To know if you are pregnant, the most common early signs include a missed period, nausea or vomiting (often called morning sickness), breast tenderness and enlargement, fatigue, and frequent urination. Some women may also experience changes in taste, food cravings, and mood swings. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other factors like stress or illness. The most reliable way to confirm pregnancy is to take a home pregnancy test that detects the pregnancy hormone (hCG) in urine. You can also visit a healthcare provider who may perform a urine or blood test or an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
Common Early Signs of Pregnancy:
- Missed period or lighter unexpected bleeding (implantation bleeding)
- Nausea and vomiting, which can occur any time of the day
- Breast changes: tenderness, swelling, darkening of areolas
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Increased urination frequency
- Food cravings or aversions
- Mood changes and emotional sensitivity
If you notice these signs and suspect you might be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test is the quickest way to find out, followed by consulting a healthcare provider for confirmation and advice.