This article was updated March 2025
How do I know if I’m pregnant?
If you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, you might be feeling anxious and uncertain right now. You should know that we’re here for you, and you are not alone in this journey. Whatever you’re going through, we can face it together.
The idea of being pregnant can be overwhelming. It’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions. Please remember that it’s essential to take things one step at a time and not let fear consume you. Thrive is here to give support and guidance every step of the way.
Let’s go over the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. They can vary from person to person, so it can be helpful to schedule a no-cost appointment to speak with a nurse. Talking to a medical professional can help you understand your symptoms and go over your options.
Common Signs of Pregnancy
- A missed period, or amenorrhea, is a common first symptom of pregnancy. It happens when your monthly period doesn’t come on time like it usually does. This is when many women wonder, “How do I know if I’m pregnant?”
During a normal period, the body gets ready for a possible pregnancy. But if there’s no fertilized egg, the uterus lining sheds away, and that’s when the period happens.1 But when an egg does get fertilized, it attaches to the uterus (called implantation) causing a woman to become pregnant. The body starts making a hormone called hCG, which helps support the pregnancy. This hormone stops the uterus lining from shedding and causes a woman to miss a period.2
A missed menstrual cycle doesn’t always mean pregnancy. Stress, hormonal changes, sickness, or changes in weight can also mess up periods.1, 3 The best way to find out if you are pregnant is by taking a home pregnancy test or getting a no-cost test here at ThriVe.
Have you missed your period? You’re welcome to make an appointment for a no-cost medical grade pregnancy test and ultrasound. a no-cost Telehealth appointment and/or come in for a no-cost medical grade pregnancy test and ultrasound.
- Nausea is another common early pregnancy symptom that can make you feel queasy or like you might throw up. It’s often called “morning sickness,” but it can happen at any time of the day. When women experience nausea and a missed period, many wonder, “How do I know if I’m pregnant?” This symptom can start as early as the first or second month of pregnancy. It can last until the end of the first trimester or beyond.4
The exact cause of morning sickness isn’t entirely understood, but doctors think it could be related to physical and chemical changes in the body.
To help manage nausea, it’s good to eat small, frequent meals and avoid spicy or greasy foods. Drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest can also make a difference. A doctor can suggest safe remedies or medications when nausea is severe.
Though it can be tough, remember that this pregnancy symptom is temporary. It usually gets better as the pregnancy progresses. Nausea alone is not always an indicator of pregnancy, so it’s helpful to talk to a doctor about your symptoms.
- Fatigue, or feeling tired and lacking energy, is a common pregnancy symptom. If you’re wondering, “how do I know if I’m pregnant?” sleepiness or just feeling “extra worn out” without a clear cause might be a sign.4
The main reason behind pregnancy fatigue is the increased levels of hormones, like progesterone.4 These hormones can make you feel sleepy and affect your usual energy levels.
To cope with fatigue, it’s helpful to get plenty of rest and listen to your body when it needs a break. Eating a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated can also help combat tiredness. Light exercise, like walking, can boost energy levels, but it’s important not to overdo it.5
Fatigue is a natural part of pregnancy. But if it becomes overwhelming, talking to a nurse can provide helpful advice and support. Remember to take care of yourself during this time.
- Frequent urination is a common pregnancy symptom where you need to pee more often than usual. If you asked many women “How do I know if I’m pregnant?” they might laugh and tell you, “You will pee a lot!”
During pregnancy, the body produces extra blood. The kidneys work harder to filter waste, leading to increased urine production.4 This causes even more frequent trips to the bathroom. If there’s any pain or discomfort while urinating, it’s best to talk to a doctor.
- Breast tenderness is a pregnancy symptom where your breasts feel sensitive, sore, or swollen. Pregnant women’s breasts go through changes, including increased blood flow and hormone fluctuations. These changes can make the breasts feel tender and uncomfortable.4
Breast tenderness usually occurs during the early stages of pregnancy.4 If the tenderness becomes severe or concerning symptoms appear, talk to a healthcare provider for guidance.
- Mood swings affect pregnant women, and they can make your emotions go up and down like a rollercoaster. When you ask your doctor, “How do I know if I’m pregnant?” they might mention mood swings. Pregnancy hormones can fluctuate and cause mood swings.4 One moment, you might feel happy and excited, and the next, you could feel sad or irritable.
Have Any of These Symptoms?
We’ve covered that the common signs include missed periods, nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, breast tenderness, and mood swings. Remember that these signs can accompany other conditions. It’s essential to not jump to conclusions until we have more information.
If you think you might be pregnant, your first step is to take a pregnancy test. You can find these tests at most drugstores, and they are simple to use. If you’re uncertain about how to take the test or need someone to support you, we’re here for you. We can connect you to no cost, lab-quality pregnancy tests, STD testing and ultrasounds provided by licensed medical professionals.
No matter the result of the test, remember that you have choices. Consider each possibility with care and guidance from people you trust. If you are pregnant and unsure about what to do next, there are several paths you can explore, including:
- Talking to a healthcare professional: It’s helpful to get accurate information about your pregnancy options, prenatal care, and the resources available to you. Kind and judgment-free nurses at Thrive can provide valuable guidance and support.
- Confiding in someone you trust: Sharing your feelings and concerns with someone close to you can be a tremendous source of comfort. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or a counselor, having someone to talk to can help you process your emotions.
- Exploring all options: Pregnancy can lead to different paths, including parenting, adoption, or abortion. Take your time to explore each option, and remember that the decision is ultimately yours to make. We’re here to help you, whatever path you’re considering.
Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to feel about your situation, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Whatever choice you make, Thrive is here to empower you. You deserve the best care and all the information you need to make the best informed decision.
Please reach out if you’re wondering, “How do I know if I’m pregnant?” Our friendly team can help you navigate this journey with honesty and kindness.
Sources:
1https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186
2https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/prenatal-care/art-20045302
3https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amenorrhea/symptoms-causes/syc-20369299
4https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
5https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/pregnancy/art-20047441
