Am I Pregnant?

Whether you are anxiously waiting for a child, or you aren’t ready to start a family yet, it’s important to understand the signs of pregnancy. Certain things change in a woman’s body after conception, and these symptoms can give you clues about a possible pregnancy. 

11 Signs That You May Be Pregnant

Some of the most common symptoms of pregnancy include:

1. Missed Period: If you are in your childbearing years and miss a period, then it could be an indication of conception. A late or missed menstrual cycle isn’t always a sure sign of pregnancy though. Sometimes, menstrual irregularity can occur because of lifestyle or other health conditions. Read more Missing a Period – What Does it Mean?.
2. Light Spotting: Sometimes light spotting is misinterpreted as a period. But it is common for women to have a small amount of spotting, often called implantation bleeding. This spotting occurs about 10 – 14 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus lining. Not all women experience spotting.
3. Nausea and/or Vomiting: Even though it is commonly referred to as “morning sickness,” this nausea can occur at any time during the day. Some women experience nausea alone, while others have severe nausea and vomiting – especially during the first trimester. Not all women experience nausea during pregnancy, which is why it is important to pay attention to other co-occurring symptoms as well. 
4. Weight Changes: Noticeable weight gain doesn’t usually occur until the second trimester of pregnancy, but women often gain a few pounds in the first few months. Your weight gain will depend on how your appetite is affected by pregnancy. For example, some women lose a little weight in the first trimester because of severe morning sickness. Other women have an increase in appetite, which leads to faster weight gain.
5. Breast Changes: As the hormones change for pregnancy, you might feel a difference in your breasts. It’s common for women to have soreness and sensitivity in their breasts, even in the earliest stages of pregnancy. Often, this symptom subsides after a few weeks. Other breast changes can include a feeling of fullness or heaviness. Some women notice that their nipples change in size and color.
6. Changes in Urination: Do you find that you need to visit the bathroom more frequently? Pregnancy causes the amount of blood in the body to increase, which means that your kidneys are processing extra fluid throughout the day. As a result, you feel the urge to use the bathroom more often because the bladder is filling up more frequently.
7. Tiredness and Fatigue: In the earliest stages of pregnancy, progesterone levels increase. As these hormonal changes are occurring, it is common to feel tired during this time. Don’t be surprised if you need to take an afternoon nap to get through the day.
8. Mood Changes: The immediate fluctuations of hormones can have an impact on overall mood and emotions. You might be experiencing mood swings. Or some women find that they are unusually weepy or emotional. Sometimes, these mood changes can present as depression during pregnancy.
9. Bloating and Cramping: As the hormones change, you might notice that you are feeling bloated. This symptom is similar to the bloating that occurs before a menstrual cycle begins. The digestive system slows down, which means that constipation is another common symptom.
10. Hip and Back Pain: The weight gain later in pregnancy often contributes to hip and back pain. But this soreness can start in the earliest stages of pregnancy because of the hormone changes that are occurring. Changing hormone levels can contribute to the way the muscles are responding. Increased stress in the lower back can often result in pain.
11. Heartburn: When the hormone levels change, it affects tissues and muscles throughout the body. One common occurrence is a relaxation of the valve located between the esophagus and stomach. When this valve relaxes, it can allow stomach acid to leak out, causing you to experience heartburn. Additionally, the risk of heartburn increases as the pregnancy progresses because the growing baby affects the positioning of internal organs which can put pressure on the stomach.

Keep in mind that the timing and severity of the symptoms might vary from one woman to the next. If you suspect that you are pregnant, then the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor.

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

The only sure way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Many of the symptoms listed above can also occur before your period is starting or if you are getting sick. Additionally, some women don’t notice any symptoms in the earliest stages of pregnancy – it’s possible that you are pregnant without having these symptoms.

One important note: pregnancy tests might produce a false negative if taken too early after your missed period. It’s also important to follow the specific instructions for the test you are using – improper use of a pregnancy test could cause incorrect results.

The most accurate pregnancy tests use blood samples, which can only be done by your doctor. But there are at-home pregnancy tests that can provide accurate results when used correctly. 

A pregnancy test should be used if your period is more than 9 days late. If you have “regular” menstrual cycles, then it is usually best to wait a minimum of two weeks after ovulation before taking a pregnancy test. The earlier you use a test, the higher risk of a false negative.

How to Take a Pregnancy Test

Here are a few tips to consider if you are taking a home pregnancy test:

1. Always Follow the Instructions: The specific instructions vary depending on the brand and type of pregnancy test you are using. Each pregnancy test comes with instructions inside the box. Read through the step-by-step process to ensure you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
2. Collecting Urine for the Test: Most tests need a urine specimen to measure a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone is distributed in the body when the fertilized egg connects to the uterine lining. You can collect your urine by placing the stick midstream while peeing. Or, urine can be collected in a cup – then dip the testing stick into the cup. 
3. Timing During the Day: Take the pregnancy test whenever you feel more comfortable – the time of day will not influence the results. HCG production stays consistent throughout the day, so your test results should be the same in the morning and evening. One thing that might change the results is if you are drinking a lot of water, which causes the urine sample to be extremely diluted. In this situation, it’s best to take the test in the morning before you start drinking water for the day.
4. Test Results: The pregnancy test instructions will provide information about test results. Usually, these results are displayed as a line, change in color, a plus or minus symbol, or the appearance of “not pregnant” or “pregnant.”

When you have the results from a home pregnancy test, it’s smart to follow up with a healthcare provider to confirm the results. While home tests can be accurate, there is a higher risk of human error. Plus, home pregnancy tests are not as sensitive or reliable as tests offered by a medical provider.