expecting you

Signs You Might Be Pregnant

Published on July 14, 2025

If you're wondering, "Could I be pregnant?" — you're not alone.

Early pregnancy symptoms can be confusing. Some feel like PMS. Others are hard to miss. And sometimes you just... know.

Here's a simple guide to common signs and what to do next.

Most Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

These usually show up in the first few weeks:

  • Missed period
    This is the biggest clue, especially if your cycle is usually regular.

  • Sore or swollen breasts
    They may feel heavier or more sensitive than usual.

  • Fatigue
    Like “fall asleep at your desk” tired. Hormones can hit fast.

  • Nausea or food aversions
    You might gag brushing your teeth or go off your favorite foods.

  • Bloating
    Your jeans might feel tight — even early on.

  • Frequent urination
    You’ll need to pee more, even if you’re not drinking more.

  • Mood swings
    You might cry over nothing or feel irritated for no reason.

  • Mild cramping or spotting
    Called implantation bleeding — it’s usually light and short.

PMS or Pregnancy? How to Tell the Difference

Symptom PMS Pregnancy
Cramps Start before period Lighter and earlier than usual
Breasts Sore, goes away at period Sore, stays sore past missed period
Fatigue Mild to moderate Often extreme, even with lots of sleep
Bleeding Full flow Light spotting or none
Nausea Rare Common and can last all day

If you're unsure — wait a few days and take a test.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

Most home tests work best after you miss your period. But some tests claim to detect pregnancy up to 6 days early.

Tips for testing:

  • Use first-morning urine (more concentrated)
  • Read instructions carefully
  • Wait a full 2–3 minutes for results

If it’s negative and your period still doesn’t come, wait a few days and test again.

Can I Be Pregnant With a Negative Test?

Yes. You could:

  • Test too early (hCG not high enough yet)
  • Use diluted urine (less hormone concentration)
  • Have an irregular cycle (timing is off)

If you still don’t get a period in a week, test again or talk to your provider.

What to Do Next

If your test is positive:

  • Make a prenatal appointment
  • Start taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid
  • Avoid alcohol, smoking, and unpasteurized foods
  • Rest — this is a big change

If your test is negative:

  • Give it a few more days and retest
  • Track symptoms in case they change
  • Talk to a doctor if you’re unsure or worried

Trust Your Gut

Sometimes your body knows before the test does. If you feel “off” — tired, bloated, emotional, just different — it’s okay to listen to that.

You’re not overthinking. You’re paying attention. And that matters.