the heart is beating. Every time the heart beats (contracts) it pushes blood out into the arteries. You can feel each 'pulse' by pressing gently on an artery with your fingers.
Important Note about Pregnancy
Checking your pulse cannot tell you if you are pregnant. Pregnancy is detected by other methods such as a home pregnancy test or a blood test by a healthcare provider.
- Reliable Methods: If you think you are pregnant, it's best to use a home pregnancy test or visit your doctor for a blood test.
- Pregnancy Symptoms: Common early pregnancy symptoms include missed periods, nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, and increased urination.
