The definitive proof comes with a pregnancy test. However, even before you miss a period, you might suspect—or hope—that you're pregnant. Learn the first signs and symptoms of pregnancy and why they occur.
Missed Period
If you are of childbearing age and a week or more has passed without the start of your expected menstrual cycle, you might be pregnant. This symptom can be misleading if you have an irregular menstrual cycle.
Tender, Swollen Breasts
Early in pregnancy, hormonal changes might make your breasts sensitive and sore. The discomfort will likely decrease after a few weeks as your body adjusts to hormonal changes.
Nausea with or without Vomiting
Morning sickness, which can occur at any time of the day or night, often begins one to two months after conception. Some women may feel nausea earlier, while others never experience it. The cause of nausea during pregnancy isn't clear, but pregnancy hormones likely play a role.
Increased Urination
You might find yourself urinating more often than usual. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder.
Fatigue
Fatigue ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. No one knows for certain what causes sleepiness during the first trimester, but a rapid rise in progesterone levels might contribute to fatigue.
Moodiness
The surge of hormones in your body in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Mood swings are common.
Bloating
Hormonal changes can cause you to feel bloated, similar to how you might feel at the start of a menstrual period.
Light Spotting
Light spotting might be one of the first signs of pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus—about 10 to 14 days after conception. Not all women experience this.
Cramping
Some women experience mild uterine cramping early in pregnancy.
Constipation
Hormonal changes slow down your digestive system, which can lead to constipation.
Food Aversions
When you're pregnant, you might become more sensitive to certain odors, and your sense of taste might change. These food preferences can be attributed to hormonal changes.
Nasal Congestion
Increasing hormone levels and blood production can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, dry out, and bleed easily, leading to a stuffy or runny nose.
Many of these signs and symptoms aren't unique to pregnancy. Some can indicate that you're getting sick or that your period is about to start. Likewise, you can be pregnant without experiencing many of these symptoms.
Still, if you miss a period and notice some of the above signs or symptoms, take a home pregnancy test or see your healthcare provider. If your home pregnancy test is positive, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care.
If you're planning to conceive or just learned you're pregnant, start taking a daily prenatal vitamin. Prenatal vitamins typically contain important vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid and iron, to support your baby's growth and development.