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Positive Signs After Embryo Transfer

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The season of waiting for a child usually seems like it would go on forever. Most times, this period is characterized by anxiety and stress. In fact, this is heightened when you have done an embryo transfer and are waiting for a positive pregnancy result.

An embryo transfer is the last, most important, and most delicate step in the IVF (in-vitro fertilization) process. In this process, the embryo (or embryos) are carefully placed into the uterus of the mother. This is done using a transfer cannula and an ultrasound machine.

embryo transfer

Are you trying to conceive? Are you considering IVF as an option for conception? Did you just complete an embryo transfer and you simply can’t wait to know how it turned out?

This article is for you.

In this post, we’ve outlined 10 signs of a successful embryo transfer.

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10 signs that your embryo transfer was successful

Here’s the fact: A positive pregnancy test result is the only accurate sign of a successful embryo transfer.

This pregnancy test is often conducted 14 days after the embryo transfer, but if you are in a hurry, you can go for the test at about 9 – 10 days. This is so because the estrogen and progesterone (hormonal treatment) taken before the embryo transfer, and the progesterone taken after the transfer can produce symptoms that mimic pregnancy.

Nevertheless, there are a number of signs that may suggest a successful transfer. These include:

1. Nausea

Nausea in pregnancy can be a result of increased levels of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This hormone is also present after a successful embryo transfer and therefore may be the reason behind your nausea.

2. Cramping

Yes, cramping is a sign that your period is almost here but it can also be a sign that the “embryo is staying” following an embryo transfer.

embryo transfer

You need to remember that these cramps may be a result of the progesterone you took during the course of the procedure. In addition, the cramps may be the direct result of the entire IVF procedure.

3. Fatigue

Do you know that feeling that makes you just want to lie down and chill all day?

Yes, it may also be a sign of a successful embryo transfer.

In fact, this fatigue may begin after a successful transfer and last throughout pregnancy. Sometimes, it may even extend beyond!

On another note, fatigue may just be one of the many side effects of the hormonal therapy you were placed on during the transfer process.

4. Sore Breasts

For some women, sore and tender breasts are one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, even before a missed period.

It may also be the same with you.

If you notice that your breasts are sore or swollen or if they are tender when you touch them, then it is very possible that embryo transfer was successful.

Asides from the soreness of the breasts, you may also notice harder than normal breasts, a tingling sensation in the nipples, or dark areolas.

5. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

A woman’s basal body temperature increases by about 1℃ at the time of conception and remains this way throughout pregnancy. If you notice a mild rise in your temperature, then you can rest assured in the fact that there’s a chance you’re pregnant.

6. Dizziness, Pins and Needles

These may be as a result of the hormones used to stimulate the ovaries or used to prepare the endometrial wall for implantation of the uterus. Furthermore, it can also indicate that the embryo transfer was successful.

7. Changes in Vaginal Discharge

If the changes and apparent increase in vaginal discharge are a result of a successful embryo transfer, you may notice a thin, white, mild-smelling discharge.

In fact, the vaginal discharge may be voluminous in the early days following the transfer. This is a result of the progesterone that was used to prepare you for the transfer.

8. Spotting

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy in a woman, which is often missed or misinterpreted, is bleeding or spotting. When you notice a little amount of blood in your underwear after an embryo transfer, it may be a sign that the transfer was successful.

This can mean that the embryo has successfully implanted into the wall of your uterus.

There can also be an associated spotting that is seen 2 to 3 days after the embryo transfer. This may be due to the vaginal progesterone applicators that touched the overly sensitive outer part of the cervix.

9. Increase In Urinary Frequency

Following a successful embryo transfer, there’d be a noticeable increase in bathroom breaks.

Cloudy Urine

This is often a result of the increase in the hCG and progesterone hormones. The increased need to pee can also be a result of the extra blood in your body after the successful embryo transfer.

10. No Symptoms

Yeah, you read that right!

That you have no symptoms can actually mean that you are pregnant too. If you aren’t experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, then you should not worry or get agitated.

Remember, a positive pregnancy test is the only accurate way to confirm that you are pregnant. When you’ve got that, you can be absolutely sure.

Conclusion

The two-week period of waiting following an embryo transfer can be very emotional. For most people, it is a period of time where all you do is just to hope for the best, and that all works out well.

As you wait, you need to remain calm and stay positive in your words and thoughts. You should also bear in mind that whether you have the symptoms listed above or not, the only specific test to be sure that the transfer was successful is a positive pregnancy test.

References

Chavez-Badiola, A., Flores-Saiffe Farias, A., Mendizabal-Ruiz, G. et al. Predicting pregnancy test results after embryo transfer by image feature extraction and analysis using machine learning. Sci Rep 10, 4394 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-61357-9

Georgi Stamenov Stamenov, Dimitar Angelov Parvanov, Todor Angelov Chaushev, “Successful Pregnancy following Mixed Double Embryo Transfer in a Patient with Variable Window of Implantation”, Case Reports in Obstetrics and Gynecology, vol. 2018, Article ID 1687583, 4 pages, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1687583

Placenta: What It Is and How It Forms During Pregnancy

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During pregnancy, your body undergoes various changes to ensure that your little one gets all the nutrients needed for proper development. To achieve this, your body does an amazing thing – it grows a brand new, but temporary, organ called the placenta.

In this article, you’d learn all you need to know about the placenta; what it is, how it’s formed, its functions, and possible complications.

Table of contents:

What is Placenta?

The placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy. This unique organ supplies oxygen and nutrients to your baby during pregnancy. In addition to this, it also removes waste products and carbon dioxide from your little one’s circulatory system.

placenta

The placenta is called a fetomaternal organ because it has two components:

  • The Fetal Part
  • The Maternal Part

In normal conditions, the placenta attaches to the wall of your uterus (often at the side or on the top) and is connected to your baby through the umbilical cord. However, in placenta previa, the placenta blocks the cervix and obstructs the path that the baby should come out from during vaginal delivery.

When Does the Placenta Form?

The placenta begins to develop in the third week of pregnancy. This involves changes in the wall of the uterus where implantation occurred and the chorionic sac (a bag-like structure that contains the embryo). Furthermore, the blood vessels in the uterus undergo various alterations that also contribute to the formation of this important organ.

When does placenta form

In most cases, this special organ is fully developed by the eighth week of pregnancy when it takes over hormone production, nutrient transport, and gaseous exchange. At this point, you would likely get a positive pregnancy test result due to hCG production from the placenta.

Functions of The Placenta

1. Oxygen Transport

During pregnancy, your little one depends on you for his/her oxygen supply. The truth is, this gaseous exchange is one of the primary functions of the placenta. The large surface area of the placenta allows oxygen-poor blood from the fetus to mix with oxygen-rich blood from the mother. This way, your baby has a steady supply of the right amount of oxygen needed to function and grow.

placenta

2. Nutrient Transport

Another important function of the placenta is nutrient delivery from the mother to the baby. Nutrients absorbed into the blood from the mother’s diet, are delivered to the growing baby through the placenta and umbilical cord. That’s how all of a pregnant mum’s meals get to the baby without them having to take a single bite!

Some of the nutrients transported include:

  • Glucose
  • Water
  • Amino Acids
  • Vitamins

3. Hormonal Function

The placenta secretes important pregnancy hormones that support the baby’s development. Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin, which is the major hormone produced by the placenta, maintains pregnancy and stops menstruation after implantation has occurred. Furthermore, hCG serves as the basis of pregnancy testing.

Pregnancy test strip

In addition to hCG, the placenta secretes other important hormones like:

  • Human Chorionic Somatomammotrophin (hCS): which functions in breast development and improves breast milk supply after childbirth.
  • Progestrone: This really important placental hormone maintains the pregnancy and prevents spontaneous abortion. In addition, progesterone increases uterine secretions thereby promoting nutrient supply to the developing embryo.

4. Waste Removal

The placenta serves as the only route for your baby’s waste removal during pregnancy. Waste products of metabolism and development are passed into the amniotic fluid and to the placenta before it is eventually removed from the mother’s body via urination or defecation.

How Long Does The Placenta Stay?

Although each pregnancy is unique, the placenta usually begins functioning fully by the eighth week of pregnancy and lasts for the entire duration of pregnancy.

What Happens To The Placenta After Birth?

In vaginal delivery, the placenta is also delivered through the birth canal after the baby has been delivered. Medical experts often refer to this process as the third stage of labor.

After childbirth, you would continue to experience mild contractions until the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus and is expelled. To aid this process, your health care provider may administer a drug called oxytocin or gently massage your lower abdomen until the placenta is removed. You might be asked to give a final push to expel the placenta in some cases.

During a C-section, your doctor would remove the placenta from your uterus as a part of the surgical procedure.

After delivery, your doctor would examine it to make sure that there’s no remnant placenta tissue left in your uterus as this may cause postpartum hemorrhage (excessive bleeding after delivery) or uterine infections if left unchecked.

If you want to, you can ask to see the placenta before it is disposed of.

Possible Placental Complications

Placenta Previa

This is an important medical condition that occurs when the placenta blocks the cervix. When this happens, the placenta blocks the birth canal which is the baby’s route during vaginal delivery. Depending on its exact position in the uterus, placenta previa may be marginal, partial, or complete.

Placenta Previa types

Women with placenta previa often experience light to heavy bleeding, accompanied with abdominal cramps or serious back pain.

Although there is no drug to cure placenta previa, this placental complication can be managed by limiting blood loss until the baby can be safely delivered. A Cesarean section would be conducted to deliver the baby and remove the placenta in cases where the bleeding is heavy and incessant.

Placental Abruption

This happens when the placenta peels away from the uterine wall before delivery. Placental abruption can reduce the amount of oxygen getting to your baby during pregnancy, which can lead to poor growth, brain injury, low birth weight, or premature birth.

When it occurs, placental abruption often requires an emergency cesarean delivery (even if the baby is not up to term). If the baby is still preterm and the separation is minimal, close monitoring, bed rest, and medications to help the baby survive outside the uterus are recommended until it is safe enough to deliver the baby.

Placenta Accreta

This happens when the placenta grows too deeply into the uterus. In this instance, it becomes very difficult to separate the placenta from the uterus during delivery. Therefore, this condition can lead to excessive bleeding from the uterus. Sadly, this condition is life-threatening and may require surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy) to stop the bleeding.

Other placental complications include:

Symptoms of Placenta Complications

In most cases, women with any of the placental complications mentioned earlier often experience:

  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Abdominal pain
  • Back Pain
  • Severe uterine contractions

If you notice any of these symptoms at any stage of your pregnancy, please contact your doctor immediately.

Risk Factors for Placenta Complications During Pregnancy

Sometimes, a normal and healthy pregnancy may eventually lead to a placenta complication.

However, medical researchers have identified the following as the major risk factors for placenta complications during pregnancy:

  • Increased maternal age (above 35)
  • Genetics
  • High blood pressure
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Previous C-section
  • Substance (Alcohol or Illicit Drug) use
  • Abdominal trauma

Thankfully, attending regular antenatal clinics would provide your doctor with all the info he/she needs to identify these risk factors if they exist and monitor you closely

How to Prevent Placenta Complications

Here’s the good news:

You can reduce the possibility of these complications during pregnancy by:

  • Avoiding alcohol or illicit drugs
  • Checking your blood pressure regularly
  • Following a healthy pregnancy diet
  • Attending regular antenatal clinics
  • Reporting any strange symptoms or feeling to your healthcare provider

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to remember that the placenta is an important and unique organ of pregnancy. It ensures efficient oxygen and nutrient supply to your baby during pregnancy. However, various medical conditions could affect it in the course of pregnancy.

If you notice any of the symptoms of placenta complications mentioned in this article, please contact your doctor immediately. You can read more on Eating Placenta here and positive signs after embryo transfer

We are always here for you.

References
  • How your fetus grows during pregnancy. (2020).
    acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/how-your-fetus-grows-during-pregnancy
  • Perlman N. (2019). Retained placenta after vaginal delivery: Risk factors and management. DOI: 
    10.2147/IJWH.S218933
  • Benirschke K, Kaufmann P: Pathology of the Human Placenta, ed 4, New York, 2000, Springer-Verlag.
  • Cross JC: Formation of the placenta and extraembryonic membranes, Ann N Y Acad Sci 857:23, 1998.
  • Kazandi M: Conservative and surgical treatment of abnormal placenta­tion: report of five cases and review of the literature, Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 37:310, 2010.
  • Cunningham FG, Leveno KJ, Bloom SL, et al: Williams’ Obstetrics, ed 23, New York, 2009, McGraw-Hill.

Dry Mouth in Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Pregnancy comes with a long list of weird symptoms. From morning sickness to food cravings, the list is almost endless. Sometimes, pregnancy even comes with a symptom as unusual as dry mouth.

Although it is not one of the popular pregnancy symptoms, dry mouth is not a strange occurrence for women in this period.

In this article, you’d find all you need to know about dry mouth in pregnancy; the causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

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What is Dry Mouth in Pregnancy?

Here’s the fact: Saliva is a really important feature in your mouth. It helps you digest food, moistens your mouth, and protects it by controlling its bacteria and fungi population.

During pregnancy, the hormone fluctuations that come with your growing baby can affect salivary secretion in your mouth. In addition, reduced salivary secretion during pregnancy may also be a sign of gestational diabetes.

Dry mouth pregnancy is a really important condition because it increases your risk of mouth infections (like thrush), tooth decay, and gum disease.

What Causes Dry Mouth During Pregnancy?

Like every other weird pregnancy symptom, many factors contribute to the development of dry mouth during pregnancy.

Some of them include:

1. Dehydration

This is what happens when your body loses more water than it gets. During pregnancy, vomiting ( during morning sickness) and diarrhea can cause dehydration. Therefore, it is advisable to drink lots of water during the entire period of your pregnancy.

In fact, we recommend an average of 8 cups daily.

Water

In addition to causing dry mouth, dehydration during pregnancy can also lead to persistent headaches, dark yellow urine, dizziness, and extreme fatigue.

2. Side Effect of Certain Medications

Sometimes, certain prescribed medications during pregnancy can alter the amount of saliva in your mouth.  For example, drugs used to treat hypertension and anti-emetics (for nausea treatment) can cause dry mouth.

In addition, dry mouth may also be a side effect of sedatives and muscle relaxants.

3. Gestational Diabetes

As we mentioned earlier, gestational diabetes is a leading cause of dry mouth during pregnancy. This condition, which raises your blood sugar level, only occurs during pregnancy. In this post, we talked about the signs, symptoms, and management of gestational diabetes.

4. Lifestyle Choices

Certain lifestyle choices can also affect the amount of saliva in your mouth during pregnancy. These include:

  • Smoking
  • Caffeine Intake
  • Tobacco Consumption
  • Irregular sleep patterns

All of the factors listed above also contribute to the development of dry mouth during pregnancy.

Symptoms of Dry Mouth during Pregnancy

In addition to the obvious dryness and absence of saliva in your mouth, other common symptoms of dry mouth pregnancy include:

  • Difficulty in chewing, tasting, and swallowing
  • Sore throat
  • Burning sensation in the mouth
  • Oral sores
  • Bad breath
  • Red, raw tongue
  • Frequent Thirst

What to Do When Your Mouth Is Dry During Pregnancy

The first step is to identify the cause.

You can do this by speaking to your doctor to identify and eliminate the cause. If your dry mouth is a side effect of medication, he/she may adjust the dose or stop the drug entirely.

Furthermore, causes like dehydration can be sorted by drinking 8 glasses of water daily. In addition, lifestyle modifications like limiting caffeine intake, quitting smoking, and tobacco use are recommended.

You can also manage dry mouth during pregnancy by:

  • Using fluoride toothpaste
  • Chewing sugar-free gum
  • Moisturizing the air in your living area with a humidifier
  • Reducing salt intake
  • Taking more liquid-based food
  • Drinking more water
  • Using a mouthwash
  • Sucking on ice chips
  • Breathing through your nose
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Using a lip moisturizer
  • Reducing caffeine consumption
  • Rinsing your mouth before and after meals

Oral Hygiene In Pregnancy

dry mouth in pregnancy

While expecting, your oral health is more important than ever.

In addition to dry mouth, there are other important oral health conditions to consider. These include:

  • Gingivitis
  • Bad breath
  • Thrush
  • Tooth Decay

You can avoid these conditions by brushing twice daily, rinsing your mouth before and after meals, as well as using dental floss to clean the spaces between your teeth every day.

In addition to this, your diet is also super important. A healthy pregnancy diet that includes the right quantity and quality of veggies, vitamins, and milk will go a long way in improving and maintaining your oral health.

You can also take fruits like Oranges and Bananas which contain the right amount of calcium, vitamin C, and Vitamin A.

Although dry mouth during pregnancy increases the risk of the oral conditions mentioned above, you can easily avoid them by staying hydrated and following the tips listed in this article.

 Conclusion

Finally, it is important to remember that dry mouth pregnancy is not strange. In fact, many other moms and moms-to-be have experienced this.

It is usually just a function of the hormone changes that come with a growing baby.

You can relieve the symptoms of dry mouth in pregnancy by drinking more water and making the necessary lifestyle modifications. If the home remedies listed in this article don’t help, please contact your doctor for more assistance.

We are always here to help you, Mama.

References
  • Gupta S, Gupta N. Sjögren Syndrome and Pregnancy: A Literature Review. Perm J. 2017;21:16-047. doi: 10.7812/TPP/16-047. Epub 2016 Nov 9. PMID: 28080954; PMCID: PMC5267941.
  • Fayyaz A, Kurien BT, Scofield RH. Autoantibodies in Sjögren’s Syndrome. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2016 Aug;42(3):419-34. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2016.03.002. Epub 2016 Jun 21. PMID: 27431345; PMCID: PMC4955792.

Can Precum Cause Pregnancy?

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Although most people believe the withdrawal method is an effective way of preventing pregnancy, this is not the case. In fact, there’s a possibility of getting pregnant even after using the withdrawal method as a contraceptive. This is because precum can cause pregnancy.

Here’s the fact: Precum (or pre-ejaculate) can be a really confusing term. In fact, most people have a lot of questions about pre-ejaculate and its role in conception or pregnancy.

This article would supply all you need to know about precum and pregnancy.

In this article; you’d find out how pregnancy occurs, what precum is, and the content of precum. In addition, you’d learn a lot about the possibility of getting pregnant from a precum release.

Don’t Stop Reading.

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How Does Pregnancy Happen?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg released by a woman is fertilized by a sperm cell from a man in the reproductive tract of the woman. This can happen through penetrative or non-penetrative sexual intercourse.

During penetrative sex (when the penis enters the vagina), semen can be ejaculated. Semen is actually the liquid released during ejaculation. It contains millions of sperm cells that enter the female reproductive system and move up to the fallopian tubes where conception occurs.

can pre-cum cause pregnancy

On the other hand, the chances of conception occurring after non-penetrative sex where ejaculation doesn’t happen in the vagina are very low. The thing is, sperm cells can only stay alive for a short time outside the vagina. However, if semen from your partner finds its way to your vagina or vulva after non-penetrative sex, pregnancy may ensue.

What Exactly Is Precum?

Precum or pre-ejaculate is a fluid released by men just before climax during sex. It is a lubricant produced in the urethra which also improves the survival rate of sperm cells in the acidic environment of the vagina.

Precum is made up of:

  • Protein
  • Mucus
  • Enzymes

These components work together to create a suitable environment for the sperm in a woman’s vagina. Although precum is released before semen during sex, it may contain enough sperm to cause pregnancy.

Does Precum Really Contain Sperm?

Precum does not actually contain sperm. However, it is possible for sperm to leak into precum.

Furthermore, semen from a previous ejaculation may linger in the male urethra after and mix with pre-cum on its way out. Urinating before sex can help flush out any leftover semen.

This reduces the chance that sperm will appear in your pre-cum.

When Is Precum Released?

No one can control precum release.

It is an involuntary body function that happens just before ejaculation. As a result, the withdrawal method is not an effective method of preventing pregnancy. Even if he withdraws before climax, it is still possible for precum to get into the vagina. This is why the withdrawal method is not a very effective contraceptive method.

You can read this post to discover how contraceptives work in males.

In addition, the withdrawal method is not as reliable as other contraceptive methods like birth control pills or barrier contraceptives like condoms.

Is it Possible to Get Pregnant from Precum When I’m Not Ovulating?

Yes!

You can get pregnant from precum even if you are not ovulating. This is because precum still contains live sperm and these can live for about five days in a woman’s reproductive tract before dying.

Ovulation occurs normally in the middle of your menstrual cycle (i.e. day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle or 14 days before you start your next period). Therefore, having regular sex in the week leading to ovulation (the fertile window) or on the day you ovulate, can increase your chances of getting pregnant from pre-cum.

Is It Possible To Prevent Precum Release Using Withdrawal Method?

Sadly, there is no way to prevent precum release.

This is because it is an involuntary action. In fact, the amount of precum released by the man is dependent on all the following factors:

  • Level of arousal
  • Hydration level
  • Medications
  • Hormonal status.

In fact, the only way to prevent pregnancy from a precum release is to use a safe and effective barrier (i.e. a condom). If you don’t want to get pregnant and still want to use the withdrawal method, you should combine it with another contraceptive method. For this, you can contact your health care provider for the best birth control option for you and your partner.

Conclusion

Although your chances of becoming pregnant from precum may be small, it is still possible.

If you plan to avoid pregnancy, the best option is to contact your doctor for a suitable birth control method for you. Furthermore, it always helps to have good knowledge about emergency contraceptives while trying to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

We’re always here to help you.

References

Stephen R. Killick, Christine Leary, James Trussell, And Katherine A. Guthrie (2011). Sperm content of pre-ejaculatory fluid. Human fertility. 14(1): 48–52. Accessed on 9th August, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3564677/#__ffn_sectitle

Lampiao, Fanuel (2014). Coitus Interruptus: Are there spermatozoa in the pre-ejaculate? International Journal of Medicine and Biomedical Research. Accessed on 9th August, 2021 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/269604759_International_Journal_of_Medicine_and_Biomedical_Research

Patel Jasmine, Nelson Anita L., and Nguyen Brian T. (2020). Is There Sperm in Pre-ejaculate? How to Study Pre-ejaculate to Determine Contraceptive Efficacy for Withdrawal [23I]. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Accessed on 9th August, 2021 from https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/abstract/2020/05001/is_there_sperm_in_pre_ejaculate__how_to_study.340.aspx

Singleton Pregnancy: All You Need To Know

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Each pregnancy is unique for every woman; from the symptoms to the duration, and even the number of growing babies. Although it is less common, it is possible to have more than one baby growing in your uterus at the same time. In this article, we’d walk you through the commoner alternative; a singleton pregnancy.  

Read on to learn more.

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What’s A Singleton Pregnancy?

In plain terms, a singleton pregnancy means being pregnant with only one baby at a time. It is the direct opposite of a multiple pregnancy, which occurs when a woman is expecting more than one baby in the same pregnancy.

A woman with a singleton pregnancy

Are Singleton Pregnancies More Common?

Yes.

Medical studies show that singleton pregnancies are more common than multiple pregnancies. In fact, the American Pregnancy Association postulates that there are only about 32.6 multiples per 1,000 births per year in the United States.

This means that you’re 96.74% more likely to have a singleton pregnancy.

However, it is important to remember that any of the following factors can increase the possibility of having a multiple pregnancy:

  • Age
  • Genes
  • Fertility Treatments

Antenatal Care for Singleton Pregnancies

Proper antenatal care is an important part of pregnancy, even for singleton pregnancies.

This is a form of essential healthcare with the ultimate aim of ensuring a healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery for both mother and child.

Regular antenatal clinics would help your doctor monitor your pregnancy, identify potential complications, and guide you to a healthy delivery.

A singleton pregnancy doctor with nylon gloves

During your singleton pregnancy, your antenatal care may include:

  • Routine Blood Tests: to check for anemia, HIV, blood type, genotype, hormonal fluctuations and other blood-related factors during pregnancy.
  • Blood Pressure Checks: This is very important to reduce the possibility of high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy.
  • Ultrasound Scans: to monitor your baby’s growth and heart rate
  • Weight Measurement
  • Dietary Advice

Your doctor may even recommend special breastfeeding or baby care classes that would teach you how to breastfeed and care for your little one effectively.

Postpartum Care for Singleton Pregnancies

Although most of the hype is usually about antenatal care and staying healthy in all the stages of pregnancy, postpartum care is also very important.

In most cases the postpartum period lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks, starting from the day your little one is born.

During this period, most women undergo a lot of physical and emotional changes as they learn to care for the newborn.

Proper postpartum care after a singleton pregnancy includes:

1. Proper Rest

Rest is super important for all new moms. With the right amount of rest, your body gets all it needs to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Getting enough rest also helps to keep your skin firm and healthy after pregnancy.

After a singleton pregnancy, you can get enough rest by:

  • Sleeping when your baby sleeps
  • Reducing your caffeine intake
  • Eating well
  • Receiving help from friends and family

2. Healthy Diets

A healthy diet is very important for every new mom.

In addition to providing your little one with all he/she needs for a healthy life, a healthy diet would strengthen you and help your body heal faster.

As you recover from the rigors of pregnancy, you can follow a diet that is rich in:

  • Fluids
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Protein
  • Healthy Fat

3. Proper Vaginal Care

Vaginal care is another essential part of postpartum care after a singleton pregnancy. If you’re experiencing any form of vaginal soreness, urination problems, vaginal discharge, or postpartum cramps, please visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Differences between Singleton and Multiple Pregnancies

1. A Smaller Bump

Although most moms-to-be may not notice this, one of the major differences between a singleton and twin pregnancy is the size of your baby bump.

Some experts agree that a singleton baby bump may be about 20% smaller than a multiple pregnancy belly. Thankfully, a lighter (or smaller) baby bump is less stressful for the uterus and mother.

2. Reduced Fatigue

Here’s the fact: more babies come with increased demands on your body and mind.

Although fatigue is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, women with singleton pregnancies usually don’t have to deal with as much fatigue as moms with multiples.

This may be a function of hormonal fluctuations, increased urination, and sleep interruptions during pregnancy.

To reduce the severity of fatigue during pregnancy, you can:

  • Drink less caffeine
  • Eat healthy
  • Move your bedtime earlier

3. Reduced HcG Levels

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) is an important pregnancy hormone which forms the basis of pregnancy tests. In fact, home pregnancy test kits are specially designed to detect this hormone in your urine to confirm pregnancy.

If you’re trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment, your doctor may conduct some blood tests to establish your average hCG level. After this, he/she will continue to monitor your numbers for any drastic changes.

In 2018, a research study showed that women pregnant with singletons may have lower hCG baseline levels than those pregnant with multiples.

4. Single Heartbeat

With a fetal doppler, it is possible to hear your baby’s heartbeat as early as the 8th or 9th week of pregnancy.

A singleton pregnancy due date calculator

In a multiple pregnancy, the doctor may detect a second heartbeat and schedule an ultrasound scan to get a clearer picture. However, this is not the case with a singleton pregnancy.

5. Reduced Weight Gain

Weight gain is a common concern for most moms-to-be.

A singleton pregnancy reduce weight gain

Although this difference may not become obvious till the later stages of pregnancy, women with singleton pregnancies usually don’t add as much weight as those with multiple pregnancies.

In addition to the changes listed above, studies show that women with singleton pregnancies tend to get to term and have vaginal deliveries a lot more than those with multiple pregnancies.

Conclusion

Every pregnancy, whether singleton or multiple, is an exciting and unique process. Although it comes with some changes and risks, it is important to focus on your health and seek proper antenatal care during pregnancy.

It is also essential to note that the early signs of pregnancy may not confirm whether or not you have a singleton, however, proper prenatal tests can.

If you have any concerns or worries about your pregnancy, please contact your healthcare provider.

We are always here to help you.

References

Cryptic Pregnancy: All You Need To Know

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Do you think it’s possible for a baby to hide all through pregnancy? Have you heard strange stories about women who don’t know they are pregnant until the baby just pops out in the bathroom? When this happens, it is called a cryptic pregnancy.

Although they are quite rare, cryptic pregnancies are not strange.

In this article, you’d get all the info about cryptic pregnancies; what they are, the symptoms, causes, and how to successfully detect them.

Table of contents

What’s A Cryptic Pregnancy?

Can you be pregnant and not know until the last few days before delivery?

Yes. You can. Interestingly, this is still possible even if you’ve taken multiple pregnancy tests and consulted your doctor.

Here’s the deal:

When this occurs, it is called a cryptic pregnancy. In other terms, it is also referred to as a stealth pregnancy. This is because it can avoid detection by regular pregnancy testing methods.

cryptic pregnancy
pregnancy-scan

For some women, cryptic pregnancies do not come with the tell-tale signs of pregnancy. In fact, symptoms like nausea or mild fatigue (which are strongly associated with pregnancy) may be written off as a passing illness like a stomach upset.

 To help you on this journey, we’d talk about the possible symptoms of cryptic pregnancy.

What Are The Signs of Cryptic Pregnancy?

Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. If you’re already a mom, you may experience a different set of symptoms from what you did the first time.

The signs of cryptic pregnancy may be a lot like what comes with regular pregnancy. These include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Mood Swings
  • Increased Urination
  • Swollen/Tender Breasts

However, if you cannot confirm these symptoms with a positive pregnancy test, it is really easy to dismiss them as something else.

Another common sign of pregnancy is the weight gain and resulting baby bump. However, the case is different with cryptic pregnancy because there’s usually no prominent baby bump. During a cryptic pregnancy, the baby may grow at a slower pace than usual. Furthermore, the baby’s position may also explain the absence of an obvious baby bump.

PT Strip result

In addition, a cryptic pregnancy can cause light bleeding or spotting which is often confused for an irregular period.

The Causes of Cryptic Pregnancy

1. Hormones

Once again, the hormones are responsible.

As we mentioned earlier, the fluctuating hormonal levels associated with cryptic pregnancy can cause light spotting or bleeding that resembles a period. As a result, women with irregular cycles often dismiss this bleeding as a period sign, rather than what it really is (a cryptic pregnancy).

Furthermore, if you’ve just given birth, it may take a while before your hormones return to normal. In this period, you may even start ovulating and get pregnant without knowing it.

2. Birth Control

Even if you’re on a birth control plan, there’s still a chance that you may get pregnant. When this happens, you may not experience any of the obvious pregnancy symptoms, leading to a cryptic pregnancy.

3. Stress

High stress levels may provide a possible or alternative explanation for the fatigue or headaches that come with the early stages of pregnancy.

Furthermore, stress greatly affects your hormone levels. This can aggravate or alleviate many common pregnancy symptoms.

4. Physical & Lifestyle Factors

Certain physical factors and lifestyle factors like athleticism can cause your periods to become highly irregular. People who perform high-impact sports often have low levels of certain hormones, increasing the chances of having a cryptic pregnancy.

5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

This is a serious medical condition characterized by obesity, enlarged ovaries, irregular periods, and reduced fertility. When it occurs, this condition can limit your fertility and create hormonal imbalances which may eventually cause a cryptic pregnancy.

6. Perimenopause

This is the 3 to 5 year period prior to menopause (with or without breast tenderness). In this time window, your estrogen levels would begin to drop and your periods would become less consistent. Pregnancies often go undetected in this period because the obvious symptoms like weight gain and hormone fluctuations may be misinterpreted as menopausal symptoms.

How Do Cryptic Pregnancies Remain Undetected?

As we mentioned earlier, cryptic pregnancies occur when a pregnancy remains undetected for a very long time due to one or more of the reasons above.

Hormonal Imbalance

In most cases, the primary reason is an imbalance in a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. This is the hormone that determines the result of a pregnancy test.

When hCG levels are low, it is possible to get a negative pregnancy test result even during pregnancy. Furthermore, certain fertility drugs or antibiotics can also alter hCG levels during pregnancy.

An Inconclusive Ultrasound

Sometimes, an ultrasound may fail to locate the growing fetus. This happens if the technician is not looking at the right spot. In fact, the chances of this happening are high if you’ve mentioned that previous urine-based pregnancy tests have come in negative.

Furthermore, an ultrasound may fail to confirm pregnancy if:

  • It is an ectopic pregnancy
  • Your uterus has an irregular shape
  • There’s any technical glitch

How Can I Detect A Cryptic Pregnancy?

You can confirm a cryptic pregnancy by:

1. Conducting Multiple Pregnancy Tests

This works.

You can take more than one pregnancy test (with at least one-week interval between two) after a missed period. This would authenticate the result you get. Furthermore, you can consult your healthcare provider for a more accurate blood or urine test.

2. Speaking To Your Doctor

If you’re not certain about the presence or absence of a pregnancy, book an appointment with your doctor. Remember to mention any irregularities with your menstrual cycle.

To help you, he/she may recommend an early ultrasound to confirm the presence of a growing baby.

3. Monitor Your Symptoms

Underrate nothing.

Monitor your symptoms and report any concerns or questions to your health care provider. This would increase the chances of detecting a cryptic pregnancy.

Conclusion

Cryptic pregnancies are real but uncommon.

In fact, it is still largely misunderstood by most people. If you think you’re pregnant, don’t forget that the usual early testing methods like blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasounds are accurate in most cases.

However, if you continue to experience pregnancy symptoms after a negative test result, speak to your doctor for his/her advice. After this, you can wait for another week or two before conducting another pregnancy test.

Finally, if you’re disturbed or don’t think you can handle being pregnant, please contact your healthcare provider.

You are not alone, Mama.

References

How To Use A Pregnancy Test (PT) Strip

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Do you think you are pregnant? Are you still uncertain? Do you want to find out in minutes?

A pregnancy test strip is for you!

What Is A Pregnancy Test (PT) Strip?

A pregnancy test strip is a quick test to check if you are pregnant.

It can be used manually in the comfort of your home to get results in minutes. It works by detecting a hormone that is present in the urine during pregnancy.

pregnancy-test-strip

Things To Know About Your Pregnancy Test (PT) Strip

Here are a few facts to remember as you purchase that PT strip:

  • Each Brand Is Unique: As a result, you’ve got to read the instructions carefully and follow them closely.
  • A PT strip result may be affected by various external factors.
  • The entire test is based on the presence of HCG, a pregnancy hormone, in your urine.
  • If you follow the recommendations in this article, your test result may be 99% accurate

How Accurate Is The Pregnancy Test Strip?

A lot of pregnancy test kits claim to be 99% accurate.

However, this is greatly affected by how well you use them. You need to follow the instructions accurately to get accurate results. Misusing or misunderstanding the test kit would give you the wrong results.

Also, make sure the kit you are using is not expired.

When Can I Use Pregnancy Test Strip?

The best time to use a pregnancy test strip depends on the kit in question. Some kits are more sensitive than others and can be used earlier, usually fourteen days after you had sex. For less sensitive kits, waiting till you miss your period would give you a more accurate result.

It is best to take the test very early in the morning; Let it be the first thing you do.

This is because once you start consuming a lot of liquids during the day, your urine could become too dilute, giving a negative result even if you are pregnant.

How To Use Pregnancy Test (PT) Strip With Urine

A pregnancy (PT) strip is pretty easy to use. In fact, you can get accurate pregnancy test results from the comfort of your home.

Here are easy steps you could follow for more accurate results;

Step 1:

Get a clean and dry plastic or glass container to collect your urine.

urine-sample-container

Some brands might require you pee directly on the stick. In that case, you would not need this.

Step 2:

Remove the test strip from its pack and dip it inside the urine collected in the container. Make sure the urine does not pass the maximum line of the strip. This could affect your results.

urine color
urine-sample

Read the instructions carefully. Some test strips may ask you to put a drop of urine on an indicated area on the stick instead.

Step 3:

Check the instructions for how long you should leave the stick for, regardless of if you are peeing directly on the stick or placing it in a cup of urine. The length of time is usually just a few seconds. Place it on a clean, dry and non-absorbent surface after removal.

pregnancy-check

Step 4:

Wait for the stated length of time, usually about five to ten minutes.

Step 5:

Check your test strip for results. The symbols used to indicate results differ from test strip to test strip. In most cases, a PT strip result is determined based on these two factors:

  • Signs
  • Color Bands

How To Read A Pregnancy Test (PT) Result

Here’s how to check the result of a PT strip test:

Positive Result

  • A plus (＋) sign: A plus sign indicates a positive result and that you are pregnant.
  • Color Bands: Two color bands mean a positive result and that you are pregnant.

However, it is important to note that one line may appear lighter than the other, but they would always be of equal thickness.

Negative Results

  • A minus (-) sign: A minus sign indicates a negative result and that you are not pregnant.
  • Color Bands: One color band means a positive result and that you are not pregnant.

Invalid Result

In some cases, there may be no color band on a PT strip. This simply means that the PT strip delivered an invalid result. Your test failed. You need to repeat or get a new test kit

Furthermore, some PT strip brands may even have a digital display with direct words of “pregnant” or “not pregnant”.

Can A PT Be Wrong?

It is possible to get a negative result even though you are pregnant. This might happen if;

  • the test is taken too early
  • you check the test results too soon
  • diluted urine is used.
  • you have a cryptic pregnancy

It is also possible to get a positive result even though you are not pregnant, although this is rare. This might happen if;

  • You just had an abortion
  • A miscarriage occurred recently
  • A woman is on fertility drugs that contain HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). This is particularly common in women on the TTC journey who are trying to conceive.
  • There’s a problem with your ovaries

Finally,

A pregnancy test strip is a very convenient way to check if you are pregnant, especially if you want to keep it private.

In addition, we recommend that you take repeated tests within a few days to be sure of your result. However, a blood test is still the most accurate way of confirming pregnancy.

Regardless of your result, remember to visit your healthcare provider for more guidance.

REFERENCES
  • Geneva Reed 2020, How To Use Pregnancy Test strip, Instructables Living, Viewed on July 5, 2020, <https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Use-Pregnancy-Test-Strips/>.
  • Lori Smith 2020, Pregnancy Test: All You Need To Know, Medical News Today, Viewed July 5, 2020, <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295001>.
  • Mayo Clinic Staff 2020,Getting Pregnant, Mayo Clinic, Viewed on July 5, 2020, <https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940>.

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Cloudy Urine in Pregnancy

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Frequent urination is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Sometimes, you may even observe different colors and consistencies of urine that were not present before you became pregnant. A typical example of this is the occurrence of cloudy urine in pregnancy.

In this article, we’d talk about the features of normal urine, different colors of urine, causes of cloudy urine during pregnancy, and how to reduce the symptoms.

Table of contents:

What Are The Features of Normal Urine?

Normal urine is a clear, sterile, and pale-yellow fluid. It has a characteristic chemical-like smell that may be slightly offensive. Sometimes, your urine can appear to be colorless, especially if you’ve just taken large amounts of water.

How Common Is Cloudy Urine During Pregnancy?

Cloudy urine is one of the many changes that come with pregnancy. In fact, it is even more common than you may think. While expecting your little one, there’d be changes to your hormones, medication, and diet. These changes, as well as other important factors, can make your urine look cloudy.

cloudy-urine-in-pregnancy

As a result, cloudy urine is a common occurrence in pregnancy

What Causes Cloudy Urine In pregnancy?

The common causes of cloudy urine in pregnancy are:

1. Hormonal changes.

This is the primary cause of cloudy urine during pregnancy.

While expecting, your body undergoes diverse hormonal changes to support your growing baby. For example, there is an increase in the level of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the first trimester, which is passed out through urine. Sometimes, the increased presence of hCG can make your urine cloudy.

2. Dehydration.

Most times, pregnancy comes with nausea and vomiting. When this happens, the consistent fluid loss via vomitting can cause dehydration.

Dehydration during pregnancy will lead to dark and concentrated urine, that also appears cloudy.

3. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Sadly, UTIs are common during pregnancy. When this happens, it can also result in cloudy urine.

During pregnancy, if you notice a marked increase in the frequency of urination, as well as a foul-smell, please consult your doctor immediately.

cloudy-urine-in-pregnancy-test

4. Excess Protein In Urine.

This condition is called proteinuria. Excess protein content in your urine can also make it look cloudy or foamy. This usually occurs in the second or third trimester.

If this excessive amount of protein in urine is accompanied by high blood pressure, it may be a sign of preeclampsia.

5. Dietary modifications.

No doubt, your diet and food cravings would change during pregnancy. You may even begin to crave meals you didn’t like before pregnancy. In some instances, these sudden and abrupt changes may cause your urine to appear cloudy.

This usually occurs if your new diet contains high amounts of phosphorous or Vitamin D. When this happens, you can just remove the foods you weren’t eating before pregnancy and watch out to see if that’s the actual cause.

6. Vaginal discharge.

Vaginal discharge is not strange during pregnancy. However, excess discharge can also cause cloudy urine.

cloudy-urine-in-pregnancy-vaginal-discharge

If you experience this symptom, please consult your doctor.

7. Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus causes an abnormal increase in blood sugar level. When this sugar moves into the urine, it can also cause it (your urine) to appear cloudy. In addition, diabetes mellitus may also cause urine to have a sweet or fruity smell.

Different Colors of Urine

As we mentioned earlier, normal urine should be clear, sterile, and pale-yellow. However, several factors can alter the color of your urine.

In this section, we’ve compiled some common urine colors and the possible causes:

  • Red or pink colored urine: This is usually due to the presence of blood in the urine and can be a symptom for a serious health condition. In other instances, red-colored urine may result from dietary modifications, like increased consumption of beets or blackberries.
  • Brown or dark orange urine. This is not a good sign at all. Brown or dark orange urine indicates that there is excessive secretion of bile, which could be a symptom of a serious liver problem.
  • Blue or green urine: Using certain drugs can make your urine appear bluish-green. However, if you are not on any medication and your urine looks this way, you should see a doctor.

How To Manage Cloudy Urine In Pregnancy

Treatment options for cloudy urine during pregnancy depend on the underlying cause. Some home therapies may help you alleviate some symptoms. In other cases, you may need to see your doctor.

how-to-manage-cloudy-urine-in-pregnancy.

Here are some simple home therapies to relieve cloudy urine in pregnancy:

1. Drink Water

Water is really important in pregnancy. In addition to keeping you refreshed always, water also flushes out toxins and makes your urine look less cloudy.

Furthermore, studies show that pregnant women need to drink about 10 cups of water daily to prevent dehydration.

2. Take Some Cranberry Juice

This juice contains a lot of phytonutrients which are helpful in relieving the symptoms of UTI, kidney stones, and other underlying conditions that may cause cloudy urine.

3. Don’t self-medicate

Self-medication may be the cause of cloudy urine during pregnancy.

Here’s the fact: It is wrong to self-medicate during pregnancy. In fact, it is advisable to receive prescriptions from only your attending physician in this period.

4. Use hot/warm compresses.

Sometimes, cloudy urine comes with abdominal pain. When this happens, you can relieve the pain by applying hot or warm compresses.

5. Reduce your salt and sugar intake

Meals with high sugar content may increase your risk for developing diabetes and, by extension, cloudy urine. Also, salty meals predispose you to kidney problems. Therefore, reducing your salt and sugar intake would reduce the symptoms of cloudy urine.

Conclusion

It is always good to consult your doctor if you notice any change in your body function during pregnancy. Although cloudy urine is not strange, you should keep an eye out for any drastic changes and report it to your doctor immediately.

References

Joanna Matuszkiewicz-Rowińska, Jolanta Małyszko, and Monika Wieliczko (2015). Urinary tract infections in pregnancy: old and new unresolved diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Archives of Medical Science. Accessed on 27th June, 2021 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4379362/#__ffn_sectitle

Stages of Pregnancy and Prenatal Development

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You may have heard the popular saying: ‘Life occurs in stages’. Well, this is true; even for your pregnancy and your baby. For most women, pregnancy is an exciting time marked by preparation, purchases, and changes. The fact is: your baby experiences a lot of prenatal changes as he/she prepares to meet you for the first time. This article contains info about the stages of pregnancy and prenatal development.

In this article, we’d talk about the changes that come with prenatal development; the stages, duration, major events, and results.

Read on to learn more!

Table of contents:

What Is Prenatal Development?

In plain terms, prenatal development refers to the growth process that your baby experiences before he/she is born. Prenatal development spans from conception (the fertilization of an egg by a sperm) to the birth of your precious one.

stages of pregnancy

Generally, it refers to the process of life development from a single cell to an embryo and eventually, a fetus. Like every other life event, prenatal development occurs in stages.

As usual, we’re here to supply all the info you need.

What Are The Stages of Pregnancy and Prenatal Development?

Averagely, it takes about 40 weeks for a baby to fully mature. This begins from conception to delivery. Just like pregnancy, prenatal development occurs in three major stages. These stages are:

  • Germinal Stage
  • Embryonic Stage
  • Fetal Stage

At the completion of all three stages of development, your baby should be ready to join you in this world. Furthermore, prenatal development is also organized into three (1st, 2nd & 3rd) trimesters, which do not correspond with the three stages.

Next, we’d discuss each stage of prenatal development; the major events, duration, and how it relates to trimesters of pregnancy.

stages of pregnancy

1. The Germinal Stage (2 Weeks)

As we mentioned earlier, prenatal development begins at conception when the female egg (oocyte) is fertilized by a mature male sperm. The germinal stage of prenatal development begins at conception and lasts for about two weeks, just after implantation occurs.

At the beginning of the germinal stage, your baby is just a tiny, one-cell zygote formed by the fusion of your egg and a mature sperm. Once the major events of this stage are completed, the zygote becomes an embryo and the next stage of development begins:

The major events of the germinal stage include:

  • Sex Determination: This occurs at the point of fertilization when parental DNA combines to constitute a brand new DNA set that is your baby’s.
  • Cell Division (Mitosis): In the first week of the germinal stage, the zygote rapidly divides into multiple cells that serve as the foundation for cellular development even after birth.
  • Attachment (Implantation): As cell division progresses, the zygote travels down your fallopian tubes and attaches (implants) to the uterine lining where it eventually embeds.

2. The Embryonic Stage (6 Weeks)

The embryonic stage begins at implantation (in the second week) and extends to the 8th week of pregnancy. During implantation, your body begins to produce and secrete pregnancy hormones. It is at this point that you’d probably have a positive pregnancy test result. read our other article on positive signs of embryo transfer

Upon implantation, pregnancy hormones are secreted, blood vessels grow, the placenta is formed and the zygote becomes an embryo.

The major events of the embryonic stage include:

  • Formation of The Three Cell Layers: These cell layers are the Ectoderm (outer layer), Mesoderm (middle layer) and Endoderm (inner layer). As prenatal development proceeds, these cell layers differentiate into the various tissues and organs in your baby’s body.
  • Commencement of Systemic Development: In the embryonic period, your baby’s brain, heart, blood vessels, spinal cord, and digestive system would begin to develop from their precursor cells.
  • Limb Development: Who doesn’t like those cute, sturdy legs babies have? Well, we do too. As the body system develops, the embryo also begins to grow hands, feet, and digits.
  • Commencement of Organic Development: At this stage, major organs like the eyes, nose, kidneys, and lungs also begin to develop in rapid succession.

Want to know the best part?

When the embryonic stage of prenatal development ends, all essential internal and external structures have been formed. In addition, your little one is now referred to as a fetus.

3. The Fetal Stage (32 Weeks)

No doubt, this is the most dramatic stage of prenatal development. In the fetal stage, your baby undergoes rapid changes in size, shape, features, and mental ability. At the beginning of this period; the fetus, which is about the size of a kidney bean, begins to assume the form of an actual human baby.

induced labor

The fetal stage is also the longest stage of prenatal development. This is because the growing fetus undergoes more changes at this point than anywhere else in prenatal life.

The major events of the fetal stage include:

  • Physical Growth: At the beginning of the fetal stage, your baby weighs only about 3 grams. By the time he/she is ready to come into your arms at birth, he or she may weigh up to 3.2 kilograms. Therefore, the fetal stage is also called the period of major physical development.
  • Fetal Movements Begin: A very important feature of the fetal stage is the commencement of fetal movement. As an expectant mom, this is when you begin to feel the ‘kicks’.
  • Development of Physical Features: At this point, important physical features like nails, eyebrows, and eyelashes are formed.
  • Breathing Movements Begin: Although the lungs do not become fully functional until your baby takes his/her first breath at birth, breathing movements begin in the fetal stage.
  • Full Organ Function: At the end of this developmental stage, all organs and systems are expected to be fully functional for life outside the womb.

At the end of the fetal stage of prenatal development, your child is ready to be born and come into your loving arms.

Stages of Pregnancy

As we mentioned earlier, pregnancy occurs in three distinct stages. This include:

  • First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)
  • Second Trimester (12-26 Weeks)
  • Third Trimester (26-40 Weeks)

First Trimester (0-13 Weeks)

This stage of pregnancy doubles as the most crucial stage of prenatal development. As we mentioned above, this trimester matches with the Germinal and Embryonic stages of prenatal growth. For most women, this stage comes with a variety of pregnancy symptoms like nausea, tiredness, breast tenderness, and frequent urination.

Second Trimester (13-26 Weeks)

This stage of pregnancy is widely regarded as the easiest part of the entire journey. This is because most women no longer feel those weird pregnancy symptoms. However, this trimester may come with new feelings of abdominal cramps, back pain, and constipation.

Third Trimester (26-40 Weeks)

Now, here’s the final stretch of the entire pregnancy journey. In this period, your uterus would grow to almost double its pre-pregnancy size. As a result, it is really important to attend your antenatal clinics and stay on a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Problems in Prenatal Development

Sadly, there is no perfect process. Problems may arise at any point in prenatal life. Thankfully, medical science has made great strides in prenatal diagnosis and maternal care to reduce the risk and impact of these problems.

Generally, problems of prenatal development are called congenital anomalies. These anomalies may result from genetic, infectious, nutritional, or environmental factors.

Congenital Anomalies

Congenital anomalies are ‘birth defects’.

These are unusual or unexpected problems that can occur at any of the three stages of prenatal development and result in physical malformations that affect different parts of a child’s body after birth. In other instances, congenital anomalies may cause developmental delays which prevent a child from achieving expected growth milestones.

Common examples of congenital anomalies include:

  • Down Syndrome: This genetic problem occurs when there’s an extra chromosome in a baby’s DNA set. Children with Down Syndrome often have intellectual disability, flat nasal bridges, a single palmar crease, as well as other distinct features.
  • Heart Defects: This refers to any problem in the prenatal development of the heart. Some examples of common heart defects are Ventricular Septal Defect, Tetralogy of Fallot and Patent Ductus Arteriosus.
  • Neural Tube Defects (NTDs): These are birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. Most times, these defects occur even before the mother realizes that she is pregnant. Two of the most common types of NTDs are Spinal Bifida and Anencephaly.

Thankfully, advances in medical science have made it possible to identify and manage these congenital anomalies. However, prevention is always better (and easier) than treatment.

You can prevent congenital anomalies by:

  • Attending regular antenatal clinics
  • Sticking to your antenatal medication religiously
  • Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Following a healthy diet that’s rich in folic acid

With these tips, we are confident that you and your little one would be healthy, strong, and happy always.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the three stages of prenatal development are unique but equally important. As you expect your little one(s), it is also important to take care of yourself. Remember to attend your clinics, eat right, exercise often, and rest well.

You and your baby are going to be just fine, Mama!

REFERENCES

When Can I Take A Pregnancy Test?

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For most women, there’s really no best time to get pregnant. As a result, the choice of when to take a pregnancy test comes with so much anxiety and questions. Sometimes, these women want to be pregnant and on other instances, the mere thought of a little one’s growth is absolutely overwhelming.

Either way, we’re always here to help.

woman checking pregnancy result

Whether or not you’re prepared for the big news, it’s advisable to take the test at an optimal time to improve the chances of an accurate result. In this article, we’d tell you the right time to take a pregnancy test, give you all the gist on the best test for you & how to ensure accuracy in your results.

Table of contents:

First, What Is A Pregnancy Test?

A pregnancy test is a method of determining pregnancy by detecting a particular hormone, called HCG, in your blood or urine. The placenta produces HCG, or Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, in the early stages of pregnancy. Although an ultrasound scan can also detect pregnancy, a simple urine or blood test is the earliest option for most women.

Types of Pregnancy Test

pregnancy test kit

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, irrespective of your level of preparedness, you should take any of these tests:

  • Urine Test: This is your classic pee-on-a-stick (pregnancy test strip) option that can be conducted in the comfort of your bathroom. In most cases, two lines confirm a pregnancy.
  • Blood Test: For this, you’d have to visit a hospital to get your blood sample taken and tested for the presence of HCG. Although blood tests are not as common as urine tests, they can detect pregnancy about 7 days after ovulation.

When Can I Take A Pregnancy Test?

What determines the timing of a pregnancy test? Does timing really matter? How much influence does timing have on the accuracy of your test results?

Read on to find out!

Research suggests that the best time to take a pregnancy test is after a missed or late period, because this reduces the possibility of a false negative/positive result.

Although tension, fear or impatience may drive you to take the test immediately you notice a late period or failed contraceptive method, taking a pregnancy test too early may give a negative result, even if you are pregnant.

calculating when to take a pregnancy test

With this in mind, we recommend waiting for at least One Day after a missed period before taking a pregnancy test. This wait is important because many factors (asides pregnancy) can lead to a late or missed period. These include:

  • Stress
  • Diet
  • Medications
  • Certain medical conditions

Does My Cycle Matter?

Yes.

The first question to answer is: Do I Know When My Period Is Late? According to the FDA, 20 in every 100 women will get a negative result on the day they think is just after their missed period, even if they are pregnant.

pen and calendar calculating pregnancy period

If you have irregular cycles or you don’t monitor your cycles, wait until after you’ve passed the longest menstrual cycle you usually have. For instance, for a woman with a cycle range of 30 to 36 days, the best time to get tested is on or after Day 37.

“Even early pregnancy tests cannot detect pregnancy until your period is late”

Does The Time/Day Matter?

Yes, it does.

Remember, pregnancy tests depend on the presence/absence of HcG in the body and like every other hormone, HCG production varies based on time changes. In most cases, except after massive fluid intake overnight, your urine is more concentrated immediately you wake up. Therefore, a urine test at this time is more likely to give a positive result if you are pregnant.

Nevertheless, you can still take the test at any time of the day and get similar results.

Why Should I Take A Pregnancy Test?

Although most women consider a missed period or morning sickness as the ultimate sign of pregnancy, there are other things to look out for.

take a pregnancy test

If you notice any of these signs, you should take a pregnancy test:

  • Fatigue
  • Mood Swings
  • Tender Breasts
  • Headaches
  • Frequent Urination

These are however, only the major signs of pregnancy.

How Are The Results Determined?

A proper understanding of how pregnancy tests work would help you know which test to take and when to take it. As we mentioned earlier, the tests simply detect the presence of HcG in your blood or urine. It is important to note that this hormone is only produced after the developing embryo implants into the uterine wall.

pregnancy result

Although most home-based pregnancy tests cannot detect the exact amount of HCG in your blood, they are suitable to detect the minimum amount present. Rarely, hCG levels are so low that they go undetected, which causes a negative result and a crytptic pregnancy.

Are The Tests Accurate?

If you read and follow all instructions, most tests guarantee 99% accuracy. However, this promise is not fail-safe. Research studies in the United States that analyze the amount of HCG detected in pregnancy tests postulate that most tests are actually 46% to 86% accurate. In a specific study, analysis revealed that most tests yield a positive result only 80% of the time on day 28 of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

A Final Word

Taking the test at the right time maximizes the possibility of an accurate result, therefore, a proper understanding of the details above would really help you.
The perfect time to take a pregnancy test is a day after a missed period and in the early hours of the day, with your first urination. Furthermore, you can always visit your doctor at any time to discuss the possibility of a blood test.