By: Natasha Archary
For many women, finding out they were pregnant did not involved a positive pregnancy test. Some actually didn’t even have any of the common “tell-tale” signs and symptoms of early pregnancy.
From seeking medical attention for terrible flu-like symptoms, to having a dog constantly cradling atop of some women’s laps, women share with Andy Maqondwana how they found out they were with child.
The general rule of thumb with pregnancy is that every woman’s experience is unique and with so many women experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, the first missed period may not be an accurate indication of pregnancy.
While some women track their cycles down to the last second to help their family planning, others don’t always keep track.
Which means not every woman finds out there’s a bun in the oven, the conventional way.
Here are some of the funny ways women found out they were pregnant:
- Non-stop cramping
Some women say they just brush off the cramps as regular menstrual cramps, only to find out later that the cramps were actually from the fertilised egg attaching to the uterus wall.
- Weird cravings
Ever heard of women who suddenly develop a craving for cement, sand or even wood? In the early stages of pregnancy, a woman’s iron levels can drop and the biggest sign of this are weird cravings.
There are women who also feel the need to chew on chalk. All of which are not normal and she should seek medical attention urgently. Folic acid is usually prescribed to bring iron levels back to normal.
- Hot flushes when they’re not near menopausal age
A rise in body temperature is often linked to early pregnancy. This is because the body isn’t sure what the new resident is and its first response is to go into fight mode.
However, some women experience hot flushes that are similar to those experienced by women during menopause. Only they’re not near menopausal age.
Also read: Feel Good: Having the “period conversation” with your daughter
- Weight loss
Yes, weight loss from pregnancy can occur. In the early stage of pregnancy, usually between 8 and 16 weeks, a pregnant women may experience severe nausea and vomiting. This can result is drastic weight loss that may require urgent medical attention.
For many women this is how they find out they’re pregnant, as a trip to the doctor for what appears to be gastric flu-like symptoms results in a positive pregnancy test.
- Dogs or cats crawling up on the soon-to-be mom’s lap
One woman shared that her furry friend would only want to fall asleep on her lap. It’s almost as if the puppy knew the woman was pregnant and wanted to be close to the soon-to-be mom.
Of course, the only way to know for sure if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. While at home test kits are relatively accurate, most don’t pick up pregnancy from as early as 2 or 3 weeks.
A blood test is therefore the most accurate way to find out if you’re pregnant as it picks up levels of the pregnancy hormone, Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).
HCG is produced by the placenta and there will be an increase in this hormone until around 10 weeks into the pregnancy.
Also read: Pregnancy must haves for every trimester
