While missing a period may be the primary way a woman discovers that she is pregnant, there are actually many other indicators that can occur before this.
Paying attention to these symptoms can allow you to prepare for your addition as soon as you begin to see them. These symptoms can include:
- Feelings of nausea or sickness
- A metallic taste in your mouth
- Tenderness, tingling or enlargement of the breasts
- Increased prominence of your “Montgomery’s tubercles” (small bumps on the nipple)
- Pain in your stomach
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Needing to urinate more often
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Very light bleeding (called spotting) which may be mistaken for your period.
If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be time to try a home pregnancy test. All home pregnancy tests can be used from the first day of your missed period and some can be used even sooner.
The tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG for short) in your urine. A chemical in the test will change color if hCG is present.
If used properly, home pregnancy tests are very accurate. It is, however, possible for the test to say you aren’t pregnant when you are (a false negative). If, after a negative test, your period still doesn’t arrive, repeat the test or check with your fertility specialist.
When is My Baby Due?
Though conception usually occurs two weeks afterward, your pregnancy’s length is dated from the first day of your last period. While every woman is different, your baby is likely to be born two weeks in either direction from the due date.
Many places online have pregnancy calendars where you are able to check your due date and what’s happening within your body week-by-week. Many women choose to meet with a fertility specialist to arrange prenatal care.