Am I pregnant?
If you are experiencing two or more of the following symptoms, you may be pregnant. Remember that there is no single pregnancy symptom that indicates pregnancy, and the only way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.
Common early pregnancy symptoms include:
Missed or Delayed Period
One of the most commonly reported pregnancy symptoms is a missed or delayed period. However, missed period can mean a number of things, so it’s important to follow this symptom with a pregnancy test.
Breast Soreness
Breast tenderness or soreness is one of the earliest recognisable pregnancy symptoms. It can be felt as early as two weeks following conception. These changes can be linked to the sudden, intense hormonal changes the female body experiences when pregnant.
Fatigue
Increased feelings of tiredness or fatigue is another early pregnancy symptom. This is because pregnancy produces the hormone progesterone in large amounts, and increased levels of progesterone cause the body to feel very tired.
Nausea or Vomiting
Often called “morning sickness,” nausea during pregnancy can actually occur at any time of the day. Nausea is most common in the first trimester of pregnancy and usually wanes after that. Some women experience very little nausea during pregnancy, while others feel it every day during those first three months.
Spotting and/or Light Cramping
Spotting and light cramping can occur when the embryo implants itself into the uterine lining about 6 to 12 days following conception. Some women don’t experience this, while others might mistake it for their period, though it is much lighter and does not last as long.
Other common early pregnancy symptoms include:
- Backaches
- Headaches
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings
- Darkening of the areolas
- Ankle swelling
If you are experiencing two or more of the above symptoms, it’s time to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests, as well as other services, are offered at no cost at Birthline. Schedule an appointment for pregnancy tests or call our 24-hour counselling line if you need to talk or don’t know what your next steps are. No matter where you are or what you’re feeling, you are not alone.