You can know that you might be pregnant by recognizing several common early signs and symptoms. The most reliable initial sign is a missed period if you have a regular menstrual cycle. Other early symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting (often called morning sickness but can happen any time)
- Tender, swollen, or sore breasts
- Fatigue or feeling very tired
- Needing to urinate more frequently , including at night
- Food cravings or aversions, including a metallic taste in the mouth
- Spotting and cramping (lighter than a period), sometimes called implantation bleeding
- Emotional changes and mood swings
- Increased breast size and changes in the appearance of nipples and areola
To confirm pregnancy, the best method is taking a home pregnancy test that detects the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in urine, usually accurate from the first day of your missed period. If the test is positive or if symptoms continue without a clear cause, seeing a healthcare provider for a urine test, blood test, or ultrasound scan can confirm pregnancy. If you experience these symptoms and have had unprotected sex in the last few months, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult a healthcare professional for confirmation and guidance.
