How to Tell if You Are Pregnant
If you think that you are pregnant, the best course of action is
| to speak with a doctor. Only they can give you a conclusive answer. However, there are a few symptoms that you could experience to indicate that you might be pregnant. Keep in mind that symptoms and their time frames vary from woman to woman, pregnancy to pregnancy. |
That is why it is important to seek medical guidance as soon as you believe that you are pregnant.
You may be able to tell if you are pregnant if you experience any or all of the following symptoms:
- Missed periods (assuming your periods are usually regular)
- A short, scant period
- Breasts that are sore, tender, or swollen
- Sickness in the stomach, or you are vomiting – particularly in the morning
- Fatigue – if you are feeling more tired than normal
- Frequent urination
- Abrupt mood swings, more emotional than normal, or bizarre food cravings
Again, these symptoms are not guaranteed and
| should not be the sole basis of assuming you are pregnant. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can take an at-home pregnancy test. Most manufacturers say that pregnancy tests are very accurate when used as instructed. |
However, these types of pregnancy tests pick up on a chemical and may not be accurate if you test too early.
That said, experts say women should wait 5-10 days after their period is officially late before taking the tests. It is best to use these tests with the morning urination for maximum accuracy. If the test is negative, wait a few more days. If your menstrual cycle still does not begin, then take the test again. At this point, you should consult your doctor with any further questions or concerns.
Further Reading and Additional Resources
Excellent, detailed article at TeenWire.com: ‘Am I Pregnant?’
From WebMD: ‘Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms’
‘How many weeks pregnant am I??’ – Great article at AskDrAmy.com
Frequently Asked Questions about Pregnancy from Avert.org
Again from TeenWire.com: ‘True tales of a teen mom’
‘How to tell my partner / boyfriend I’m pregnant?’
‘What’s the best way to tell my partner I’m pregnant?’ at BabyCenter.com