From the moment you first suspect something to the minute you pee on the stick, waiting to learn you're pregnant can be excruciating. Regardless of whether this is something you've anxiously been preparing for or trying to avoid, knowing about the most common signs you are pregnant can help put your mind at ease until your able to get a doctor's official confirmation.
If you're anything like me, every hiccup, flutter, pressure, and new sensation in your body immediately sends you down the rabbit hole of hypotheticals when you think you might be with child. That's why finding any type of medically-sound indicators can be so comforting during such a potentially stressful time.
Of course, every woman is different and there isn't a "one-size-fits-all" list of symptoms for potential moms-to-be to check off. It's perfectly normal if your experience doesn't necessarily match up with those of your friends and family members. In fact, my best friend had entirely different symptoms with each of her pregnancies — and I've actually found that to be a fairly common experience, too. So, since you're probably on the edge of your seat biting your fingernails, go ahead and check out some of these signs that indicate you're pregnant. And, of course, if you do suspect you're pregnant, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
1
You Missed Your Period
This one may seem obvious, but even I blew off this early sign of pregnancy, chalking my lateness up to stress. According to a poll conducted by the American Pregnancy Association, a missed period is the most common sign of pregnancy, as reported by 27 percent of the participants. So don't be so quick to dismiss a delayed cycle.
2
You're Hungry All The Time
I was eating for two way before I actually knew there was a tiny human growing inside of me. Turns out I had a great excuse all along. As OB-GYN Dr. Melissa Goist told Parenting, "your overtired body may demand extra carbs now because they're easily metabolized, which helps keep energy levels up." It makes sense that creating life would cause you to work up quite the appetite.
3
You're Nauseous
On the flipside, all the hormonal changes occurring in your body can really do a number on your digestive system. According to What To Expect, nausea is from the, "increased levels of progesterone, which cause the stomach to empty more slowly." My OB-GYN told me to think of my body as a neighborhood. Imagine if a new home is being built, the construction chaos could really affect the surrounding houses. Likewise, the new tenant who just moved in to your body is rearranging your insides to fit its needs.
4
Your Boobs Are Sore
Even though your milk won't be coming in for a while, your breasts can be an early indicator of pregnancy. According to Baby Center, "one common pregnancy symptom is sensitive, swollen breasts caused by rising levels of hormones." It's like someone powered up the mammary gland factory for the first time and things are off to a bumpy start.
5
You're Spotting
You might not even think you've missed your period if you experience spotting, but this light flow is actually sign of pregnancy. According to the site for The Mayo Clinic, this type of spotting, "known as implantation bleeding, happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus." You might want to double-check if you're spotting instead of experiencing your usual period.
6
You Have All The Feels
Are commercials featuring Sarah McLachlan and needy pets hitting you harder than normal? It may not have anything to do with your love of animals and everything to do with pregnancy. "As levels of hCG hormones increase, you're feeling massive amounts of fatigue, which makes you more prone to moodiness," Goist told Parents. You might want to go ahead and stock up on the Kleenex, then.
7
You're Super Tired
If given the choice between a nap and going out, I will always choose sleep. But feeling particularly exhausted can actually be a sign you're pregnant. As What To Expect noted, this pregnancy-induced fatigue happens because, "a huge amount of energy goes into building a placenta, the life-support system for your baby." Now you have a totally valid reason to stay in bed.
