How do I know if I’m pregnant?
First signs:
- Absence of menstruation
- Swollen and sensitive breasts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Great fatigue
- Special tastes
- Feeling of fullness
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant, but they can be indicators. Some people will never experience pregnancy symptoms, or will experience them very late in the pregnancy. The only way to know if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
Are pregnancy tests effective?
A urine pregnancy test is 99% effective, provided it is used correctly. A test taken too early could fail to detect pregnancy hormones and show a “false negative”. However, when a pregnancy test shows a positive result, there’s no need to take several more tests, as this answer is 99% valid if the conditions of use have been respected. The blood pregnancy test is 100% reliable.
To make an appointment for a free urine pregnancy test at our office :
Contact us!Frequently asked questions about pregnancy signs and tests
Are there pregnancy tests of better quality than others?
No. All pregnancy tests offered in pharmacies, hospitals, CLSCs or medical clinics are subject to the same quality requirements, regardless of cost.
When can I take a pregnancy test?
You can take a urine pregnancy test 14 days after intercourse or on the expected date of menstruation.
A blood test can be taken 10 days later, with a doctor’s prescription. S.O.S. Grossesse offers free urine tests in Quebec City.
Contact us via our hotline to book an appointment, and don’t hesitate to ask for support if necessary.
For sexual relations lasting less than 5 days, emergency oral contraception or the copper IUD are also options if you wish to avoid pregnancy.
How do you calculate the age of pregnancy (gestational age)?
Weeks of pregnancy are calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period, not from the date of fertilization or the day of ovulation. A person with a very short, very long or irregular menstrual cycle will have a calculation adjusted accordingly. The most accurate way to determine the number of weeks of pregnancy is to have a dating ultrasound. It must be prescribed by a‧e healthcare professional‧le.
Source: Naître et grandir. (2011). Pregnancy tests. Being born and growing up. https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/grossesse/trimestre1/tests-grossesse/
