1. Early Pregnancy Symptoms Slideshow
2. Take the Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz!
3. Stages of Pregnancy Slideshow

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Pregnancy Planning Facts
• What is pregnancy planning and why is it important?
• What are pregnancy symptoms?
• What is a pregnancy calculator and calendar?
• Who effective are home pregnancy tests?
• How can diet and nutrition affect early pregnancy?
• How does alcohol affect pregnancy?
• How do high blood pressure and diabetes affect pregnancy?
• What are examples of commonly-used medications that are dangerous in pregnancy?
• How do kidney and heart disease affect pregnancy?
• What infections affect pregnancy?
• What inherited (genetic) diseases can play a role in pregnancy planning?
• Is it safe to exercise during pregnancy?
• Can I travel by air during pregnancy?
• Can I have intercourse during pregnancy?
• How soon after stopping birth control can I become pregnant?
• How do we maximize our chances of becoming pregnant?
• Can I do something to help my chances of conceiving a boy or a girl?
• Early Pregnancy Symptoms - Slideshow
• Take the Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz!
• Stages of Pregnancy - Slideshow
• Patient Comments: Pregnancy Planning - Lifestyle Changes
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Pregnancy Planning Index

At-home pregnancy tests, first introduced in 1975, are very accurate and reliable when used correctly. These tests measure the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine, which, when present, is indicative of pregnancy. The same hormone is measured in blood and urine pregnancy tests available at clinics and doctors' offices. Currently, the blood test is the most specific and sensitive pregnancy test available, although urine tests have become increasingly sensitive. For example, home urine tests may be able to detect the pregnancy hormone at 8 to 9 days after conception, or a few days before the missed menstrual period.

While many manufacturers claim that their home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate, a number of factors influence the accuracy of these kits. Studies have shown that false negative results may occur when very low levels of the pregnancy hormone are present, and that home test kits from different manufacturers differ in their sensitivity for detection of the very low levels of the pregnancy hormone in the early days of pregnancy. If a woman takes a home pregnancy test too soon, the result may be negative even though she is in the first stages of pregnancy. A repeat test should always be performed a week later if a home test is negative and a woman suspects that she might be pregnant.

The developing fetus receives its nutrition from the mother's blood. Therefore high fat diets and some vegetarian diets are discouraged during pregnancy because they may not provide all the nutrition needed for the developing fetus. Bulimia, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders in the mother are addressed and treated. Weight reduction diets are avoided during pregnancy. Excess intake of sugar, alcohol, megavitamins, and caffeine are also avoided Because a "safe" amount of caffeine has never been confirmed to date, it is best to avoid caffeine entirely. Women who feel strongly that they need some coffee are advised to drink no more than one cup per day. There is no proof that 1 to 2 cups of coffee daily cause pregnancy complications.

Listeria is a type of bacteria found in contaminated food that can cause miscarriage and other problems in a fetus. Because of the danger of getting a listeria infection, pregnant women should avoid unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, cold cuts, and undercooked or raw animal foods. In addition, fruits and vegetables should be washed completely prior to consumption.

Phenylketonuria is an inherited disease that affects the utilization of a certain protein component in foods. This disorder can be detected by a blood test. Mothers with phenylketonuria may give birth to developmentally disabled children unless their diets are strictly controlled to exclude phenylalanine.

Megavitamins contain double or even triple the recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals. High doses of vitamin A have been implicated in producing birth defects. The better idea is to avoid megavitamins and instead follow the recommendation that has proven benefit: take a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid.

Folic acid intake in the mother prior to, and during pregnancy has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects involving the brain and spinal cord. The United States Public Health Service recommends folic acid for all women of child-bearing capacity. Studies have shown that if folic acid is begun at least 4 weeks prior to conception, the risk of birth defects of the spinal cord and skull can be reduced by more than 70%. In women with or even without a history of having infants with birth defects of the spinal cord or skull, folic acid should be taken one month before conception and continued through the 12th week of pregnancy. In fact, continuing prenatal vitamins through pregnancy and even through nursing is probably wise. These prenatal vitamins are available over-the-counter. If a particular brand makes you feel nauseated, simply switch to another brand or try taking the vitamin at night.

Because of the risks of mercury poisoning and nervous system damage in the fetus from contaminated fish, pregnant women are advised to eliminate consumption of certain types of fish that are known to be high in mercury, including shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. Tuna steaks, made from large tuna, may also have high mercury levels. Canned tuna is made from smaller fish that typically have lower levels of mercury than larger fish.