What are the main signs of possible pregnancy? The main signs that may make you suspect pregnancy include: Late period; Breast tension; Nausea and vomiting. When should take a pregnancy test if I think I may be pregnant? If you are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy and usually have regular cycles, pregnancy tests usually show positive as of one week after missing a period. These tests are based on urine levels of a pregnancy-related hormone. Their sensitivity and irregularity of the cycles are decisive to correct results. How do you find out how many weeks you are and calculate the probable date of delivery? Weeks of pregnancy are counted from the first day of your last period. To calculate the probable date of delivery, consider that an average pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks. There are tables that help estimate the probable date of delivery from the first day of your last period. Early pregnancy dating by ultrasound results in a more accurate estimate. How is pregnancy monitored? Monitoring of a normal pregnancy usually includes: Monthly appointments; Ultrasound scans (first-trimester, morphological and evaluation of foetal growth and wellbeing); Trimester lab tests. At around 35 to 37 weeks of pregnancy, you should be tested for Group B Streptococcus in vaginal / anal discharge to prevent neonatal sepsis. How long do the nausea and vomiting last? Nausea and vomiting occur in 90% of pregnancies. After 10 to 12 weeks of pregnancy they ease off or disappear. In 20% of cases nausea continues throughout pregnancy. What is the appropriate weight gain during pregnancy? In women with a normal body weight (body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9), weight gain during pregnancy averages about 12 kg. In women with a lower and higher than normal body weight , the weight gain should be above and below 12 kg, respectively. This article was written with the support of physicians and other clinical professionals from the Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
