Are You Really Pregnant?

Unless you are already showing, it is often difficult to determine if you are pregnant without a test from a doctor. As soon as you suspect being pregnant, it is important to schedule an appointment with a doctor are soon as possible. A doctor will be able to most definitely tell you if you are pregnant or not.

The following are a few early pregnancy signs, though it is important to remember that the pregnancy experience is different for each woman:

• A missed period is often the first sign of a possible pregnancy. However, a missed period can also occur from various factors such as stress, excessive exercise, low body weight, hormonal imbalances, etc.   
• Morning sickness is a common trait among many pregnant women especially in the first trimester. While estimates vary, more than half of all women experience morning sickness. There are many factors that can lead a person to experience nausea, so please see a health care professional as soon as possible.  
• Breast changes, notably tenderness and enlargement, are another common factor, caused by hormonal changes in pregnancy. Breast enlargement is common due to hormonal fluctuations not related to pregnancy, as well, such as change in birth control medication.
• Fatigue is a very common factor among pregnant women. It is often the body responding to the rapidly changing hormones. Fatigue can be a result of numerous factors unrelated to a pregnancy.
• Frequent urination occurs through pregnancy because of an increased level of body fluids and greater kidney function to dispose of these liquids. The enlarging uterus also presses against the bladder. It is very common for women in the first few weeks of being pregnant to experience more frequent urination. There are of course other factors that can lead to increased urination:
  • urinary tract infections
  • diabetes
  • diuretic medications  
• Mood changes are common during pregnancy and some pregnant women relate the early mood swings to feelings they have during their menstrual cycle. The moods however can be more or less intense and all are a direct result of the hormonal changes occurring in a pregnant woman’s body.  
• Food cravings fluctuate during pregnancy. Most pregnant women think of cravings increasing for random food choices, such as peanut butter and pickles. However, it is also not uncommon for normal food desires to change during a pregnancy. During pregnancy, some women loose their appetite for food choices they previously enjoyed prior to pregnancy.

While the above list are common factors, it is important to see a health care professional if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. It could be a sign that you are pregnant, or attributable to another completed unrelated factor. See a doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.