Q: Good morning ma’am, I have all the symptoms of pregnancy and my test are showing negative, like nipples dark, tingling breast, Harding stomach, cramping, and feeling weak.

A: Pregnancy tests may be negative when done too early in pregnancy. You did not mention when you saw your last menstrual period.That will give an idea of the ‘age’ of your pregnancy, if you’re in that state and probably explain the result.

Pregnancy symptoms are always present but may be masked or mild in some people and assumed to be something else in other people. For instance, if pregnancy occurs at the same time one is going through a stressful time, there may be an assumption that this is due to stress or even the flu. I put down my own symptoms of pregnancy (during my first) to malaria! This situation is even worse in women who have irregular periods and thus may not notice the absence of a period. In some cases, women bleed and also assume that this is normal menstruation throughout their pregnancy.

The only sure-fire way to prevent being notified that you are pregnant at the point of delivery (oftentimes in the toilet :D) is to know the symptoms of pregnancy. It is also important to know what’s not normal so that quick and effective steps can be taken to protect mother and baby.

Generally, symptoms of pregnancy include:

Breast tenderness

Discharge: A thin milky discharge is normal during pregnancy

Heart burn and Constipation

Frequency of urination

Tiredness

Food cravings and aversions

Morning sickness/nausea

So, if you do suspect that you are pregnant, get yourself tested with a home test kit or see your doctor so he/she can order a pregnancy test for you.

Have a good night, y’all  😀