To know if you are pregnant, some common early signs to watch for include:
- A missed period, which is often the earliest and most obvious sign.
- Tender, swollen, or sore breasts due to hormonal changes.
- Cramps and light spotting or implantation bleeding that can be mistaken for a light period.
- Nausea (morning sickness) which can happen at any time of day.
- Feeling unusually tired or fatigued.
- Increased urination frequency.
- Changes in taste or smell sensitivity and food cravings.
- Mood swings and other hormonal changes.
The most reliable way to confirm pregnancy is to take a home pregnancy test, which detects the pregnancy hormone hCG. For further confirmation or if symptoms are unclear, a doctor can perform urine or blood tests, or an ultrasound. Early symptoms vary between individuals, and some may experience only a few or very subtle signs.
