Knowing you are pregnant can come from recognizing early signs and symptoms, as well as confirming with a pregnancy test. Common early signs of pregnancy include:
- A missed period, especially if your menstrual cycle is regular. This is often the first noticeable sign.
- Tender, swollen, or sore breasts due to hormonal changes.
- Nausea with or without vomiting, often called morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day.
- Increased urination frequency.
- Fatigue or feeling very tired.
- Spotting or light bleeding about 1-2 weeks after ovulation, which may be implantation bleeding.
- Changes in taste and smell, like craving certain foods or finding some odors more intense.
- Mood changes and feeling more emotional.
If you notice these symptoms, the best way to confirm pregnancy is by taking a home pregnancy test, which detects the pregnancy hormone hCG in urine. For further confirmation and care, visiting a healthcare provider for a urine or blood test and possibly an ultrasound is advised. Recognizing these symptoms early helps you start prenatal care and make important decisions early on.
