| The enormous hormonal changes taking place during pregnancy trigger a variety of symptoms. Some women will experience all of the symptoms of early pregnancy, while others may have only a few. Most symptoms - such as amenorrhoea (missed period), morning sickness or fatigue - can also be caused by stress, illness or other events, so a suspected pregnancy needs to be confirmed with urine or blood tests. These tests check for the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Absolute and irrefutable proof of pregnancy is the baby's heartbeat (which can be heard through a special listening device somewhere between weeks 10 and 12), or viewing the baby with an ultrasound scan. If you suspect you may be pregnant, see your doctor or family planning professional for confirmation. |
