10 Signs of Pregnancy

If you have not been planning a pregnancy but fear you may be pregnant, knowing these signs can help determine whether or not to take a pregnancy test.

See your doctor or physician if you are experiencing any of the 10 signs of pregnancy, but are not pregnant. This may be a sign of something more serious. If you are pregnant, call to schedule your prenatal visits.

The First Nine Signs

While there are numerous ways to medically determine a pregnancy, many women look for signs at home before calling the doctor. Keep track of your signs to determine if you should take a pregnancy test or see your physician.

Sore or Tender Breasts

Even early pregnancy can cause sore or tender breasts. Increased blood flow and changes in tissue can cause tenderness or enlargement. Sometimes a tingly feeling is felt, or nipples may become more sensitive.

Frequent Urination

Having to use the restroom more often is a common sign of pregnancy. Because the uterus sits lower in the pelvis in early pregnancy, it puts pressure on the bladder. Frequent urination continues throughout pregnancy because of increased fluids and loss of room in the abdomen.

Exhaustion/Fatigue

Being extremely tired in early pregnancy is common. All of the extra work a body does to prepare for a baby, along with hormonal changes, can make a body tired.

Nausea

Feeling slightly sick during the first trimester of pregnancy may be one sign of pregnancy. While you may not actually throw up, feeling queasy for several days in a row may indicate pregnancy.

Sensitivity to Smells

If you feel like your morning cup of coffee no longer has a heavenly aroma, you may be pregnant. A woman’s olfactory senses become heightened during pregnancy.

Food Aversions or Cravings

As a counterpart to nausea, some women may experience aversions to various foods. This can include meat, eggs, sauces, sweets, and other common foods. Cravings may also appear, like preferences for bread, chocolate, and fruits.

Dizziness

Some women may experience dizziness or fainting in early pregnancy. Feeling lightheaded is due to the flow of blood to your child, thus slowing the flow of blood in your own veins. Low blood sugar or anemia may also be causes.

Implantation Bleeding

Approximately five to 10 days after ovulation, some women experience implantation bleeding. This kind of bleeding is usually very light and spotty. It is not a period, though some women may mistake it for one.

Missed Period

A missed period is one of the best indicators for pregnancy. Because a lot of pregnancy symptoms can also be considered pre-menstrual symptoms, being between three and seven days late for a period can indicate pregnancy.

The Number One Sign of Pregnancy

While all 10 signs of pregnancy are important, the most important is the final one: a positive home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are considered fairly accurate and most doctors’ offices will accept that as positive proof you are pregnant. Some, however, will ask you to take a blood test for confirmation.

If you take a home pregnancy test and it comes out positive, you should tell your partner and call your doctor to begin prenatal care.