If you planned your pregnancy, finding out you are pregnant can be exciting news, but it also can be a time of uncertainty. If your pregnancy was unplanned you may want to know more about your options. Either way, you have come to the right place for information to help you make the best choice.
Missed your period? Peeing more than usual? Have tender breasts? Feeling tired and nauseated? Do you think you could be pregnant? The only way to know for sure is through a positive pregnancy test. You can take a home pregnancy test or have a test done through your health-care provider.
When should I take a home pregnancy test?
An at home pregnancy test, provides the most accurate result one week after you have missed your period.
When should I seek prenatal care?
Getting early and regular prenatal care improves your chance of having a healthy pregnancy. Call to book an appointment as soon as you think you may be pregnant. Click here to see what options are available in Manitoba for your regular prenatal care.
Signs and symptoms of pregnancy
With this pregnancy, you may have none, some or all of these symptoms, which can range from mild to intense. You may find your experience different from that of your friends or family.
- Late period or missed period: This is the most common sign of pregnancy. Your period stops because your body produces hormones that stop ovulation and the shedding of the lining of your uterus.
- Tender (swollen) breasts: Your breasts may feel tender and sore. They may start to enlarge and your areolas (the area around your nipple) may also start to darken and enlarge. As your pregnancy progresses, your cup size may increase (due to increased fluids and milk production) as well as your band size (as your ribs expand to make room for your growing baby).
- Peeing more often: This can be an early sign of pregnancy. Your pregnant body makes more blood to nourish your growing baby. This increase in fluids makes you pee more often.
- Nausea and Vomiting: These common symptoms of early pregnancy are caused by your changing hormones. Despite being called morning sickness, it can occur any time of day. For tips to help with your morning sickness, see our article Morning sickness got you down?
- Fatigue: Your changing pregnancy hormones may make you feel extremely tired in your first trimester. People often get their energy back in their second trimester, then often feel more achy and tired as they get closer to their due date. This is due to your changing pregnancy hormones.
- Spotting and cramping, especially around the time you expected your period
- Strong cravings or dislike of certain foods
Learning about the healthiest choices for you and your baby, whether your pregnancy was planned or unplanned, is very important. If you planned your pregnancy, finding out you are pregnant can be exciting news, but it also can be a time of uncertainty. If your pregnancy was unplanned, you may want to know more about your options. Either way, you have come to the right place for information to help you make the best choice for your experience.
Planned Pregnancy
You can start taking care of your unborn baby right away by:
- choosing to decrease or avoid substances such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs
- getting enough rest
- exercising
- eating nutritious foods
- taking prenatal vitamins
Now is the time to connect with your health care provider.
Unplanned Pregnancy
For some people, an unplanned pregnancy is simply a welcomed change in life plans. For others, it can be quite an unwelcome shock. You are not alone, as many pregnancies are unplanned. For pregnancy counselling and supports, see Women’s Health Clinic for more information.
Abortion
Making the decision to end your pregnancy can be very difficult. Abortion is safe and legal in Canada. You do not need the permission of a parent or partner to have an abortion. Speak to your health care provider as soon as possible to learn about the process and about the availability of abortion services. Seek help early because abortions should be done early on in pregnancy.
For more information, see the Women’s Health Clinic.
Adoption
Another option available is allowing another family to adopt your baby. Visit The Government of Manitoba to learn about the options in Manitoba.
