Wondering if there’s a chance you’re pregnant? While taking a pregnancy test and getting a follow-up ultrasound are the only ways to know for sure, there are specific symptoms to look out for that may indicate you’re pregnant.
This is because your body is flooded with a unique mixture of hormones during early pregnancy that can create symptoms in some women.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, there’s a chance you may be pregnant. However, it’s also important to note that not every woman will have every pregnancy symptom, and some women don’t have any at all other than a missed menstrual period.
Furthermore, other health conditions can mimic those of early pregnancy. This is why it’s critical to take a pregnancy test and follow up with your physician if you believe you’re pregnant.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to be produced in your body after conception. This unique hormone can produce the following symptoms in some women:
- Missed menstrual period. This is often the first sign that you’re pregnant. This is because hCG tells your uterus to stop menstruating and instead prepare to nourish and maintain your pregnancy.
- Tender, swollen breasts. Hormones tell your breasts to begin preparing for breastfeeding, which can cause painful and swollen breasts. If your bra is fitting tighter lately or your breasts are feeling more sensitive than usual, this could be a sign of pregnancy.
- Increased urination. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases, which causes your kidneys to work harder and produce more urine. If you’re running to the bathroom more than normal, you could be pregnant.
- Nausea with/without vomiting. Feeling sick to your stomach without a known cause (like food poisoning or illness) can indicate pregnancy, especially if you’re also having other pregnancy symptoms. And unlike the name “morning sickness” implies, the nausea that can accompany early pregnancy can happen during any time of the day.
- Fatigue. The tiredness that can happen during early pregnancy can feel overwhelming—like it’s difficult to get out of bed in the morning or like you can’t help but nap throughout the day. If this is a new symptom for you, this could mean you’re pregnant.
Next Steps
Are you having any of these early pregnancy symptoms? If so, it’s essential to take a pregnancy test. At Ramona Women’s Clinic, we offer free, lab-quality pregnancy testing. Plus, your results are explained by a nurse, leaving no room for confusion.
You’re not alone in this. Contact us today to get the answers you need. We’re here for you.
