Calm your breathing. Inhale, exhale, again… And so about ten times. You’re probably in the bathroom right now, and at this point your stomach is flipping like a washing machine into spin mode, and your thoughts are… roaring like Usain Bolt at the 100m final. It’s normal.
All that you are feeling at the moment is in order, and we are coming to your aid to clarify what to do next.
What does a positive pregnancy test look like?
Let us clarify what has happened up to this point. Well, without the details of how it got to this point, we’ve all guessed… You’re holding a pregnancy test in your hands that shows two fine lines. This is definitely the moment you will remember forever.
A positive test means that the body produces the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is a sure sign of pregnancy.
It is important to know that different brands of tests may have different designs, but the common thread is that a positive result is associated with the presence of hCG.
Confirm the result
Sometimes the excitement can make you doubt what you are seeing. Here’s how to make sure the positive result is accurate:
- False result: If you take the test too early, you may not catch the hCG hormone and get a false negative result. Certain medications and diseases can also mess things up. If something seems strange, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor;
- Pale Line Score: Ah, that mysterious pale line… If it’s barely visible, it’s probably too early to give a definitive answer. Wait 48 hours and try again. If it’s still not clear then, it’s time for advice from a gynecologist;
- Do a second test: be sure to do a new double warranty test;
- Visit a laboratory: professional blood testing for hCG is the surest way to confirm that you are pregnant.
You may be impatient, but it’s better to give your body some time. Wait at least 2 weeks after intercourse to get a reliable result. This time allows the hormone hCG to build up enough to be detected by the test. Patience always pays off!
Consultation with an obstetrician-gynaecologist
The thing you should definitely do after the emotional shock is over is to consult an obstetrician. This is the specialist who will dispel the thick fog in your head in the following way:
- Determining gestational age: The doctor will calculate how far along the pregnancy is based on your last menstrual period;
- Appointment of necessary tests: this includes ultrasound, blood tests and others related to monitoring your health and that of your baby;
- Health recommendations: as an experienced specialist, the geneticist will give you various tips on how to take care of yourself and your future baby.
Table of important examinations and tests:
| Week of pregnancy | Research and procedures | Focus of the study |
| 5-6 yrs. | First visit: ultrasound, blood and urine tests | Establishment of cardiac1 activity and term of birth |
| 11-13. | First trimester screening test | Identification of congenital anomalies |
| 16-22 yrs. | 3D/4D ultrasonography | Early diagnosis of abnormalities |
| 20-24 yrs. | Fetal echocardiography (discretionary) | Examination of the fetal heart |
| 22-26 r.s. | Monthly examinations in normal pregnancy | Tracking normal fetal development |
| After 28 y.o. | Record heart tones (NST) every two weeks | Monitoring fetal cardiac activity |
| 30-32 r.s. | Late fetal morphology with Doppler | Tracking baby development and placental blood flow |
Lifestyle change
Yes, it’s hard, but think about it. You can handle the wear and tear of a 4 pound baby, but you can’t start eating more apples?! Or pomegranates? (because it contains iron, and now that’s good for you). Here are our super recommendations:
- Eating: you are a chef in a five-star restaurant and your baby is your special guest. It should be tasty, varied and full of vitamins and minerals like folic acid, iron and calcium. Bon appetit!
- Physical activity: yoga, walking, swimming = energy and freshness. Get moving and you’ll feel consistently in top shape. And don’t look at the scale every 10 minutes!
- Avoiding bad habits: the perfect time to say stop to alcohol and cigarettes. It’s also a good idea to limit caffeine. Replace it all with refreshing and tasty drinks – juices, tea and plenty of water.
Preparation for childbirth
Courses for pregnant women: Something like baby university with only freshmen. Don’t worry – you’re certainly not the most unprepared. And the good thing is, there are no grades.
Birth plan: your baby deserves the best party for his big entry into the world. Discuss with your doctor what it should be – natural or by C-section.
Create a list of essentials: imagine you’re packing a suitcase for the most exciting trip of your life. Prepare everything you need for the hospital and the first days at home with baby. Clothes, diapers, hygiene products and comfortable clothes for you.
