pregnant woman

If you’ve recently had unprotected sex or your birth control method failed, you might be worried about pregnancy. While there are common symptoms of pregnancy that many women experience, taking a pregnancy test and following up with an ultrasound are the only ways to know if you’re pregnant.

Read on to learn more about the top seven symptoms of pregnancy. Or, if you’re looking for free pregnancy testing and a follow-up ultrasound, contact Alabama Pregnancy Test Center today to schedule your appointment.

Top Seven Symptoms of Pregnancy

At the moment of conception (when the sperm and egg meet), your body begins producing a special mixture of hormones. These hormones can cause you to experience the following symptoms:

Missed Menstrual Period

Often, one of the first signs of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. This is because those pregnancy hormones tell your body to stop menstruating and instead hold on to the nutrient-rich uterine lining in preparation to nourish the embryo.

Tender, Swollen Breasts

Pregnancy might be to blame if you notice that your bra feels tighter or your breasts feel tender. Those same hormones that cause you to stop menstruating are also working to prepare your breasts for eventual breastfeeding.

Nausea and/or Vomiting

While the term “morning sickness” is often used to describe the nausea and vomiting that can happen during pregnancy, you can experience this throughout the entire day. Pregnancy might be the culprit if you’re feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting for no reason. 

Frequent Urination

When you’re pregnant, your blood volume increases. This causes your kidneys to work harder and, in turn, makes you urinate more often. You could be pregnant if you run to the restroom more frequently. 

Fatigue

Many conditions can cause fatigue, but if you’re feeling more tired than usual and experiencing other pregnancy symptoms, this could be a strong indicator of pregnancy.

Mood Swings

Do you find yourself crying at commercials? Are you easily irritated lately or angry for no reason? Pregnancy hormones could be at work.

Food Aversions

During pregnancy, it’s common to feel disgusted by foods you usually love while craving foods you don’t typically like. 

Next Steps

If you’re experiencing any of these common pregnancy symptoms, taking a pregnancy test is essential. And if you get a positive result, you’ll need to follow up with an ultrasound. Only through pregnancy testing and ultrasound can you confirm whether you’re pregnant. 

This time of not knowing can feel scary, but you’re not alone. At Alabama Pregnancy Test Center, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential pregnancy test and ultrasound appointment.