Good nutrition is important throughout our lives, but becomes especially essential during pregnancy. Baby will take what she needs from you whether you have enough to spare or not, so you have to be sure you are getting enough nutrients for you and for your growing baby. Unfortunately, many moms begin pregnancy deficient in one or more vitamins or minerals, so prenatal vitamins become especially important. Pregnancy superfoods like avocados, liver, and dates are great for getting many of the nutrients you need, but, with our depleted soils and industrialized food system, it’s not always possible to get everything we need from food alone. Which is why pregnancy supplements and prenatal vitamins are so important for a healthy pregnancy. But not all prenatal vitamins are created equally. Read on to find the best prenatal for you. The origins of prenatal vitamins Prenatal vitamins came into use in the middle of the 20th century when research pointed to folate and iron deficiencies causing problems in pregnancy and fetal development. Unfortunately, prescription prenatal vitamins often cause women to feel sick to their stomach, or have heartburn, indigestion, or constipation, making them not the best prenatal vitamins for some women. This may be because prescription prenatal blends often contain higher levels of iron and folic acid which can cause some of these symptoms. Luckily today we have other options for over the counter prenatal vitamins. Why do I need prenatal vitamins? Growing a baby is tough work. Baby will take what he needs so to avoid losing your own stores of nutrients, you have to get enough vitamins and minerals for both of you. Here are the most common vitamins and minerals in prenatal vitamins and just an overview of what they do in the body: Vitamin A – Supports eye and brain development, respiratory development Thiamin (Vitamin B1)– Supports the nervous system, supports baby’s brain development Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – Supports healthy eyes and skin Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Supports the digestive, integumentary, and nervous systems. Pantothenic (Vitamin B5) – Helps to create hormones and may ease leg cramps. Vitamin B6 – Helps form red blood cells. May help with morning sickness Biotin (Vitamin B7) -Works with other B vitamins to help release energy from food Folate/ Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) – Prevents Neural tube defects and Spina Bifida in baby Vitamin B12 – Promotes blood formation, helps prevent and even fight birth defects that affect the spine and central nervous system Vitamin C – Helps your body absorb iron and protects against the effects of stress Vitamin D – Helps strengthen your and baby’s bones and teeth and helps your body to utilize Calcium and Phosphorus Vitamin E – Overall wellness and metabolism, may help reduce miscarriages Vitamin K – Supports healthy bone formation, blood clotting, and healing Calcium – Supports bone development Copper – Plays a role in iron metabolism, supports blood health Iron – Helps the blood carry oxygen Iodine – Supports healthy thyroid function, metabolism, fetal growth and hearing Magnesium – Supports healthy blood pressure and healthy birth weight Zinc – Supports immune, nerve, and muscle function Standard synthetic prenatal vitamins These are the ones you can get at most drug stores. They are a complete cross-spectrum of nutrients, but they are created in a laboratory with vitamin isolates separated from the natural co-factors like phytonutrients that help your body absorb or utilize the vitamin. These synthetic vitamins are shown to be nutritionally inferior to natural vitamins and can cause digestive issues which may be a sign of vitamin toxicity. For example, long-term synthetic calcium supplementation is tied to kidney stones, stroke and earlier death in women. Synthetic vitamin E can be especially problematic. Research has linked synthetic vitamin E to DNA damage to the liver, hemorrhagic stroke, prostate cancer in men, and congenital heart defects in babies born to women taking large doses of vitamin E. Beta-carotene is an important precursor to vitamin A. Unfortunately, it’s synthetic form can cause problems. Researchers found that high amounts of synthetic beta-carotene may actually block some of the mechanisms of vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene, in its synthetic form, isn’t the only synthetic vitamin that may cause vitamin depletion. For example, adequate vitamin D and vitamin K are necessary for your body to absorb calcium and store in the right places, so if you don’t have enough of vitamins D and K, you can run into issues. Whole, natural foods contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that work together to be absorbed and utilized. When vitamins are isolated, like they are in synthetic vitamin blends, your body may utilize the vitamins but also may deplete others. Food-based prenatals: Best prenatal vitamins Food-based prenatals are more absorbable and gentler on the stomach because they are derived from food instead of isolated vitamins. Many women who suffer from constipation or nausea while on conventional prenatal vitamins during pregnancy see a significant improvement when switching to food based prenatals. Because they are derived from food, these prenatal blends contain the enzymes, phytonutrients, and other co-factors that make the vitamin most absorbable and add to the spectrum of nutrition. Many also include probiotics and herbal blends too. The downside to food based prenatals is that they are more expensive and have lower levels of each vitamin and mineral than a synthetic vitamin. However, they are thought to be more highly absorbable than synthetics, so high levels of vitamins aren’t necessary or beneficial. Here’s a comparison of food-based prenatals. MegaFood Baby & Me prenatal vitamins MegaFood offers two versions of its prenatal blend: Baby & Me and Baby & Me 2 (doesn’t contain the herbal blend). I took the herb-free version when I was pregnant as I didn’t want to include ginger, which has been linked to premature labor in large doses. I also was drinking red raspberry leaf tea regularly, so didn’t need more, which is found in the herb blend. I went with MegaFood because I really trust their high-quality standards: non-GMO, no pesticides/herbicides, and made from farm-fresh food. I liked this prenatal because it contains a great cross-spectrum of nutrients, is higher in vitamin D, contains vitamin K and has lots of good B vitamins. It’s strong in Iodine, Iron and Zinc, three important minerals in pregnancy. It is lower in vitamin A, which was fine by me since I took my cod liver oil. It’s also low in calcium and magnesium so I ate my organic, grass-fed dairy regularly and took supplemental magnesium at night for a restful sleep. I never had digestive distress or went into pregnancy-induced anemia. New Chapter Perfect Prenatals Perfect Prenatal is gluten-free, non-GMO, and made from organic foods. It is strong in vitamin D, K and Iron. But it doesn’t reach the RDA in Zinc, Iodine, Calcium, Magnesium and surprisingly Folate (probably the most important nutrient when pregnant). It contains soy, which is a high allergen food, even if it’s fermented. Also, some people don’t like that it’s owned by Procter and Gamble. I do know many moms who swear by this prenatal though, and I do like how it includes probiotics and a sprout blend. Rainbow Light This is a popular prenatal in the crunchy world and for good reason. It contains double the iron of most prenatals and is strong in iodine, zinc, copper, and vitamin C. It also contains a hearty dose of probiotics and is known for being gentle on the stomach. Additionally, you only need to take one a day which can be more convenient, especially if you have pregnancy brain! However, it does contain vitamin D2, instead of the more absorbable D3. It also contains folic acid instead of folate, which is a big problem if you have MTHFR issues. (More on that later.) Find this prenatal vitamin here. Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal Vitamin Code is another popular food-based prenatal. It is non-GMO, contains no fillers, and is processed at low heat for optimal nutrient retention. It is strong in vitamin C, iodine, iron and all of the vitamin B’s. It contains double the vitamin D3 of most prenatals, which may sound good, but it is lower in vitamin K, which can be problematic for good calcium absorption. It’s also lower in zinc and copper, important trace minerals. Some moms can’t take this formula because they are allergic to one of the many food ingredients like seeds and grains. This prenatal recommends you take 1 capsule 3 times a day which can be inconvenient for some. Find them here. Prenatal vitamins for moms who have the MTHFR mutation The MTHFR defect, which some say affects up to 50-60% of the population, makes it difficult for your body to convert folic acid (and even folate) into a usable form (called methylation). The two gene mutations most studied and connected with this defect are found at the C677T and A1298C positions on the MTHFR gene. Having MTHFR issues makes it more difficult for the body to detoxify. During pregnancy this is especially concerning because the build-up of unusable folic acid (from processed food and certain prenatals) can cause toxicity and folate deficiency because it blocks absorption of naturally occurring folate. Folate deficiencies are associated with some birth defects such as spina bifida and neural tube defects. The MTHFR mutation can cause miscarriage, preeclampsia, forgetfulness, and brain fog among other symptoms. That’s why it is so critical to know if you have the MTHFR mutation and, if so, to take the right form of prenatal when you are pregnant. Luckily there are prenatal blends designed for women who have the MHTFR mutation. MTHFR Prenatal: Seeking Health Seeking Health’s prenatal. This prenatal was created by one of the world’s MTHFR experts, Dr. Ben Lynch. It contains methylfolate and folinic acid which are especially great for women who can’t process folic acid of even folate. It also contains methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin, absorbable forms of B12 for those with the MTHFR defects. This prenatal is very high in all vitamins and minerals and even includes some helpful foods and herbs (including ginger which some moms prefer to avoid). However, this prenatal doesn’t contain any iron, so I would add Megafood Blood Builder or Liver Pills for iron. It is also not food based so may be harder to absorb nutrients. MTHFR Prenatal: Thorne Research As shown above, this prenatal blend includes methylated folate instead of folic acid. It also contains a lot of iron which can be irritating for some moms and contains significantly less vitamin B6 than the label states. This prenatal contains high levels of iron which may be irritating to some moms. It also contains methylated folate which is easier to assimilate than folic acid or even folate. However, according to Lab Door’s research, it contains 99% less Vitamin B6 as is stated on the label, so an additional B supplement may be needed. Find it here. MTHFR Prenatals: Zahler Prenatal + DHA These prenatals plus DHA are a great blend for pregnancy with only methylated folate, which is more easily assimilated. The added DHA helps develop baby’s eye and brain. This blend doesn’t contain herbs, which is great for women who would prefer to avoid herbs or are taking them separately. Find them here. MTHFR Prenatals: Dr. Ron’s Dr. Ron’s – Though not a prenatal, this multivitamin contains methylated forms of B vitamins and is super high in important minerals like Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium, Iodine, and other important minerals when pregnant. It also contains antioxidants from grape seed extract. However, this supplement is not food based and doesn’t include all of the natural co-enzymes, co-factors and bioflavonoids found in food-based vitamins and minerals. It also may be harder to absorb and cause some stomach upset. Be sure to take with food. Finally, it does not contain vitamin A or iron, two important nutrients when pregnant. Create your own prenatal vitamins Another option would be to create your own prenatal based on your particular biological needs. Some moms do blood and/or hair tissue mineral analysis to see specifically which nutrients they may need more of and which minerals they don’t need to supplement with. For example, getting too much copper may deplete some of your zinc stores since these minerals counterbalance each other. Obviously, not everyone can afford or access this kind of personalized testing but hopefully this will be the medical norm one day. Some important things to include if you do create your own is a good trace mineral supplement that includes magnesium, iodine, zinc, iron as well as vitamins A, D, C, K, and an excellent B supplement. It’s always a good idea to include a good probiotic for gut health. By boosting your good bacteria levels, you may ward off things like Group B Strep and thrush when breastfeeding. You may also help colonize your baby with the best bacteria possible, which can affect her health for the rest of her life. Super nutrient-dense foods Some foods are so nutrient-dense, they can help supplement your diet with high levels or vitamins and minerals. Examples include raw cod liver oil for vitamin A & D, natural brewer’s yeast for B vitamins, beef liver for iron, zinc and copper, farmer grass-fed dairy for calcium, shrimp and certain seaweeds for iodine, fresh leafy greens for folate, 2 egg yolks for choline, Brazil nuts for selenium, etc. Naturally fermented sauerkraut is a wonderful source of vitamin C as well as contains good bacteria for the gut. Be sure to include these foods regularly in your diet and avoid junk food. Is cod liver oil safe? There are some concerns around vitamin A during pregnancy. While some birth defects have been associated with vitamin A, those studies assessed the effects of large amounts of the synthetic form of vitamin A, versus what is naturally found in cod liver oil and beef liver. Women have been eating liver and cod liver oil (and giving it to their kids) for thousands of years, many times under their doctor’s orders, and these foods have nourished baby’s development and restored mom’s nutritional stores. Studies suggest cod liver oil could be great for a variety of ailments from arthritis to cognitive performance. It only makes sense that those potential benefits would continue during pregnancy. Of course, as with anything, check with your midwife or OB-GYN to see what’s best for you during your pregnancy. .embed-pin { margin: 0.5rem 0 2.4rem 2.4rem; padding-right:3px; float:right; } @media only screen and (max-width: 460px) { .embed-pin { margin: 2.4rem 0; padding-right:0; float:none; text-align: center; } } Good for mama, good for baby No matter which road you take with your prenatal, the important thing is to flood your body with a cross-spectrum of nutrients through supplements and diet. This is especially true if it is your second, third, or fourth pregnancies, when nutritional reserves may be lower than the first time around. If you plan on breastfeeding, and hopefully you are, many midwives will recommend continuing on your prenatal for the entire duration of breastfeeding. In fact, since 50% of pregnancies are unplanned, all women of childbearing age might consider taking a prenatal vitamin. Take the extra time and expense to feed yourself well during these critical child-bearing years. It will pay off with greater health and vitality for you and family! How about YOU? Which prenatal did you take while pregnant? Did you feel good on? Share with us! References http://www.rxlist.com/folic_acid-page2/supplements.htm http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369848613001349 http://www.thedoctorwithin.com/vitaminc/ascorbic-acid-is-not-vitamin-c/ http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/natural-vs-synthetic-vitamins/ https://www.organicconsumers.org/news/nutri-con-truth-about-vitamins-supplements http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/dietary-supplements-what-the-industry-does-not-want-you-to-know/ http://chriskresser.com/throw-away-your-multivitamins-and-antioxidants/ http://mthfrliving.com/health-conditions/preparing-pregnancy-mthfr-mutations/ http://www.drrons.com/healthy-moms-babies-children.htm http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/why-birth-defect-linked-vitamin-used-prenatals http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/prenatal-vitamins http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010920/full#CD010920-sec1-0003 http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-902-copper.aspx?activeingredientid=902&activeingredientname=copper https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24696187 http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/71/5/1325s.full https://labdoor.com/rankings/prenatal-vitamins Share Pin Tweet Email Text
I was thankful for so many things during my second pregnancy… First, that my son Griffin became potty-trained in early summer. It was an easy process without a lot of drama. Love that kid! (Need tips? Check out this post and video.) Second, I got through a few months of queasiness with this supplement. And third, my husband was home more and I wasn’t working in Corporate America (yoga pants, here I come!) I was also incredibly grateful that my tests, blood work, blood pressure, and ultrasound all came back with no issues or abnormalities. Thank you God! I do have to say that it was a tougher pregnancy though because I was chasing after a 3 year old; we moved to a new place; and my activity levels were MUCH HIGHER compared with my previous pregnancy where I sat at a desk for 8 hours a day. Overall, I found some really helpful tools that allowed me manage my natural pregnancy well, including these. (check out my postpartum essentials too) Tools that helped me have a natural pregnancy 1. Raspberry Leaf Tea This nice tasting tea helps tone the uterus and pelvic muscles and is great for childbirth. Most midwives and OB-GYNs recommend drinking RRL tea in the 2nd trimester on since it can trigger some uterine cramping. I never had an issue with myself but be sure to check with doctor. 2. Magnesium Oil This topical magnesium is so very easy for the body to absorb and instantly calmed and soothed my body. Magnesium can also help with morning sickness, fatigue, constipation and gestational diabetes. 3. Exercise ball Because I want a natural childbirth, I used this exercise ball often as my “chair.” It keeps the pelvis forward and in good alignment. Now, don’t get me wrong, in the first trimester, you better believe I was reclining, lounging and engulfed in our super comfy, oversized couch. But, once I was nearing my 3rd trimester, I started using this exercise ball which helps strengthen your core as you sit. It also is great to lean on during labor. Bottom line, this handy tool can get baby into optimal position for birth. (More on that here.) 4. HCL/Pepsin Especially in the first trimester and now in the third, I find my digestion can get a little wonky when pregnant. The pregnancy hormones can slow down our digestive process, which can lead to heartburn, acid reflux and nausea. In enters this HCL/Pepsin supplement… HCL is something our stomachs secrete naturally during digestion so I like that it “mimics” and supports this process. I found 1-2 capsules per meal worked great to keep any tummy troubles at bay. You can see all the supplements I took while pregnant here. 5. Supernatural Childbirth This little book has been such a God send. While I’m not 100% convinced that a painless childbirth is possible :), I do appreciate reading the testimonials and Scripture that helps support a more spiritual birth. I love the prayers for conception, for the growing child in utero, and for the delivery itself. HUGE FAITH BUILDER! There’s also this great audio piece that’s great to listen to throughout day. 6. Lemonade Take 2 lemons. Squeeze through strainer into a quart Mason jar. Add filtered water and about 10 drops of stevia. Add a dash of sea salt. This delicious drink has been my go-to this pregnancy. I find it helps not only getting my fluids in for the day but also aids digestion. 7. SpinningBabies.com This website, while not the most user-friendly, contains a WEALTH of helpful information on baby positioning. Why is that important? Well, generally speaking, the better position our baby is in, the easier our childbirth will be. You can learn more about here and here. 8. Pumpkin Spice Lattes This tasty little beverage has been a lovely gift throughout the later half of my pregnancy. The warm milk… the sweet spices… the pumpkin flavor… and so much better than the Starbucks version. Since I’m sensitive to caffeine, I use a naturally decaffeinated coffee like this one for my lattes. 9. The Mama Natural Week-By-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth! If you want to feel empowered and inspired, be sure to pick up a copy of my natural pregnancy guide! 10. All of YOU! The support, love and wisdom within this community keeps me going. I have LOVED sharing this pregnancy with you and hearing so many inspiring stories from all of you. Thank you for sharing yourselves so freely and being positive examples of Natural Mamas 🙂 Are you pregnant? Planning a shower? Check out my baby gift registry, a visual guide that lists everything you need and nothing you don’t 😉 How bout YOU? What are your essentials during pregnancy? Share with us! Share Pin Tweet Email Text
Many TTC-ing moms want to know sooner rather than later if they’ll get that BFP test, and implantation cramping may be an early sign that they, indeed, will! But implantation cramping is tricky—not everyone experiences it and it can be similar to PMS cramps. In this post we’ll answer: What is implantation cramping? What does implantation cramping feel like? How long does implantation cramping last? Is implantation cramping a sign of early pregnancy? Is it possible that you’re feeling something besides implantation cramping? What Is Implantation Cramping? During the window of time that conception is possible, sperm swim into the fallopian tubes in hopes of fertilizing the woman’s egg (or ovum). If/when one lucky sperm enters the egg, conception occurs. The embryo then divides into two cells to become a zygote. The zygote continues to grow and subdivide to become a blastocyst while it travels down the fallopian tube. Now, this budding life is in the uterus, where it will implant. When implantation occurs, some of the mucous membrane of the uterine lining changes in order to allow the blastocyst to implant. This is what causes implantation cramping and/or implantation bleeding. (source) Is Cramping Normal in Early Pregnancy? Light cramping during early pregnancy is fairly common and generally nothing to worry about. In addition to cramping, you may also notice mood swings, headaches, and brown or pinkish spotting or discharge if implantation has occurred. (Keep in mind, some women in early pregnancy experience none of these symptoms and they are usually fine, too!) When you’re trying to conceive, any unusual symptoms—particularly any type of cramping or bleeding—can be unsettling. If you’re worried about miscarriage, know that about 10-25% percent of known pregnancies end in early miscarriage (miscarriages that happen before 13 weeks gestation), so while it’s possible, the odds are with you for a full-term, healthy pregnancy. When Does Implantation Cramping Occur? Cramping during implantation occurs at different times for different women, but generally occurs 6-11 days after conception. The blastocyst implants in the uterus within a few days of reaching it. And since implantation cramping (or bleeding) doesn’t necessarily happen on the day of implantation, you may feel symptoms of implantation over the course of a few days. How Long Do You Have Implantation Cramps? Every woman’s body is different—and women can (and often do) experience different things with each pregnancy. Sometimes cramping lasts just a few minutes other times it comes and goes, and sometimes it’s relatively constant for a few days. What Does Implantation Pain Feel Like? Some women mistake implantation for their premenstrual cramps, especially because implantation generally happens around the same time most women would expect their next menstrual cycle to begin. To make matters more confusing. both menstrual cramps and implantation cramping are usually mild to moderate. Some say implantation cramps can be differentiated from menstrual cramps if you experience the following sensations: pricking pulling tingling feeling If you experience any sharp, persistent pain, talk to your healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of something more serious. Where Do You Feel Implantation Cramps? Where you feel implantation cramps will vary from woman to woman. For some they are more centralized, similar to period cramps; others may feel implantation cramps in a different place, like on one side or very low in the abdomen. Are Implantation Cramps Always Accompanied By Implantation Bleeding? No. You can absolutely have one without the other. Let’s unpack this: Implantation cramps and spotting occur because the blastocyst implants into the lining causing a bit of a disturbance. Sometimes that means a bit of light cramping. Other times that means a few blood cells are loosened, causing implantation bleeding. And sometimes both; sometimes neither. Remember: Our bodies are all different, and signs of implantation (if any are present at all) vary from woman to woman. .embed-pin { margin: 0.5rem 0 2.4rem 2.4rem; padding-right:3px; float:right; } @media only screen and (max-width: 460px) { .embed-pin { margin: 2.4rem 0; padding-right:0; float:none; text-align: center; } } What If I Don’t Experience Implantation Cramping? Know that many pregnant women do not experience any implantation cramping at all. In one study, 25 percent of participants reported some bleeding during their first trimester. About 17 percent of those individuals reported spotting and 8 percent reported heavy bleeding. Both groups reported some pain, though pain was nearly two times more likely in the group that experienced heavy bleeding. Whether you experience implantation cramping or not, look for other signs of early pregnancy and take a pregnancy test to determine if you are pregnant. If an initial pregnancy test is negative, wait a few days and take another one. If you test too close to your missed period, your body may not be producing enough Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy, to show a positive result. When Implantation Cramping is Mistaken for Something Else “Hormonal changes related to ovulation can affect some of the same pathways in your brain that might be affected by other medical conditions,” says Chailee Moss, M.D., an ob-gyn at Johns Hopkins Medicine What may seem like implantation cramping may actually be something else entirely. If you are not pregnant, here are some things that could be causing uterine cramping: Pre-period cramps: As discussed above, PMS cramping and implantation cramping are often very similar. They are both dull and consistent. Digestive cramping: Gas, indigestion, food sensitivities, and illness can also cause cramping in your abdominal, though this pain is associated with your gastrointestinal tract. Ovulation cramping: If cramping occurs around the time of ovulation time, it’s called mittelschmerz, a German word that means “middle” and “pain.” Ovulation cramping occurs when the follicle ruptures and releases the egg. You’ll likely feel mild discomfort (a pinch or twinge). “You’ll feel it only on one side of your lower abdomen, depending on which ovary is releasing an egg,” says Amy Autry, MD, clinical professor of obstetrics-gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California at San Francisco. Ovarian/Pelvic cysts: If you experience intense pain, especially pain that’s accompanied by nausea or vomiting, it could be an ovarian cyst. Consult your doctor right away. If the pain is significant and accompanied by heavy bleeding, talk to your doctor or midwife. And, of course, listen to your body. Regardless of symptoms, if you think something is amiss, it’s a good idea to call your healthcare provider. When You’re Hoping for Pregnancy If you’re trying to conceive, feeling implantation cramps can be both exciting and scary at the same time. You’ll probably wonder whether you’re pregnant, but you’ll probably also wonder whether everything is okay if you are pregnant. Remember that implantation cramping is not a sure sign one way or the other—some women experience implantation cramping and others don’t. Try to relax, be extra kind to yourself (get plenty of sleep and maintain a healthy diet), and take a pregnancy test. If you get a negative the first time, wait a few days and try again. We know how hard it is to wait, but most pregnancy tests are most accurate a week after your missed period. How About You? Did you experience implantation cramping? How was it different than period cramping? Share Pin Tweet Email Text
Waiting for that positive pregnancy test? The time between when you ovulate and either get your period or get a BFP test can be BRUTAL! Maybe you’re doing a pregnancy test daily, scrutinizing the stick for any sign of a faint line. Maybe you’re absolutely sure you’re experiencing early signs of pregnancy, though it’s only been a few days since you ovulated. But still, the question nags at you: Am I pregnant? We hear you, mama! Although we can’t be 100% sure whether or not you’ve conceived, we’re going to give it our best shot. From implantation cramping and implantation bleeding to sore breasts in pregnancy and pregnancy insomnia, there are lots of pregnancy symptoms our bodies give us when we are, in fact, truly pregnant. So what do you think? Are you pregnant? Take Our Quiz and Find Out Instantly. /* Onpage CSS generated by WatuPRO */ div.watu-question, div.show-question { margin-bottom: 15px !important; } .question-choices, .show-question-choices { margin-top: 5px !important; } if(!window.jQuery) alert("jQuery is not properly loaded in the header. Your blog theme is probably missing the wp_head() call. Please contact your theme developer."); Take our just-for-fun quiz to find out instantly! 1. Did you have unprotected sex during your last cycle? Yes, near ovulation.Yes, but not near ovulation.Nope! 2. How old are you? under 3535-3940+ 3. How would you describe your cervical mucus? (Here's how to check) Not sure, I don't keep track.What's cervical mucus?Thin and not much of it. Still pretty thick, and there's a lot of it. 4. Your breasts are: The same as usual... I think... Extremely swollen, tender, and sore. My areolas may even look darker! A bit tender and sore—the way they sometimes feel before I get my period. Less sore than usual. 5. You have to urinate: Less often than usual.About the same as usual... maybe?More frequently than usual. 6. Which of the following symptoms are you experiencing? (Check all that apply) A cold Puffy and sore gumsNauseaNone of these 7. What is your energy level like? I'm utterly exhausted.A bit more tired than normal.About what it usually is.I have tons of energy! 8. You are cramping and feel bloated. TrueFalse 9. You are spotting. TrueFalse 10. You just feel pregnant. TrueFalse Loading... jQuery(document).ready(function(){ var question_ids = "140,149,141,143,142,145,146,147,148,144"; WatuPROSettings[10] = {}; WatuPRO.qArr = question_ids.split(','); WatuPRO.exam_id = 10; WatuPRO.post_id = 49741; WatuPRO.store_progress = 0; WatuPRO.requiredIDs="0".split(","); WatuPRO.hAppID = "0.66282700 1542675295"; var url = "https://www.mamanatural.com/wp-content/plugins/watupro/show_exam.php"; WatuPRO.examMode = 1; WatuPRO.siteURL="https://www.mamanatural.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php"; WatuPRO.inCategoryPages=1;}); .embed-pin { margin: 0.5rem 0 2.4rem 2.4rem; padding-right:3px; float:right; } @media only screen and (max-width: 460px) { .embed-pin { margin: 2.4rem 0; padding-right:0; float:none; text-align: center; } } Am I Pregnant? Quiz Says Yes! Are congratulations in order, mama? We hope so! Of course, you’ll want to confirm the results of our just-for-fun quiz with an at-home pregnancy test and an initial visit to your midwife or OB/GYN. In the meantime, you may want to take a look at our due date calculator and sign up for week-to-week pregnancy updates. It’s also a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins, if you haven’t already. Am I Pregnant? Quiz Says Maybe! This is where things get a little tricky. Are those sore breasts a result of early pregnancy, or is it just PMS? We’re sorry to say that we just can’t tell! It’s going to be a long couple of days, but you will know soon, so hang tight! Remember that pregnancy tests are most accurate the day of your missed period, or even later. Luckily, you might not have to wait that long—some women get a positive pregnancy test as few as 10 days past ovulation, thanks to the increased sensitivity of at-home tests. If you think you might be pregnant and can handle the emotional ups and downs of testing early, there’s no harm in starting to test 7-10 days past ovulation. Just don’t lose hope! And if you happen to see a faint line? Well, a faint line is just as good as a dark line… it might just be time to celebrate! Am I Pregnant? Quiz Says No! We know how tough it is to wait for that BFP, especially if you’ve been trying for awhile. But our simple pregnancy quiz here doesn’t know everything! A surprise may still be in store. Remember that every journey to motherhood is different. If you’re having trouble conceiving, check out these natural ways to increase your fertility. If you have experienced loss, allow yourself to feel all of the raw emotions and seek help and support if you need it. Have faith that your rainbow baby is coming. 🙏🏻 🌈 Best wishes and baby dust to you mama! 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