Most women fear the risk of an unplanned pregnancy. The fear of getting pregnant at an inopportune moment can be so overwhelming that some women may even refrain from engaging in sexual intercourse. Others take great pains to take precautions by using birth control at every opportunity or avoiding sex altogether.
However, if you have been sexually active and do not want to get pregnant, it is important to know the signs and symptoms that indicate you are likely to become pregnant. An unplanned pregnancy can be a wonderful thing if you are ready for motherhood and have a support network around you. Read on to know more about whether you might be pregnant and what you should do if you think so…
A missed period
The most obvious sign of pregnancy is a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is regular, expect it to start within the same time frame each month. If your period is more than five days late, then you should consider the possibility that you are pregnant. If you have recently had unprotected intercourse and have missed your period, it is worthwhile taking a pregnancy test to put your mind at ease. A negative pregnancy test result may be a false negative result if you have recently ovulated.
Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized embryo attaches itself to the uterine wall. This can be mistaken for a light period and is often accompanied by cramping. Implantation bleeding is typically light, but some women experience heavy bleeding. If you experience a light period a few days after fertilization, it could be implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding often occurs around the time of a missed period or between periods. It is important to note that not all women experience implantation bleeding. Some women do not bleed at all when they become pregnant. If you are experiencing light bleeding or cramping, it is important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant.
Morning sickness
Morning sickness is often the first sign of pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting associated with early pregnancy usually occur within the first 12 weeks of the menstrual cycle. If you are experiencing morning sickness, take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis. If you have been sexually active and are experiencing nausea and vomiting, you are likely pregnant.
Although most women experience some morning sickness, this sign is not 100% accurate. Some women never experience morning sickness with pregnancy, while others experience it at different times during the day. If you are experiencing nausea and vomiting and believe you might be pregnant, you can take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Changes in body shape and weight
As your pregnancy progresses, you will begin to notice changes in your body. Some women notice changes in body shape and weight as early as four weeks after fertilization. If you have been sexually active and are experiencing changes in body shape and weight, you may be pregnant. Although changes in body shape and weight are signs of pregnancy, they are not 100% accurate.
Some women experience these changes when they ovulate and not when they become pregnant. If you believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Fatigue and dizziness
Some women experience dizziness or fatigue when they become pregnant. This can happen from the third week of the menstrual cycle. If you have been sexually active and are experiencing dizziness and fatigue, you are likely pregnant. Dizziness and fatigue are not 100% accurate signs of pregnancy. If you experience these symptoms and believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Tender Breasts and Nipples
Breast tenderness is a common sign of pregnancy. The tenderness can occur as early as a few weeks after fertilization. If you have been sexually active and experience tenderness and sensitivity in your breasts and nipples, it is likely that you are pregnant. Breast tenderness is not 100% accurate. Some women experience this sign when they ovulate and not when they become pregnant. If you believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Constipation and Bloating
Constipation and bloating are common pregnancy symptoms. If you have been sexually active and are experiencing constipation and bloating, you may be pregnant. Constipation and bloating are not 100% accurate signs of pregnancy. Some women experience these symptoms when they ovulate and not when they become pregnant. If you believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are very common in early pregnancy. If you have been sexually active and experience nausea and vomiting, you are likely pregnant. Nausea and vomiting are not 100% accurate signs of pregnancy. Some women experience these symptoms when they ovulate and not when they become pregnant. If you believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Cramping in the Abdomen or Pelvis
Cramping in the abdomen or pelvis is another early sign of pregnancy. Some women experience abdominal cramping as early as two weeks after fertilization. If you have been sexually active and experience abdominal cramping, you are likely pregnant. Cramping in the abdomen or pelvis is not 100% accurate. Some women experience this sign when they ovulate and not when they become pregnant. If you believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
Moodiness
Some women experience mood swings when they are pregnant. It is important to note that not all women experience moodiness. If you have been sexually active and experience moodiness, it is possible that you are pregnant. Moodiness is not 100% accurate as a sign of pregnancy. Some women experience mood swings when they ovulate and not when they become pregnant. If you believe you might be pregnant, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm the diagnosis.
