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Bewilderment aside, an ob/gyn gives 7 possible reasons for a cryptic pregnancy
Ladies – we’d all like to think we have a solid grip on “that time of the month” and how our reproductive system works. The arrival of a monthly period is confirmation that you’re not pregnant and things seem to be business as usual.
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Still, it seems like every so often we hear or read about a woman not knowing she was pregnant and unexpectantly giving birth to a surprise baby.
We all gasp in wonder. How in the world is that even possible?
But according to ob/gyn Rebecca Russell, MD, it’s not entirely uncommon if the circumstances allow it.
If you’re still skeptical, here are seven reasons why a woman might not realize she’s pregnant:
If you’ve decided that having a baby isn’t for you, or that you’d like to have more notice for when you’re actually expecting – it’s important to be aware of your cycle, your body and how sexually active you are.
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“Any women who could get pregnant should be on a multivitamin with folic acid,” says Dr. Russell. “Folic acid greatly reduces the chance of birth defects. It’s one of the most important things you can do if there’s a chance of becoming pregnant.”
It’s also recommended to track your cycle, either with an app or jotting it down on a calendar. Having a pulse of when you menstruate and ovulate could better protect you from an unplanned pregnancy.
“If you start noticing any unusual symptoms, even if you’re on birth control, take a pregnancy test,” says Dr. Russell. “And if that comes back negative and you’re still suspicious in two weeks, take another one.”
It’s also important to remember that having sex – even just one time – could result in pregnancy. Even if you’re having sex rarely and infrequently, pregnancy can still happen.
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