To know if you're pregnant, watch for these common early signs and symptoms:
- Missed period: Often the first and most reliable sign of pregnancy, especially if you have regular menstrual cycles
- Breast changes: Tenderness, swelling, or enlargement of breasts, sometimes with darkening of the areolas
- Nausea and vomiting (morning sickness): Can occur any time of day, usually starting around 4 to 6 weeks after conception
- Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired is common in early pregnancy
- Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Spotting or light bleeding: Sometimes called implantation bleeding, occurring about 1-2 weeks after conception
- Other symptoms: Food cravings or aversions, a metallic taste in the mouth, mild cramping, bloating, mood swings, and dizziness
If you suspect you might be pregnant based on these symptoms, the next step is to take a home pregnancy test, which detects the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine, usually reliable about the time your period is due or shortly after
. For confirmation and prenatal care, see a healthcare provider who may perform urine or blood tests and ultrasound scans
. If you experience severe symptoms like intense vomiting or bleeding, seek medical advice promptly
. In summary, missing your period combined with symptoms like breast tenderness, nausea, and fatigue are key indicators to take a pregnancy test and consult a healthcare professional for confirmation and care
