Early Signs of Pregnancy

Before tests confirm pregnancy, a woman may experience a number of physical and/or emotional signals, causing her to suspect she is pregnant.

• Breast tenderness or enlargement, nipple sensitivity
• Frequent urination
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Feeling bloated
• Cramps
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Feeling moody or more emotional
• A lighter or shorter period than usual
• A missed menstrual period

Most of these symptoms are subjective and not objectively measurable.  These symptoms will vary greatly from woman to woman.  Although they are common in women who are pregnant, many women also regularly experience these symptoms when approaching menstruation.   They are also common among people who are worried, anxious, or very stressed.  The presence of these symptoms in a sexually active woman does not necessarily mean pregnancy has occurred.