You know you might be pregnant primarily by experiencing early signs and symptoms such as a missed period, breast changes (tenderness, swelling, or enlargement), nausea (often called morning sickness), fatigue, increased urination, and sometimes spotting or cramping. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes in your body as it adjusts to pregnancy. To be sure, taking a home pregnancy test or seeing a healthcare provider for a urine or blood test is recommended.

Common Early Signs of Pregnancy

• Missed period: Often the first sign if you have regular cycles, though some may have light bleeding.
• Nausea and vomiting: Can happen any time of day and often starts around 4-6 weeks of pregnancy.
• Breast changes: Tenderness, swelling, and darkening of the areolas.
• Fatigue: Feeling very tired or exhausted due to hormonal changes.
• Frequent urination: Caused by increased blood flow and hormonal changes.

Other Possible Signs

• Spotting and cramping (implantation bleeding)
• Food cravings or aversions
• Mood swings and emotional changes
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Abdominal bloating or pain

Confirmation

The only way to confirm pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test that detects the hormone hCG in urine or blood, and/or by an ultrasound scan administered by a healthcare provider.