An unintended pregnancy can drain a woman physically, mentally, and financially. Also, it can stress her in several ways. However, the key to dealing with such an event is to stay calm and search for options to manage the pregnancy. Simultaneously, one must understand how to check for pregnancy, symptoms after conceiving, missed periods, birth control methods, hormonal changes, diet to follow, whom to talk to, and what to do next.
In the following post, we will take you through the above concerns mentioned, and answer these queries in detail.
1) What Does it Mean If You Miss Your Periods?
Irregular menstruation is common for women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome or other gynaecological problems. So, if you miss a period, it could be due to a pre-existing health disorder. If you are sexually active and miss a period, it is best to confirm if you have conceived.
When the fertilised egg implants on the uterus wall, the menses may stop but spotting may happen after implantation. So do not avoid it, and know if you have an unexpected pregnancy or not.
2) How to Know If You Are Pregnant?
You can get a pregnancy test kit at home, which will use a sample of your urine to check for the Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. The same can be tested through a blood test. And for better confirmation of an unplanned pregnancy, get an ultrasound imaging of the abdomen.
The scan will confirm if you have conceived or not and the location of the pregnancy. In the case of an ectopic pregnancy (implantation outside the uterus).
3) Which Hormonal Changes May Take Place?
As discussed, the hCG hormone is produced in the body during pregnancy. It comes from the placenta. This hormone helps to prepare the uterus for pregnancy by thickening the endometrial lining. This hormone is also responsible for stimulating the milk glands in the breasts.
4) What Are the Symptoms of Early Pregnancy?
The common signs of early pregnancy are missed periods, headache, weight gain, spotting, breast tenderness, nausea, vomiting, increased urination, and tiredness. Other ways to detect an unwanted pregnancy is to notice symptoms such as nasal congestion (due to an increase in blood and hormone levels), cramping, aversion to certain food items, bloating, constipation (because the digestive system slows down in early pregnancy).
5) Which Birth Control Method Should You Have Used?
To avert the risk of unexpected pregnancy, you should always use birth control. There are two types of contraception methods that you can depend on i.e., hormonal and non-hormonal. Birth control pills, IUDs, skin patches, condoms, contraceptive injections or implants, vaginal rings, spermicides, or vaginal gel are a few of the alternatives.
Some of these you have to use daily or at specific intervals, and the effects also last for different durations.
6) Which Diet Should You Follow?
No matter if you have an unintended pregnancy or a planned one, taking care of your health is inevitable after you conceive. You must follow certain dietary practices to ensure that. You must include food items that will replenish vitamins, proteins, minerals, fibres, fluids, complex carbohydrates, and healthy types of fats.
Make sure to include in your diet – yoghurt and other dairy products, salmon, dried fruits, bananas, eggs, legumes, sweet potatoes, fish liver oil, dark leafy greens such as broccoli, whole grains, berries, lean meat, and others.
7) How to Stay Calm During an Unplanned Pregnancy?
We understand it is difficult to stay composed because of an unplanned pregnancy. However, by remaining calm, you can focus your attention on the steps to take next to manage the situation. Sleep well and do not do anything physically demanding. Give your mind rest, and steer away from anything that may upset you. Look for medical options and healthcare professionals who can guide you.
8) Whom Should You Inform or Talk to?
An unwanted pregnancy can bring several changes in your life. You may have feelings and emotions that bother your mind. But you do not have to keep it all to yourself. Instead, if you wish to talk about what you are going through, speak to someone you trust. Also, you can approach a counsellor to express your feelings.
9) What to Do When Free of Pregnancy?
You can take missed period pills to terminate your pregnancy if the conception is within 9 weeks of gestation. If the pregnancy has progressed further, you will have to undergo an invasive removal process for the products of conception from the uterus.
Once free of the pregnancy, you must focus on recovery, be it from pregnancy termination or childbirth. Do use protection during intercourse to avoid any other instances of unplanned pregnancy in the future.
Final Thoughts
An unexpected pregnancy can be life-changing but addressing it the right way is important. The above-given pointers will assist you with some headway and prepare you to tackle the scenario safely.