Answers to the Most Googled Questions About Pregnancy

Medical City Healthcare - January 02, 2018

Pregnancy and babies come with lots of questions. So stay calm and read on for answers!

All the signs are there. You feel different ... more exhausted, maybe even queasy. It’s finally happened. Hasn’t it? When in doubt, you Google it. And you’re not alone. We’ve collected some of the most-searched online questions about pregnancy and provided answers from our pregnancy experts. So here’s your one-stop click to help you find out if you're pregnant and what to expect if you are.

Finding out if you’re pregnant: How soon can I take a pregnancy test?

According to Arlene Jacobs, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN at Medical City Plano, a home pregnancy test that uses urine to detect pregnancy is considered valid about 10 days after conception. For increased accuracy, however, she recommends waiting until two weeks after you conceive or after you’ve missed your period. To be absolutely sure, make an appointment with your obstetrician for a clinical exam.

Feeling as if you’re pregnant: What are some early pregnancy symptoms?

Not convinced your home pregnancy test is accurate? Dr. Jacobs lists some early pregnancy symptoms that can help you know if baby is on the way.

25% of pregnant women have no early symptoms (lucky you – make that appointment for confirmation!)
Nausea
Breast tenderness
Missed period
Light spotting

Finding out how pregnant you are: How do I calculate my due date?

Dr. Jacobs explains that to calculate your estimated due date, add 40 weeks to the first day of your last period. Easy peasy! Only not really, because only about 20% of babies are born on their actual due date. The rest either crash the party early or show up fashionably late.

Now that you’re pregnant: What should I expect at my first prenatal visit?

Your first prenatal visit may very well be the longest doctor’s appointment of your life, says Elizabeth Coronado, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN at Medical City Plano. Here’s what else she says you might expect.

An ultrasound, to confirm your due date
Answers to questions about:
- Diet, nutrition and prenatal vitamins
- Nausea and how to avoid it
- Any other questions you or your partner have
Paperwork and a discussion about insurance and billing