Am I Pregnant?

One of the most common questions from sexually active women is “Am I pregnant?” If you have missed your period or have other questions about your symptoms, please call the Helpline toll-free at 1-866-942-6466.

Implantation Bleeding:

About 6-12 days after conception the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Other Explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:

When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women do bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

Other Explanations: Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

Swollen/Tender Breasts:

Starting as early as 1-2 weeks after conception, many women will notice changes in their breasts. They will be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills,and impending menstruation (PMS) can also cause your breasts to be swollen or tender.

Darkening of areolas:

If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

Other Explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

Fatigue/Tiredness:

This symptom can start as early as the first week after conception.

Other Explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/Morning Sickness:

This well-known symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all while others will feel nauseous through most of their pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Backaches:

Dull backaches can be present throughout an entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains.

Headaches:

The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, impending menstruation or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination:

Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, or taking excessive diuretics.

Food Cravings:

While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

Other Explanations: Poor diet, lacking a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

If you have been sexually active and experiencing any pregnancy symptoms, you should contact the American Pregnancy Association about taking a pregnancy test.

Outside the Box:

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Last updated: 05/2019