If you think you could be unexpectedly pregnant and are anxious about it, everything could seem like a potential symptom. First, take a deep breath – you are not alone on this journey. We’ll review early pregnancy symptoms so you will have an idea of what to expect.

The best way to know for sure is to confirm your pregnancy with a medical professional. However, you might want to evaluate your symptoms first to see if you might actually be experiencing pregnancy symptoms, or if it could be something else. 

Early Pregnancy Symptoms to Look Out For

Sometimes, it can be pretty easy to conclude that you are pregnant, especially if you have symptoms. Other times, you may not have any symptoms other than a missed period. If you are unsure whether you are pregnant, the only way to know is to take a pregnancy test.

Each woman’s experience with early pregnancy symptoms is unique: you could have every one or just a few. Here are some potential physical signs of pregnancy you might notice: 

• Missed period
• Tender, swollen breasts
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Bloating
• Light spotting
• Cramping
• Constipation
• Food aversions
• Nasal congestion

You may notice that some of these symptoms could occur for reasons other than pregnancy – for instance, feeling fatigued doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. For this reason, confirming your pregnancy is an important next step. 

When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?

Pregnancy tests determine a positive or negative pregnancy result by measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – a hormone that rapidly increases in a woman’s body during early pregnancy. This hormone can be detected by either blood or urine-based tests, which are 99% accurate when used correctly and taken at the appropriate time. This will help you determine if you have early pregnancy symptoms and actually are pregnant.

It is recommended for home pregnancy tests to be taken once you’ve missed your period for the most accurate result. Some at-home tests can accurately detect pregnancy 10 days after conception, or between 1-3 weeks after unprotected sex. If you take a test too soon, however, it’s possible that you could receive a negative result but still be pregnant. 

If you took a home pregnancy test and it comes back negative but you are still experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, you might want to wait a week to take another pregnancy test. Taking a pregnancy test in the morning is also a good practice, as this is when the hormone is most concentrated in your urine. 

Unsure of your home pregnancy test result, or just want peace of mind? Confirming your pregnancy with a medical professional is a great next step. 

I’m Pregnant. Now What?

So you have that positive home pregnancy test – you might have a lot going through your mind. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for this news, or maybe it came as a complete surprise. No matter what, rest in the knowledge that you are not alone and you have resources and support available to you on your pregnancy decision journey.

Finding out key information about your pregnancy is important as you determine your next steps and evaluate your options. First, confirm your pregnancy with a medical professional. Home pregnancy tests are a good start, but medical-grade tests can help you know for sure. 

Then, find out your unique pregnancy needs through an ultrasound exam. This can tell you how far along you are (and what options might be available to you), as well as if the pregnancy is viable (progressing) or if complications are present that you should receive follow-up care to resolve. Put your health and safety first by ensuring that your next steps are medically appropriate for your needs – for instance, if ectopic pregnancy is a concern for you, you would want to receive immediate emergency medical care to treat this condition. 

After you have this valuable information, you can take some time to think through your options and next steps. You have three main paths to choose from: abortion, adoption, and parenting. Discussing these choices with a trusted, compassionate professional can help you be empowered to make your next steps with confidence. 

Schedule Your Free Appointment Today

Here at Life Line Pregnancy Center, our professional staff is here to help. Whether you’re just confirming your pregnancy or need more information about your options, our services are at no cost and we’d be honored to walk alongside you. 

Schedule your free appointment today to get the answers you need to make your next steps.