5 Ways to Tell that You’re Pregnant

Pregnancy is a life-changing experience for women, but sometimes, it can go unnoticed for a significant period of time. If you’re sexually active and have missed your period, or if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms, you might be pregnant. Here are the five common ways to tell that you’re pregnant.

1. Missed Period

The most common and the most apparent way of knowing if you’re pregnant is if you have missed your period. If you’re regular and you’ve missed your cycle or have an irregular cycle, this could be the first sign of pregnancy. However, in some cases, some women continue to have a light period or spotting during the early stages of pregnancy. If this happens, you should still take a pregnancy test just to be sure. You can acquire pregnancy tests at the store or by going to a local clinic like Bartow Family Resources Medical.

2. Nausea

Another common symptom that is associated with early pregnancy is morning sickness–nausea or vomiting that happens during the first trimester. However, morning sickness isn’t just limited to the morning; it can happen anytime throughout your day. Its intensity varies from woman to woman–some women might have it worse, while others don’t have it all. Frequent urges to pee, tiredness, and food aversions could be other symptoms that might accompany morning sickness.

3. Changes in the Breast

Breast changes, such as tenderness, swelling, and enlargement, can occur during early pregnancy. Your hormones go through significant changes during this time, causing these symptoms. These changes can make your breast uncomfortable, making it hard to wear a bra or sleep on your stomach.

4. Craving Certain Foods

Cravings for certain foods during pregnancy are common, whether it’s something sweet, sour, or salty. You might also find yourself craving things you don’t usually eat. For example, if you don’t like spicy food, you might crave it during pregnancy. Strong aversions to certain types of food can also occur during early pregnancy.

5. Positive Pregnancy Test

Taking a pregnancy test is the most definite way to determine if you’re pregnant. Pregnancy tests are readily available at drug stores, clinics, and pharmacies. You can take them as early as seven days past ovulation. It is important to follow the instructions of the test closely for accurate results. False positives can occur, but it’s rare if you follow the instructions properly.

Early pregnancy symptoms can vary between women, and many of these symptoms can be easily misunderstood or ignored, especially if you’re not expecting to be pregnant. If you suspect you’re pregnant, you should take a home pregnancy test or speak to a healthcare provider to confirm your suspicion. Remember, pregnancy symptoms don’t always indicate pregnancy, so be sure to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly, and always listen to your body.

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.