Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the early signs of pregnancy
• Part 2 of 2: Testing for pregnancy
• Tips
• Warnings

Most women know that one of the first signs of pregnancy is a lack of periods. But if you have irregular periods, it can be difficult to know when your period is off. Learn to spot other signs of pregnancy that mean you should see a medical professional or take a home pregnancy test.

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Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the early signs of pregnancy

1. Watch for minor bleeding. Spotting or light bleeding six to 12 days after your last period may indicate a fertilized egg that has settled in your uterine wall.
   • Some women may feel cramps, just like they need their period.
   • The spotting can be misinterpreted as a light period, especially if you have irregular periods.
2. Watch for tender breasts. Swollen and sensitive breast tissue is a sign that hormones are changing in your body. This can occur one or two weeks after fertilization. Your breasts may feel heavier or fuller.
   • If you regularly have breast tenderness, look for other symptoms to determine if you are pregnant.
   • Some women even get a bigger bra size within a few weeks of becoming pregnant. If so, you may be pregnant.
   • Your nipples may also darken. This change is also caused by pregnancy hormones.
3. Watch for signs of fatigue. When your body adjusts to pregnancy, many women often feel tired and sluggish. This can occur even as early as the first week of conception.
   • Fatigue is a result of increased progesterone, which makes you sleepy.
   • If there is a chance that you are pregnant, avoid fighting the fatigue with caffeine. Caffeine has not been proven to be harmful at this early stage, but if consumed in excess it can increase the chances of miscarriage. The exact amount is unknown, but 200mg is generally considered a limit.
4. Wait for feelings of nausea. Morning sickness can start about two weeks after conception and last for up to eight weeks after conception. If you feel nauseous on a regular basis, it is time to take a home pregnancy test.
   • Nausea can also be accompanied by an aversion to certain foods. Your favorite food can make you feel sick when you are pregnant.
   • Nausea does not always have to be accompanied by vomiting.
   • You may be hypersensitive to smells. Even smells you used to like can now make you nauseous.
5. Pay attention to when you crave or dislike certain foods. Even in early pregnancy, hormones change your cravings for certain foods. You may crave weird combinations that you never wanted before. Your favorite food can make you feel sick.
   • You can have a metallic taste in your mouth. This is normal in early pregnancy.
   • Many women say they are disgusted by the smell of coffee when pregnant, even if they were heavy coffee drinkers before. If you find yourself feeling sick from the smell of coffee, it could be a sign that you are pregnant.
6. Watch for headaches, back pain and frequent urination. These are typical signs of early pregnancy. They are caused by a combination of pregnancy hormones, more blood in your system, and kidney function.
   • It's okay to take some pain relievers like aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headaches and back pain. Although ibuprofen is generally considered safe in early pregnancy, few doctors recommend it unless you are under close supervision.
   • Instead of medications, consider using home remedies such as a warm bath, a water bottle, a massage, etc.

Part 2 of 2: Testing for pregnancy

1. Determine if you have two or more of the early pregnancy signs. If you have, take a home pregnancy test. Most tests require you to hold the end of a dipstick in a small container with your urine, or hold it under your urine stream. Within minutes, the dipstick indicates the result by changing color, showing the word "pregnant" or "not pregnant", or other symbols.
   • Most pregnancy tests are not reliable until the fifth week of pregnancy.
   • Instructions for home pregnancy testing vary. Follow the instructions for the test you choose.
   • Home pregnancy tests test for the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) associated with pregnancy.
2. Repeat the test within a week or go to the doctor for a test. Although home pregnancy tests rarely give false results, they can still do so when the pregnancy is still early. If you feel like you have light bleeding for a week or two, you should take the test again.
   • Take the pregnancy test first thing in the morning when your urine is concentrated. Drinking too much before taking the pregnancy test can give a wrong result.
   • A false positive can happen due to hormonal changes during menopause or when you receive HCG injections as part of infertility treatment.
3. Make an appointment. If you regularly get positive results on a home pregnancy test or if your pregnancy symptoms continue despite negative results, call your gynecologist or doctor. Blood tests performed by doctors can detect pregnancy earlier than home urine tests.
   • The sooner your pregnancy can be confirmed, the sooner you will be able to hear the options. Your healthcare provider can discuss the options with you for the pregnancy.
   • If you plan to continue with your pregnancy, your healthcare provider can assist you with prenatal care.

Tips

• Other pregnancy signs include mood swings, heartburn, constipation and bloating.

Warnings

• Watch for signs of preeclampsia. Pregnancy poisoning is a serious medical condition. High blood pressure is one of the first indicators of preeclampsia, along with changes in vision and sudden weight gain.