Did you miss your period this month? Are you having strange physical symptoms without knowing why?

If you recently had unprotected sex or your birth control failed, you’re likely wondering if there’s a possibility you could be pregnant.

While taking a pregnancy test and following up with an ultrasound are the only ways to know for sure, many women experience early symptoms of pregnancy. This is because when you become pregnant, special hormones start causing major changes in your body.

Top Signs of Pregnancy

The following is a list of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. However, it’s important to note that not every woman will experience every symptom. And sometimes, you might not experience any physical symptoms.

This is why it’s important to take a pregnancy test if you think there’s a chance you might be pregnant.

1. Missed period. For many women, a missed menstrual period is the first sign of pregnancy. At the moment of conception, special pregnancy hormones tell your uterine lining to thicken instead of shed. This thickened uterine lining will provide nutrients and a hospitable environment for the pregnancy to develop, and it means that you won’t see a period for at least nine months (and often much longer if you breastfeed).
2. Tender, swollen breasts. The same hormones that tell your body to stop menstruating are responsible for preparing your breasts for breastfeeding. As a result, you might experience sore or enlarged breasts.
3. Nausea with or without vomiting. Often mistakingly referred to as “morning sickness,” you can feel nauseous or vomit at any time of the day during early pregnancy and beyond. If you’ve been sick to your stomach without a known cause (like sickness or food poisoning), this could indicate pregnancy.
4. Fatigue. Have you been feeling more tired than usual? Does it feel like you’ve run a marathon without leaving your couch? Pregnancy could be to blame. Your body uses a lot of energy and resources during pregnancy, which can cause you to feel more fatigued than usual.
5. Increased urination. Have you been running to the bathroom more than usual? If other pregnancy symptoms accompany increased urination, this could mean you’re pregnant. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases, which causes your kidneys to work more and produce more urine.

While these symptoms can mean you’re pregnant, they can also be signs of other health conditions. This is why it’s critical to take a pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.

We’re Here for You

When you’re worried you might be pregnant, it can be hard to think about anything else. We get it. And we’re here for you.

At Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and give you the clarity you need. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.