Physical Effects

A urine test 1 or 2 days after a missed period or at least 14 days after intercourse will indicate a positive or negative result.

Although most pregnancy tests are reliable it is advisable to visit a doctor to confirm the pregnancy.

Full-term pregnancy lasts to approximately 40 weeks or 280 days. The estimated date of delivery is calculated by counting 7 days from the beginning of the last period then adding 9 calendar months.

During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes. The physical symptoms of pregnancy can include tenderness and a sensation of heaviness in the breasts.

Due to the rise in hormone levels, often morning sickness can occur in the first weeks of pregnancy but usually eases by 12 weeks.

Tiredness and feeling washed-out is normal.

Another symptom is frequent urination.

Emotional Effects

Pregnancy is a natural, self-sustaining process that affects the woman's body, mind and emotions. Every pregnancy is a crisis, whether planned or unplanned. It requires a huge emotional shift in the minds and hearts of the parents to accommodate a new, unique individual.

The realisation of pregnancy activates intense mixed feelings which fluctuate rapidly. There is often a mixture of joy, doubt and fear.

By talking through your feelings of shock, confusion, uncertainty or anxiety with an understanding counsellor at this time will help you to understand your emotions and to think more clearly about your situation.

Pregnancy Definitions

Cervix: The bottom opening to the uterus.

Embryo: Human life at an early development stage with its own unique DNA.

Conception: The point at which a male sperm and the female egg join and a new human embryo begins; also called fertilization.

Foetus: A developing unborn baby with an observable human structure.

Full Term Pregnancy: The stage at about 40 weeks after last menstrual period or 38 weeks after conception when the unborn baby is ready for birth.

Last Menstrual Period: The date when a woman started her last menstrual period before conception. This is the time from which the pregnancy and the age of the unborn baby are measured.

Trimester: An interval of three months used to measure three successive stages of pregnancy; first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.

Uterus: The muscular female organ that contains the developing unborn baby.