You may be looking at a positive pregnancy test in disbelief and thinking, “Am I really pregnant?” If so, you are not alone. Any woman who discovers she is pregnant wonders if it’s really true. But, when your pregnancy is unexpected, looking at a positive pregnancy test may feel especially overwhelming.

Here you can learn about early signs [1] to look for in pregnancy and the support we can offer you at Pregnancy Care Clinic.

Early Signs of Pregnancy

  • Missed period or spotting: Implantation into the uterus lining happens about 10-14 days after conception. This can cause cramping and spotting, or implantation bleeding. Some women mistake this bleeding for a period.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: People often call this morning sickness, but it can occur at any time of the day or night. You may also find yourself sensitive to smells or develop an aversion to certain foods. It can be helpful to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, drink plenty of water, and keep crackers with you to snack on.
  • Fatigue: Feeling tired is very common in early pregnancy as hormone levels rise and make you feel sluggish. Your body is working hard, so give it as much rest as possible.
  • Breast changes: Your breasts may tingle, become sensitive and/or swollen. You may also notice the dark area around the nipple getting larger and darker in color.
  • Changes in your mood: Feeling more emotional than usual is another one of the early signs of pregnancy. Mood swings, such as alternating between feeling sad, happy, and irritable, are common.
  • Urinating frequently: Your kidneys produce more fluid than usual when you become pregnant, and this may cause more frequent trips to the bathroom
  • Constipation and bloating:  Pregnancy hormones can slow your digestion system and make it difficult to have a bowel movement. This can cause you to feel bloated. Maintain a healthy diet that includes fiber, fruits and vegetables, and an extra cup of water every day.
  • Heartburn: The same hormones that slow your digestion system can also cause the valve between your esophagus and stomach to loosen. This causes a burning feeling in your chest as stomach acid leaks.

Many of these early signs of pregnancy mimic the same signs you get when your period is about to start. So how can you know for sure if you’re really pregnant?

Come in for a Pregnancy Test

At Pregnancy Care Clinic, we are here to listen and compassionately answer your questions. We understand the fear that accompanies an unplanned pregnancy and are committed to providing you with the resources you need to make an informed decision in a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment.

Make an appointment with our licensed medical professionals who will provide a confidential, no-cost pregnancy test to confirm your at-home test. If the results are positive, we will also offer you a no-cost ultrasound so you will know how far along you are and to check the viability of the pregnancy. We will help you every step of the way so you have the information you deserve to make an empowered decision for you and your future.

Make an Appointment

[1] Holland, K. & Nall, R. (2018, September 5). Early pregnancy symptoms. Retrieved June 25, 2019 from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/early-symptoms-timeline