Am I Pregnant?

When you're wondering whether you might be pregnant, emotions can range from excitement to concern, especially if you’re dealing with an unplanned pregnancy. One of the first steps you can take is to educate yourself about the potential signs and symptoms of pregnancy while knowing that you’re not alone—there are resources and support available to help you.

While every woman's experience is unique, there are some common signs of pregnancy you can look for. Check out the following to learn more about them.

1. Missed Period

A missed period is often the first indication of pregnancy, particularly if your cycle is usually regular. However, other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, or health conditions can also affect your cycle, so it's not a definitive sign on its own.

2. Tender or Swollen Breasts

Hormonal changes in the early stages of pregnancy can make your breasts feel tender, sensitive, or heavier. This symptom might also feel similar to premenstrual discomfort, so consider other changes in your body as well.

3. Nausea or "Morning Sickness"

Nausea, with or without vomiting, is another common pregnancy symptom. While it's often called "morning sickness," it can occur at any time of the day or night. This symptom typically starts about 2 to 8 weeks after conception for some women.

4. Fatigue

Feeling more tired than usual? Higher levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can cause you to feel fatigued. Combined with other physical changes, this exhaustion can be one of the earliest indicators.

5. Frequent Urination

The increased blood flow and hormonal changes in early pregnancy can lead to frequent urination. This is a sign that your body is already working to support a developing pregnancy.

6. Mood Swings

If you've noticed a rollercoaster of emotions, hormones might be behind your ups and downs. Mood swings are a common sign of early pregnancy for many women.

7. Bloating or Cramping

Early pregnancy can also cause bloating or mild cramping, which some might mistake for PMS. These symptoms happen as your uterus begins to prepare for a baby.

8. Food Cravings or Aversions

Pregnancy hormones can affect your sense of taste and smell, leading you to crave certain foods or avoid others you typically enjoy.

What Should You Do if You Think You're Pregnant?

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms and think you might be pregnant, here are some steps to take:

1. Take a Pregnancy Test

Pregnancy tests available at your local pharmacy are an easy and accurate way to confirm pregnancy. They work by detecting the hCG hormone in your urine and are typically reliable if taken after a missed period.

2. Make a Doctor’s Appointment

If your test confirms a pregnancy, the next step is scheduling an appointment with a healthcare professional. They can confirm your pregnancy through blood tests or ultrasounds, discuss your health, and provide guidance for the coming months.

3. Seek Support

Experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming, but remember, you don’t need to go through it alone. Whether you choose to confide in a trusted friend, family member, or counselor, support is available. 

Contact Us for Help Navigating an Unplanned Pregnancy

If the test comes back positive or you aren’t sure if you’re having symptoms of an unplanned pregnancy, turn to Birthright of Cleveland. While at-home tests can detect the hCG hormone, we provide free pregnancy testing to ensure results are accurate. We have three locations conveniently located in Cleveland, Lakewood, and Parma, OH.

Whether you’re feeling excited or terrified by the positive test results, we’re here to help you navigate this time in your life. From sharing resources about pregnancy, prenatal care, and adoption to providing you with referrals for medical support, housing, and professional counseling, we do it all. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, feel free to reach out to one of our offices to schedule an appointment.