How Do I Know if I am Pregnant?

By Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Q: How do I know if I am pregnant? I stopped using the contraceptive pill on January 10 and have not had a period since January 13. Could it be that I'm pregnant already? The only odd feeling I have is a full, bloated stomach.

A: So many women have this concern. The most common signs of pregnancy are a missed menstrual period, breast enlargement and tenderness, frequent urination, and nausea. These signs typically occur about three to five weeks after conception.

Thanks to modern technology, you don't have to wonder if you're pregnant for very long; you can get a home pregnancy test kit that can determine if you are pregnant at about the time that you miss your first period. These kits measure human chorionic gonadotropin levels (hCG) in the urine, which increase very rapidly during early pregnancy. The tests are generally accurate, provided that you follow the instructions carefully. Your doctor can also perform a blood test for hCG that will detect elevated levels a few days before the urine test turns positive.

Since you would now be at least a month beyond the expected onset of your next period, the urine test is likely to be positive if you are pregnant (assuming that your periods are regular). If the urine test is consistently negative, you should contact your doctor.

Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist who has been in private practice since 1981 and has served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Lakeview Regional Medical Center in greater New Orleans. Dr. DiLeo's new book The Anxious Parents' Guide to Pregnancy is now available.

All articles by Dr. Gerard M. DiLeo