How to Self Examine Your Stomach for Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a significant event in a woman's life. During this period, life develops into a tangible form that breathes, requires nutrition, and develops organs, emotions, sentience, and everything that makes life human. This is a time filled with hope, expectations, and curiosity to know whether one is pregnant. Early detection of pregnancy can help women make informed decisions about their health and well-being. While there are several methods to confirm pregnancy, self-examination of the stomach is a simple and effective way to detect early signs of pregnancy. In this guide, we will discuss how to self examine your stomach for pregnancy and understand the changes that occur in the body during this time.

What are the Initial Signs of Pregnancy?

Successful fertilisation of the egg and the formation of the embryo results in a range of hormonal activities, causing multiple physiological changes. Menstrual cycle disruption, changes in the breasts including development and tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, nausea, and vomiting are all early signs of pregnancy. These, however, could also be caused by a variety of factors and do not always indicate that you are pregnant. Thus, knowing how to check your stomach for early pregnancy can be useful.

How Stomach Feels in Early Pregnancy?

If you're wondering how does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy, here are some changes you may notice:

1. Mild cramping

In early pregnancy, many women may experience various sensations in their lower stomach or lower abdomen. Some women may experience mild cramping in the lower abdomen, similar to menstrual cramps. This is known as implantation cramping and occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining.

2. Feeling of Fullness

Some women may describe a feeling of fullness or heaviness in their lower stomach as the uterus expands and puts pressure on surrounding organs. Additionally, this feeling of fullness could be due to gas and bloating, causing the lower stomach to feel distended and uncomfortable.

3. Twinges and Pulling Sensations

Some women may experience occasional twinges or pulling sensations in the lower abdomen as the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch and adjust.

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Why is Self-Examination a Good Option?

While a visit to a gynaecologist or a self-test kit could give you more conclusive results, you might not always be in a position to visit a gynaecologist or purchase a test kit. Performing a self-examination might be your best option. Self-examining your stomach for early pregnancy is a good option because it allows you to detect any changes in your body early on. However, it is important to note that self-examination is not a substitute for a medical pregnancy test. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, it is essential to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Feeling the uterus through your stomach is one of the ways to self-test for pregnancy. The first obvious external symptom of pregnancy appears as your uterus expands, resulting in what is commonly observed as a bump in your abdominal region. However, depending on your body type, it might not be very noticeable, or it might be too late to realise that you are pregnant. You might require more concrete proof at an earlier stage.

You'll be able to identify your uterus when it rises out of your pelvis, provided you know what to feel for. When you're pregnant, you can expect a firm stomach, as your developing uterus puts pressure on your abdomen. But a usual touch on your stomach or abdomen might not be sufficient to provide you with the proof you require. Self-examination of stomach for pregnancy works best after the completion of the first trimester.

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Steps to Self-Examine Your Stomach for Early Pregnancy

The right way to check pregnancy by examining your stomach includes locating the hard, developing uterus. So, if you want to know how to feel your uterus in early pregnancy, you can follow these steps:

• Empty your bladder fully before you begin.
• Lie down on your back with your knees bent, and your feet placed flat on the bed.
• Take a few slow and deep breaths and give yourself some time to relax. This process requires a relaxed mind and body and patience for it to be successful.
• With your fingers pointing right and elbow pointing left, rest your left hand’s flat side at your abdomen’s middle, directly above and near your pubic bone.
• Rest your right hand directly over your pubic bone with your fingers pointed towards the bone while your left hand supports your abdomen.
• Softly move your fingers over your abdomen while gently pushing your feet down.
• You might notice a semi-firm ball that isn't as soft as your bowels. Just behind your pubic bone is the apex of your uterus.
• Don't keep poking your abdomen if you can't find your uterus after a few efforts. Relax and wait a week for your uterus to rise above the top of your pelvic cavity.

What Could Be the Reason You Couldn’t Feel Your Uterus?

There could be several reasons why you might not feel your uterus while self-examining your stomach for early pregnancy. Firstly, the uterus may still be too small to be palpable, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. Additionally, if you have a tilted uterus, it may be more difficult to feel. Other factors such as excess body fat, gas or bloating, or even incorrect technique could also make it challenging to detect. It is important to note that self-examination is not a substitute for a medical pregnancy test and seeking medical advice is always recommended.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing how to self examine your stomach for pregnancy can be a useful tool in detecting pregnancy symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention. If you do not have access to a doctor or a self-test kit, feeling your uterus through your abdomen is a good way to check whether you are pregnant. Remember to always listen to your body and seek medical attention if you suspect you may be pregnant or have any concerns about your health.

References

1. Soma-Pillay P, Nelson-Piercy C, Tolppanen H, Mebazaa A. (2016). Physiological changes in pregnancy. Cardiovasc J Afr. NCBI

2. Bachmann GA. Myth or fact: can women self-diagnose pregnancy? (1984). J Med Soc N J. NCBI

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