by Charlotte Howard

Created on: July 28, 2008

I have heard of this remarkable occurance and I'm pretty sure that the stories were all about women who were fairly obese as that is the only possible way that I can think when you wouldn't know you were pregnant. I've been pregnant 3 times now and have known I was pregnant before I even missed my period.

MY OWN EXPERIENCES

The first time sadly ended in miscarriage fairly early at about 5 weeks, but even at that early stage I knew that I was pregnant. It took me 3 weeks and a scan to convince even the doctors that I was pregnant as the tests all came back negative! I don't know what it was, I just knew. My period wasn't even late, because I was miscarrying I was bleeding so I couldn't even say that!

With my second pregnancy it was the same, a week before my period was even due I just had this strange feeling that I was pregnant. I waited another 2 weeks before taking a test and that happily came back positive. I can understand how at this early stage women can be unsure, as with all my pregnancies I have bled slightly. My periods are extremely erratic so had I not proved that I was pregnant I suppose I could have put it down to stress or just irregular periods. However, I got to 14 weeks and I could definately feel the baby move. Not just the slightly 'popping' movements that feel a bit like gas, but actually kicks. 2 weeks later I started having Braxton Hicks contractions, where the womb tightens to practice for labour and there is no way I could have missed these! I was always very disappointed with my bump as I didn't put on much weight, in fact I lost weight initially, but even without the huge stomach it was still blatantly obvious that I was carrying!

I could put these two experiences down to the fact that my husband and I were trying for a baby so I was definately certain that there was a chance of pregnancy happening! But, with my third pregnancy, the one I am expecting as I write this, it was a complete surprise. We'd been using protection so as far as we were concerned there was only that 'legally written 3% chance' that all the condom manufacturers have to put on the box.

Again, my period wasn't late, in fact it was perfectly normal - a little light spotting followed by some intense period-pain followed by a large bleed. But, I 'felt wrong'. I can't explain it, especially to someone who has never had a baby, but it was like a maternal instinct. I took myself to the doctor, wondering if I may have a urinary infection and whilst I was there I said, half

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