When Did I Get Pregnant and Other Frequently Asked Questions

When did I get pregnant? When did I conceive? You might ask yourself these questions when you discover that you’re pregnant for the first time. A lot of women feel confused in the initial weeks of pregnancy because of physical, mental, and emotional changes that come with being a mom-to-be. Thankfully, we’re here to answer some burning questions you might have on conception and motherhood.

When Did I Get Pregnant? Answers to Questions on Your Baby’s Conception

• • When Did I Get Pregnant?
  • When Can a Pregnancy Test Detect My Pregnancy?
  • What Are the Symptoms of Early Pregnancy?
  • When Can I Get Pregnant?
  • Is There a Way to Chart My Fertility Cycle?
  • How Did I Get Pregnant on Birth Control?
  • How Did I Get Pregnant Using a Condom?
  • When Do I Start Showing?
  • What Should I Do When I Find Out I’m Pregnant?
  • Why Did I Not Get Pregnant?

When Did I Get Pregnant?

Remembering the date of your last period is essential to answering this question. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, the date of conception is 11-21 days after your last period. If you have an irregular flow, you can have an ultrasound to help determine when the baby was conceived. By checking factors such as the baby’s size and the presence of a gestational sac, the ultrasound technician can estimate the baby’s gestational age. This is closely linked to the date of conception. If your doctor gives you a likely due date, you can also use this to roughly calculate when you conceived since conception often happens 40 weeks before giving birth. You can also use an online pregnancy calculator to calculate how far along you are.

When Can a Pregnancy Test Detect My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy tests work by detecting a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in your body. HCG only appears once a fertilized egg attaches itself to your uterine lining. It takes several weeks before this can get detected, but some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and can work even four days before a missed period. If you think you might be pregnant, take a test a week after a missed period, or 1-2 weeks after you last had sex.

What Are the Symptoms of Early Pregnancy?

You can watch out for these signs if you suspect you might be pregnant. The most telling sign is a missed period. Other signs include light bleeding, nausea, more frequent peeing, headaches and aches in your breasts, fatigue, and mood swings. If your contraception also fails while you’re having sex, you should take a test within 1-2 weeks to see if you’re pregnant.

When Can I Get Pregnant?

You have the best chance of getting pregnant during your ovulation cycle. Ovulation occurs when a mature egg moves from the ovary to one of the Fallopian tubes, ready to be fertilized. You’re most fertile five days before this process, and one day after.

Is There a Way to Chart My Fertility Cycle?

You can track your fertility cycle through a number of methods. Use an online ovulation calculator wherein you enter the date of your last period and the length of your average menstrual cycle. Get a basal temperature chart from your OB-GYN or a pregnancy website. Your basal temperature is your base temperature when you wake up. Use a basal thermometer, which is more precise than a regular thermometer, and record your temperature daily for a month. Eventually, you’ll notice a pattern, because your temperature will be slightly higher in the days leading up to ovulation. You can also take an ovulation test to see when you’re most fertile.

How Did I Get Pregnant on Birth Control?

No birth control pill is 100% effective since you have to take them perfectly so they work without fail. That means taking them on time, never missing a dose, and never forgetting to start a new packet of pills. And even then, there’s a small chance you’ll still get pregnant. And though the occurrences are very rare, it’s still possible to conceive while using an IUD or after having your tubes tied. In either case, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy also increases. An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg settles on a Fallopian tube and poses a great health hazard to the mother.

How Did I Get Pregnant Using a Condom?

Even condoms aren’t 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. In theory, condoms work 98% of the time if used perfectly. In practice, they usually only work 82% of the time because they can be misused or become damaged and brittle. If you want to prevent pregnancy, use condoms in conjunction with other birth control methods.

When Do I Start Showing?

The symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman. First-time mothers often notice a baby bump within 12-16 weeks after getting pregnant, while women who’ve already had kids might get the bump earlier. As the pregnancy progresses, your breast size will increase, and you’ll put on more weight since you’ll be eating for two.

What Should I Do When I Find Out I’m Pregnant?

First, estimate your due date with an online pregnancy calculator. Next, set an appointment with a trusted family physician or obstetrician to check on your and your baby’s health. Get used to seeing them a lot during your pregnancy. You’ll need to start a healthier lifestyle with some fun exercise and a nutritious diet with lots of greens and less processed fats. You’ll have to ditch the alcohol and cigarettes too, for the sake of the baby.

Why Did I Not Get Pregnant?

If you don’t get pregnant after your first few tries, don’t lose hope! Even at the height of your ovulation cycle, there’s still a significant chance of not conceiving. This can be due to a number of reasons. You can make a mistake in computing your fertility cycle so you end up trying to have a baby at the wrong time of the month. Stress can also impede your ability to conceive. If you want to have a baby, don’t give up, and have a partner who’ll help you create a relaxing and conducive environment for making a child. You can also try several natural ways to improve fertility so you can have that baby.

Still asking yourself, “When did I get pregnant?”? Watch this video from Planned Parenthood below!

When did I get pregnant? You’ll find yourself facing a lot of questions during the first stages of pregnancy. But don’t worry, since these questions can easily be answered. Every mother deserves the right care and information so she can prepare for motherhood the best way possible.

Are you still asking yourself “When did I get pregnant?” or having experiences you want other moms-to-be to know? Share your questions, concerns, and stories in the comments section below!

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