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Most women experience some signs and symptoms of pregnancy as early as three weeks after conception. The likelihood of pregnancy increases if signs are present; but the absence of signs does not rule out pregnancy. A diagnosis of pregnancy CANNOT be made based on symptoms alone.

Service providers can ask these specific questions if pregnancy is suspected:

• When was your last period? Was it normal?
• Do you usually get regular periods (normal is between every 23-36 days)
• Are you sexually active?
• Do you use birth control (hormonal contraception and/or condoms)?
• Do you take your birth control correctly and consistently?
• Do you have any symptoms of pregnancy?
• Is there a chance you might be pregnant?

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If a woman reports a missed period, involvement in sexual activity, imperfect/no use of birth control and suspicion of pregnancy, these are signs that a pregnancy test will be positive.

The most common signs and symptoms of early pregnancy are:

• A missed period, especially if it has been more than a week.
• Nausea with or without vomiting (“morning sickness”). This is typical during first 6-12 weeks of pregnancy and is often worse in the morning but can occur any time of day.
• Breast tenderness, swelling, heaviness, tingling or soreness.
• Increased frequency of urination.
• Fatigue, which is most common in first trimester, less common in the second trimester.

Other common signs of early pregnancy are:

• Irregular bleeding – some women have irregular bleeding on and off, or bleeding around the time that one would expect their period.
• Food cravings and food aversions.
• Mood changes.
• Lightheadedness.
• Bloating.
• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Lower back pain.
• Nasal congestion.
• Uterine cramping.
• Shortness of breath (not otherwise explained).

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Bleeding in early pregnancy that is heavier than a typical period or accompanied by pain may be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If this occurs, it is important that the person goes to a health care provider.

Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy tests test for the pregnancy hormone, human choronic gonadotropin (hCG), which can be measured in blood or urine. The blood test can detect hCG as early as 6-12 days after ovulation. Urine tests are generally less sensitive than the blood test.

Urine pregnancy tests can be done in the home, doctor’s office, or laboratory. A urine pregnancy test is usually done after missing a period. If the test is done too soon, the result may not be accurate. If the test is negative and the period does not come, the test should be repeated in one or two weeks.

If a home pregnancy test is done, make sure to follow the instructions on the kit carefully and that it hasn’t passed its expiry date. Use a first morning urine sample because that is when the level of hormone is highest.

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If there has been unprotected sex in the last five days using emergency contraception (EC) can help prevent pregnancy. There are three methods of EC: two types emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs); and Copper IUD.

The ECP works best if taken within first 24 hours but can be used up to 5 days. Levonorgestrel ECPs can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription, or found at many family doctors, walk in clinics or Alberta Health Services Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinics. For information on community resources, click here.  A newer type of ECP, ulipristal acetate is also available by prescription. The Copper IUD needs to be inserted into the uterus by a trained health care professional. Youth should be encouraged to call their local clinic to see if this if offered.

A person should do a pregnancy test if their period does not come within three weeks of using EC, or if the period is much lighter than normal. For more information on ECPs, click here.

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A woman and the people she chooses to support her can get help to review her pregnancy options in a non-judgmental way at any Alberta Health Services Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic. For information on community resources, click here.

TIP:

If cost is a concern in accessing an abortion, people can contact an abortion service provider to discuss the concern.

TIP:

Some people are able to stop using substances when they are pregnant. So finding out about a pregnancy early is very important in order to reduce harm.

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Some pregnant youth use marijuana to reduce morning sickness. This is not safe for the pregnancy. Marijuana stays in the fat cells of the unborn baby for 30 days, interfering with fetal growth and health (UCSF Medical Center, 2002-2015).