How Pregnancy Tests Work

Most pregnancy tests are accurate after the first day of a missed period.  Many women’s cycles are not regular, and the earliest a test can be taken varies depending on the cycle as well as the timing of implantation (between 1 and 6 days after fertilization).  Pregnancy tests rely on the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG),  secreted by the placenta shortly after fertilization.  hCG levels double about every two days in a pregnant woman, so the test is much more reliable two weeks after conception than one week later.

Basically, you can wait a while and then do a test, or drive yourself (and your bank account) crazy by trying them early and often.  Just don’t throw away the instructions.

You might also want to read about early pregnancy signs and reasons for late periods.

“While there is plenty of evidence that a mom’s drinking during pregnancy can cause problems for the baby, there is no evidence that the  father’s drinking at the time of conception poses any direct risk. Even if you were drinking just on the night of conception, problems would be unlikely.” Dr. Marjorie Greenfield  www.drspock.com

Experts agree that worrying about alcohol consumption prior to learning of a pregnancy is not productive, and attention should be focused on ensuring a healthy pregnancy now and in the future.

Please also see our articles on breastfeeding and alcohol, prenatal vitamins and conception preparation.

Photo: Waterford

1.  Stress
2. Dietary changes
3.  Changes in exercise levels
4.  Lack of sleep
5.  Resumption of menstruation after a time without
6.  Inconsistency or a change in birth control
7.  Intense emotion – death in the family, or falling in love
8.  Jetlag, time changes or a change in schedule
9.  Illness
10.  Changes in medications
11.  Being under or overweight
12.  Peri-menopause
13.  Menopause
14.  Pregnancy, baby.

In case you are still unsure, you can see also our very early signs of pregnancy and take a test.  Trust your body.  You know it better than anyone.  Our ovulation predictor may also be helpful.  Good luck, and you’d better take some folic acid, just in case.

- Jill Amery just loves it when her period is late.  It sets the imagination aflutter.

Positions for Sex During Pregnancy?

Achy breasts that you don’t want to have jiggle, a lower back that is tender and a bump in the front that might not want to be suspended in mid air might make the woman-on-top position unappealing.  From what I’ve heard.. lying on one’s side while having intercourse allows you to lie on one side with your partner starting at your back (which may feel like your most attractive part during the third trimester).  Standing up can be great, as can straddling.  For more position descriptions click here.

Privacy?  I feel weird about the baby being ‘present’ during sex.

Many women and men feel strange about sex with an unborn baby ‘present’.  Many men worry about bumping the baby in the head, so to speak.  The penis may hit the cervix, which remains closed until the baby is ready to be delivered.  The baby is in the uterus, surrounded by an amniotic sac filled with fluid.  Worries of this sort are normal, but unnecessary.  See Sue Johansen explain this on Talk Sex.

Done? When do you stop having sex while pregnant?

If you have been placed on bedrest or pelvic rest, sex and other activity is a no-no (always discuss with your practitioner).  If you are having a “normal pregnancy” sex is safe during all stages, should you desire to have it.  Make sure you keep the lines of communication with your partner open, and discuss any physical concerns with your doctor or midwife.  Remember that there are many ways that you can express intimacy with your partner without engaging in intercourse.

Orgasm or Labour During Pregnancy.

Can you tell an orgasm from labour?  When a woman has an orgasm she produces oxytocin – a love and bonding hormone.  This is the same hormone that is present during labour (the synthetic form – pitocin – is often used to induce).  The major difference between these two states is that in labour, you feel like a huge rubber band is being tightened around your back and middle, and contractions will emanate from your back.  You will feel the contractions at regular intervals without additional stimulation or activity, unlike most orgasms, which do not continue.  Laura Shanley posts a beautiful synopsis of sensuality while pregnant and gives lovely quotes from literature.

Sex Inducing Labour.

What’s the deal with inducing labour and having sex?  On the list of ‘natural ways to induce labour’ includes dosing the cervix with sperm.  The protstaglandins in semen, coupled with a female orgasm can stimulate contractions.  This does not always work if your body is not ready to go into labour, and many women would rather wash all of the floors in the house instead of having sex in the last month.  Experts seem to agree that sex prompts a woman to relax, and this state of relaxation is always conducive and recommended for labour.

Bleeding and Spotting after Sex.

Some women experience spotting after intercourse.  While this can be normal, you should always call your practitioner for an assessment.  While it could be something very minor, it could also indicate a serious problem.  You are always entitled to check with your doctor or midwife and no concern is ever too small to be addressed.  If this spotting or bleeding is accompanied by cramping and pain, head to the emergency room.  Spotting is very light bleeding (less than the size of a loonie when you wipe with a tissue).  It can vary from red to brown in colour.

Sex Life After Pregnancy.

Most health workers tell you that at 6 weeks postpartum after a vaginal birth, sex may be resumed.  Sorry, but are you kidding?!  If you know anyone who actually had sex after 6 weeks, please comment on this article and we may just have to send a prize.  Most women I’ve met tell their partners that the 2 month mark is a reasonable ‘doctor recommendation’ for resuming of activity.  That’s with a natural birth.  No tearing, no cesarean.  Typically in this case, you would wait at least 8 weeks and discuss with your caregiver before resuming physical activities such as sex.

The Milk. Breastmilk Leaking During Sex.

Did anyone ever mention the whole – getting turned on and then you start lactating thing?  It’s lovely.  Making passionate love to your partner, and you drown him with milk.  Remember that this phenomenon is natural and can be very beautiful for some.  It also can confuse you about your role – you are a woman and sexual being, but have also just become a mother, as evidenced by the white liquid coming our of your body.  Nursing right before intercourse can help, and wearing a bra and breast pads could also make you feel more comfortable.  Remember to be honest with your partner and work on good communication.

As with many things in life, your sexuality will develop and progress over time.  These are all stages, and if you can learn to cherish each one and retain the lessons, your future sex life will be very rich.  Feel free to send a question to our Experts anytime.

- Jill Amery really doesn’t like to talk about sex.  Honest.

In British Columbia both midwives and doctors practice under the authority of our B.C. Medical Services Plan. As a BC Care Card holder you may choose to have either a doctor or a midwife deliver your baby. Both practice in our hospitals. Midwives are registered and regulated by the College of Midwives of British Columbia, the BC Health Professions Act, the Midwives Regulation and the CMBC Bylaws. In 1998 BC Midwives became legally recognized as autonomous health care practitioners.

What about pain relief, the coveted epidural? Yup, you still have the choice. The myth of midwives only assisting labour without pain relief is dispelled @ www.bcmidwives.com. “Midwives offer a range of natural and pharmaceutical pain relief options including access to epidurals.”

And finally, what about the risk of a c-section? In the case of an emergency c-section your care is transferred to the medical doctors on duty at the hospital. Or, in the case of a home birth, you’re transported to a nearby hospital. Both your doctor’s treatment and that of your midwife is covered by MSP.

There are certainly circumstances when midwives pass-on high risk pregnancies to physicians early in pregnancy or as complications progress, but did you know that if you are a low risk pregnancy having a midwife as your primary care provider in B.C. actually lowers your chance of having a c-section?

It’s time we become educated regarding our options. Midwives certainly are; educated that is. Midwives are not lay persons. Aspiring midwives can enroll in the full time four year Midwifery Education Program at UBC in an undergraduate program to receive a Bachelor of Midwifery degree from the CMBC (College of Midwives of BC). The BC Midwives’ website provides a number of other schools where midwives train all over the country..

We are, therefore, assured each midwife is educated and works together with medical doctors as needed (pre- and postpartum, as well as during delivery) to give you and your baby the best care possible. Plus, should you choose a midwife, she continues to care for you and your baby until about six weeks postpartum. Visits are in your home at your convenience. Assistance is provided with breast feeding and all the other adjustments pertaining to the arrival of a new baby.

One Victoria mom of two was delighted when her midwife found a herb in her garden to alleviate some breastfeeding problems. The greatful new mom didn’t even know her garden grew such herbs, but the midwife found her way around the garden with ease as she had cared for another woman in the same house years before.

In addition to regulations and extensive training, why does the health care system in BC support midwifery? It makes sense. Midwives are solely dedicated to a mother’s pregnancy, labour and her newborn baby.

How do we fathom what bodies go through while creating new life? Women give birth despite the awareness that the physical process is lengthy, painful and will significantly challenge their bodies (as well as their lives). Yet women choose to become pregnant, to give birth. In what other circumstance is pain received with such purpose?

Medical doctors are medically qualified to care for a woman during pregnancy and labour.  Our health care system ensures that any complications or concerns with pregnancy and labour will be met with ease by our skilled doctors – a very comforting fact for any expecting mother. Pregnancy and labour, however, are more than medical conditions.  Pregnancy and labour involve a transformation of the human body that deserves the dedicated care and attention that midwifery specialists provide.

The BC Midwives Association best describes the care provided by a midwife:

“Registered Midwives in BC offer primary maternity care to healthy pregnant women and their newborn babies from early pregnancy, through labour and birth, until about six weeks postpartum. What does this really mean? Midwives listen, observe, educate, guide and care. They order and interpret tests and discuss results. They screen for physical, psychological, emotional and social health. They are with women during pregnancy, labour and birth, normal and complicated. They catch babies. They do home visits postpartum. They help with breastfeeding and adjusting to life with a new baby. They work together and with other health professionals.

Midwives practice evidence based and woman centered maternity and newborn care and are an established part of the BC health care system.”

The BC midwives website provides a complete list of FAQ’s and answers on their very user friendly website at www.bcmidwives.com.

- Mariapaula Featherston is a Vancouver writer and lover of natural things.  You can find more of her writing at www.mommyknowsbest.com under the Blogger Name: ModernMom.

Urban Mommies has found two great paper pregnancy wheels you can order online:

The Pregnancy Wheel and Ovulation Calculator

by FertilAid and available on Amazon.com
Pictured above, this wheel is great for women trying to conceive and women who are already pregnant. It is adjustable for different menstrual cycle lengths, a unique feature. It can be used to predict fertility with an ovulation calendar and includes ovulation, peak fertility, implantation, when to test for pregnancy and when your missed period will be, well, missed. It also includes a chart for fetal weight and length by week and other pregnancy milestones. The wheel also suggests what points during the pregnancy you should visit the doctor for specific tests and check-ups. This wheel is $8.50 at Amazon.com.

The Personal Pregnancy Calculator and Fetal Development Charting Wheel

by Craigmedical.com
This easy to use wheel automatically calculates your due date and provides great info on physical symptoms and “discomforts” and pregnancy development milestones. There’s also a weekly chart for fetal growth and development. The makers of this wheel report that pregnancy is about 38 weeks in length but most doctors use the Naegele Rule of 10 lunar months or 9 calendar months (40 weeks). With this rule, the due date is 9 months + 7 days (280 days) after the first day of your last normal period. This pregnancy prediction kit is $6.50 and is available at the craigmedical website.

Urban Mommies also found two great electronic pregnancy wheel applications for your phone:

Blackberry “Pregnancy Wheel” – (FREE!) : includes due date calculation based on your ultrasound or the date of your last period as well as the gestational age of the fetus based on the due date.

iPhone “The Wheel” – ($5.99 US) : a gestational age calculator, this application also calculates your due date based on the date of your last period or another “known date” such as the date of an ultrasound measurement. It also includes a fetal development calendar. Available in 5 languages, it also includes a lunar calendar.

For more about conception and pregnancy visit our “The Belly” page.

-Danica Longair
With additional reporting by Jill Amery, Urbanmommies.com CEO

This Chinese Gender Prediction Chart was supposedly discovered in a tomb, and is rumoured to be over seven centuries old! The original is said to be on display at the Beijing Institute of Science in China. How accurate is it? Reports vary of course, with some reporting greater than 50% accuracy. You’re probably thinking “Hey isn’t it all in the sperm? Doesn’t the gender have nothing to do with me?” Well, recent studies have revealed that your body may be more receptive to sperm that carry a certain gender at different times and under different circumstances. So perhaps there is a little truth to this chart.

How to Use the Chart

The charts are below the article byline. To make it easier to read, we have separated the Chinese Gender Chart into two: one for women aged 18-31 and one for women aged 32-45. For the purposes of this chart, your “age” is how old you were at the time of conception in lunar months (known as your “lunar age”). To calculate your lunar age add nine months to your current age. Remember, you need your lunar age at the time of conception and not the time when the baby will be born. Next, find your lunar age along the top row of the appropriate chart below and cross reference it with the month of conception down the left-hand column. The cell where your lunar age at conception and month of conception meet reveals the ancient Chinese prediction for your baby’s gender!

Note that this chart is for entertainment purposes only. It is of course not a guarantee and we make no claims as to its accuracy…so don’t paint the nursery just yet. Yes, the original birth chart is said to be real, but it is here just for fun.  We’ve got a heap of other tools and cool pregnancy and kid charts – make sure you’re on our monthly newsletter list so you don’t miss any articles and additions.

For more great articles about conception, check out our Conception Page. Once you’ve used the charts, and you have an indication of what your baby’s gender might be, why don’t you visit our Baby Names Page to get some great baby name ideas. But make sure to have names ready for both genders, because you never know! Finally, don’t forget to check out our great Pregnancy and Baby sections for all your need to know mom-to-be information.

-Danica Longair
Content Editor
With additional reporting by Jill Amery, UrbanMommies CEO

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