Some things a woman just knows. And in some cases, being pregnant is one of them. Some women even start to feel pregnant within a few days of conception. But more often, physical symptoms start to raise a woman's suspicions.
One of the most common first clues is a missed menstrual period. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if this comes along with one or more of the following symptoms, pregnancy is even more likely:
- Tender or swollen breasts.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Having to go to the bathroom often.
- Fatigue.
- Food cravings.
- Mood swings.
Still, all of these symptoms can have other causes. If you think you may be pregnant, a test can help you find out for sure. You can take a urine test at home or go to your doctor's office for a urine or blood test, according to the Office on Women's Health. They all measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that's produced during pregnancy.
If your pregnancy test comes back negative, but you think you may be pregnant anyway, take the test again in a few days. Tests aren't always right, especially if it's very early in pregnancy.
If your home pregnancy test is positive, call your healthcare provider for an appointment right away. He or she can confirm the pregnancy with a test or exam. If you are pregnant, starting prenatal care right away is best for you and your baby.
Reviewed 11/1/2023