Could I be pregnant? That's a question many women may find themselves asking at one time or another in their early adult lives. Whether a woman has been trying to conceive or is uncertain about becoming pregnant at this point in her life, there are a number of symptoms to look for and ways to determine if she is indeed pregnant or not.

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Some of the very first signs of pregnancy a woman may notice occur around the time of a missed period. When a woman is pregnant her body produces large amounts of the hormone progesterone. Her body reacts to the increased hormones in a number of ways which can help a woman determine if she is pregnant. One symptom of the increased hormones are tender, swollen breasts. This could be a similar feeling as when a woman gets her period, but can be more severe. This usually subsides after the first trimester. According to the American Pregnancy Association, Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About six to 12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping. A very common early sign of pregnancy is fatigue. Many women feel extremely tired during the early months of pregnancy. Another symptom of pregnancy is nausea or vomiting, commonly referred to as "morning sickness." This usually doesn't occur until a few weeks into the pregnancy. Despite the name, morning sickness can occur at any time of the day. A woman is sometimes more sensitive to smells at this point, and this can trigger nausea or vomiting. These symptoms also usually subside after about the first trimester. Frequent urination and bloating are also common symptoms early in pregnancy.

Home Pregnancy Tests

If a woman has a number of the typical symptoms of early pregnancy (and even if she just has a hunch), the best idea is to get a home pregnancy test. They are widely available in drugstores and grocery stores. Many of them won't detect pregnancy until about a week after a missed period, though. So just because a test is negative, it may not mean a woman isn't pregnant.

Scheduling a Doctor's Visit

Once a woman has determined she's pregnant, it is very important to schedule a visit to an obstetrician or family physician.

Source:

American Pregnancy Association