Am I Pregnant?
© Love Matters | Rita Lino

Am I Pregnant?

How do you know if you're pregnant? What are the early signs of pregnancy? Do you know how to check pregnancy at home? Let's answer all your questions here in this article.

How do you know if you're pregnant? Do you know early signs of pregnancy? First wait and see if you get your period. Wait till the day your period would normally start. If your period starts as normal, you're not pregnant.

If it doesn't, you can do a pregnancy test from the first day your period's due. ( Do you know how to check pregnancy at home? If not click here) 

Until then there’s no way of knowing if you’re pregnant. There aren’t enough pregnancy hormones in your body to do a reliable test. Pay attention to your body. If you’re pregnant, you might notice physical changes. These are the early signs of pregnancy or pregnancy symptoms week 1: 

  • Painful breasts: this could be a sign that you’re pregnant, but it could also just be because you’re going through puberty.
  • Tiredness: this could be a sign that you’re pregnant – though obviously there could be other causes!
  • Nausea: if you’ve been feeling sick for a few days, especially in the morning, it’s a good idea to do a pregnancy test.
  • Your period doesn’t start.
  • You only have a very small amount of bleeding. Sometimes you can have a little bleeding when you’re pregnant.

How to check pregnancy at home? Pregnancy test

You can do a pregnancy test from the first day your period should have started. You can buy a pregnancy testing kit at the chemist or drugstore. The test is easy to do yourself. As you urinate, you hold the test strip in the urine stream for a few seconds. It’s best to do this first thing in the morning, as the hormones in your urine will be more concentrated.

Read more about how to check, test pregnancy at home and a home pregnancy test here

After a few minutes (depending on the brand of test you are using – some take half an hour), you can see the result. Read the instructions carefully to make sure you’re using the test correctly. Depending on where you live you could also have a pregnancy test at the doctor's.

The result

If the test is positive, you’re pregnant. If the test is negative, you’re probably not pregnant, but it’s not absolutely certain. At first there may not be enough hormone in your urine to show that you’re pregnant. To be certain, it’s a good idea to do another test a few days later.

Started your period?

If you’ve started your period, you’re not pregnant. All the early signs of pregnancy could be false alarm! But if you’re still worried – for example if the bleeding is much lighter than normal – you can always do a pregnancy test.

 

Checklist:

  • Have you had sex without using any form of contraception?
  • Have you used a condom that has torn?
  • Are you on the pill, but you’ve forgotten to take it?
  • Are you on the pill and you’ve taken antibiotics?
  • Are you on the pill, and you’ve vomited or had diarrhoea within four hours of taking it?
  • If you’ve had sex and the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, there’s a chance you could be pregnant.
  • I could be pregnant – now what?
  • Have you had unprotected sex and worried you might be pregnant? Read more about Emergency Contraception

If you want to be pregnant: wait and see if you’re in luck! You can buy a pregnancy test from the chemist or drug store.

I am pregnant – now what?

So you have all the pregnancy symptoms of week 1 and did checked pregnancy at home too. If you were planning to get pregnant – congratulations! Head over to our section on pregnancy where you can find detailed information about what to expect. For many people, though, pregnancy can come as a surprise. It’s easy to forget about the condom in the heat of the moment. Even if you use contraception perfectly, sometimes it just doesn’t work. Either way, if you unintentionally get pregnant, you need to decide what to do. There are three options:

  • You could keep the baby.
  • You could deliver the baby and give it up for adoption, or to a family member.
  • You could have the pregnancy terminated (an abortion).

Whatever you decide, you need to think carefully about the next steps. Talk to someone you trust. Someone who can give you advice and support; preferably an adult such as your mother, an aunt, a friend, your partner, or your doctor. Someone who won’t judge you for the choices you ultimately make. In the end, you’re the one who has to make the decision. It’s always best to talk your decision through with someone you trust. The surer you are of your decision, the better you will feel afterwards. Make sure you are the one who makes the final decision, and do not settle for anything less. Don’t let anyone pressure you into a decision you don’t feel comfortable with.

Keep the baby

You could decide to keep the baby. This means thinking about the future: what will you have to put into place to ensure you can take care of a dependent? Do you have a plan and a social support system for instance from the baby’s father, or from family? What are the short-, mid-, and long-term implications to your life and plans? What about your education and career? Will you have enough support – from the baby’s father, or your family? Will you have enough resources to live on? If you have a partner, what do they think? Do they want to keep the child? How many children do you have already? Is it safe to have another? Is the foetus healthy? Are you healthy? And the most important question: do you want this child?

Give the baby up for adoption

You could also have the baby adopted. Again, you need to think carefully, considering all your options. If you decide to take this option, how will you find someone to adopt your child? You could contact an official adoption agency and have your child safely and legally adopted through the state. They will then take you through the process and explain what happens in adoption cases. They will ask you to sign a consent form and arrange a suitable plan for how you can get the baby to them once it is born. In most cases adoption centres can make arrangements for you to leave the baby at the hospital, where they will collect it.

If you’re still very young and you live with your family, it helps if you can be honest with your parents. As a minor, you may be limited in some of the options you can consider. They may want to help raise the child or, if not, perhaps they can help you decide what to do. If it’s difficult to tell them, perhaps another family member or family friend could help you break the news. Under no circumstances should you just abandon a child. Doing this is illegal and it is always better to leave a child with a hospital, adoption agency, or church, so the child can be taken care of.

End the pregnancy (abortion)

The third option is to have an abortion. Like the others, this is not an easy decision to make, and you may need some time to think it over. But don’t let anyone choose for you. This is about you, your body, and your choices, so in the end you have to decide for yourself. Read more about the different types of abortions.

Your decision

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. You should decide what feels right for you. If you’re really struggling, try talking through your options with someone you trust.

Do you know how to check, test pregnancy at home? Have questions? What are early signs of pregnancy? Do you know what are the pregnancy symptoms of week 1? Join our discussion forum to have your questions answered or connect to us via Facebook.  

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Comments
Dear Victor - these are not conclusive signs of any sort for pregnancy. Symptoms don’t come so soon anyway. But the sex was unsafe, because pregnancy is possible through precum also - at first it would be wise for her to take a home pregnancy test to clear the doubt about pregnancy- after 10 days of this act... then consult a registered doctor. And remember.. NEVER have sex without a condom. Ok?  https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
i had unprotected sex 5 days after my period.. and i have been having sore breasts, i am having mood swings, i go to the bathroom more than usual and i am tired all the time. is it possible that i am pregnant?
Dear these are not conclusive signs of any sort for pregnancy. Symptoms don’t come so soon anyway. It’s perhaps fear and nervousness more than anything else, please consult a registered doctor about it. And if you want to check - do a home test - after 10 days of this act... and then NEVER have sex without a condom. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear Clindi, if you are still having periods after unsafe sex, then there are virtually no chances of being pregnant. But just to be on the safe side, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test. Please use condom next time. And If you feel any kind of problem, please consult a registered doctor. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, ‘Just Ask’ https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear Sandy if you want to check - do a home test - after 10 days of this act... and then NEVER have sex without a condom. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had sex after d fourth day of myb menes And is fourteen days now having been having an heavy nd painful pain forb d pass 3 days now buh I haven't vomited pls is it a sign of pregnancy..
Dear Diya at first symptoms don’t come so soon. If you want to check - do a home pregnancy test - after 10 days of this act... and make sure about it. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Zai dear, please consult a registered doctor and follow his/her instructions. Best wishes..for pregnancy tips read here also: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/tips    https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/pregnancy If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Last two months I had sex a day after my ovulation and had pills I didn't see my period so I did four tests. The first one was positive with a very faint line, the second one was negative, two days after I did the third one and it was negative, I went on with the fourth one and it was negative but my period for this month too hasn't come could I be pregnant?
Seemingly the chances are low, you took a pill after unsafe sex. So that may have impacted your cycle. So dont worry - but to assuare yourself - do a home pregnancy test again, because earlier it's doubtful for you - morning urine sample is the best for it and calm yourslef down. Sometimes trauma upsets our cycyle too.  https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I sleep in d morning in class and my nipple is also paining me is it a sign of pregnancy i had sex and he release inside of me twice but i took postinor 2 but he tells me it not hundred percent save
Dear these are not conclusive signs of any sort for pregnancy. Symptoms don’t come so soon anyway. It’s perhaps anything else. And seemingly the chances are low about pregnancy - you took a contraceptive pill after unsafe sex. So don't worry - but to assuare yourself - do a home pregnancy test after 10 days of this act and calm yourself down - and then NEVER have sex without a condom. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/safe-sex If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear Jenny, if you are still having periods after unsafe sex, then there are virtually no chances of being pregnant. But just to be on the safe side, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test. Please use condom next time. And If you feel uncomfortable, please consult a registered doctor. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, ‘Just Ask’ https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear, calm down yourself, if you are still having periods after unsafe sex, then there are virtually no chances of being pregnant. But just to be on the safe side, it would be wise to take a home pregnancy test. Please use condom next time. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, ‘Just Ask’ https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear it's may be because of birth control, please consult your registered doctor about it. https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/birth-control If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, ‘Just Ask’ https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear Priscilla - periods are irregular when they start, but if it is irregular every month, please consult a specialist or a registered doctor soon. Read here also: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/menstrual-cycle https://lovematters.in/hi/our-bodies/my-periods-are-irregular-what-should-i-do Use the link if you want to calculate your ovulation to the Ovulation Calendar given below. That will help you . You can even test/check the calendar by putting older dates - confirm your cycle of last two months - since now you know when your periods came - and now chart ahead. You can check a Home test 10 days after the last time you had sex on any of the fertile day. Best of luck https://lovematters.in/en/our-bodies/ovulation-calendar-how-to-calculate-ovulation https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear, sometimes periods are too late...because of stress, tension and hormonal changes. So the best would be to see a few day. And first of all be sure about the pregnancy, so - take a home pregnancy test ten days after unprotected sex - morning urine is best for samples. After that consult a registered doctor. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I had sex on my ovulation and he released inside of me, took emergency contraceptive within 24 hours and still had sex again within those 24 hours,the next day, my nipples starts paining me and I have been feeling really weak and dizzy, my period is supposed to be out by 7th of next month
Dear symptoms don’t come so soon - it’s perhaps fear and nervousness more than anything else. You took a pill after and within 24 hours of unsafe sex. So seemingly chances are low, but emergency pills may have impacted your cycle. Anyway first of all to assuare yourself - do a home pregnancy test - morning urine sample is the best. https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
I'm a breastfeeding mother I saw my last period January 22 and I have not see the February own yet but I'm feeling like I'm menstruating anything time I checked my pants I only saw whitish stain there, my vagina is doing like blood is moving from it, my baby is 8month since I gave birth we are using withdrawal method please help me I tired for this I don't have any sign of pregnant
Dear withdrawal method is not safe, read here about it: https://lovematters.in/en/birth-control/withdrawal-myths-busted https://lovematters.in/hi/news/sex-after-pregnancy-how-can-i-tell-him-im-not-ready So, the sex was unsafe, it's better to clear your doubt about pregnancy - do a home pregnancy test - after 10 days of this act... and NEVER have sex without a condom onwards. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear, periods are sometimes becomes irregular because of stress, tension and hormonal changes also. And these are not conclusive sign for pregnancy. But if you had an unsafe sex before, first of all to assure yourself - do a home pregnancy test - morning urine sample is the best. And then please consult a specialist or a registered doctor soon. Read here also: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/menstrual-cycle https://lovematters.in/hi/our-bodies/my-periods-are-irregular-what-should-i-do https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our discussion board, "Just Ask” https://lovematters.in/en/forum
Dear Janet if the sex was unsafe, it's better to clear your doubt about pregnancy - do a home pregnancy test - after 10 days of this act... and NEVER have sex without a condom onwards. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Dear withdrawal method is not safe, it is a very big misconception that sperm exit is safe for unwanted pregnancies because even a drop of sperm is too high to be pregnant. Then consult a registered doctor and see what can be done. Also, you can contact FPAI clinic information about which you can get at their website. https://lovematters.in/en/resource/unplanned-pregnancy https://www.fpaindia.org/ If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Dear Deniel these are not conclusive signs of any sort for pregnancy. Symptoms don’t come so soon anyway. It’s perhaps fear and nervousness more than anything else. But do a home pregnancy test and be assure about pregnancy and then NEVER have sex without a condom. Ok? https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Dear Mary, periods are sometimes becomes irregular because of stress, tension and hormonal changes also. But if you had an unsafe sex before, first of all to assure yourself - do a home pregnancy test - morning urine sample is the best. And then please consult a specialist or a registered doctor soon. Read here also: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/menstrual-cycle https://lovematters.in/hi/our-bodies/my-periods-are-irregular-what-should-i-do https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d
I had sex in the month of January after my period and I did see my period in the month of February but I didn't see in the month of march and I've done pregnancy test at home and it is negative. What I can I do
Dear, don't worry and calm down yourself, if you are still having periods after unsafe sex, then there are virtually no chances of being pregnant. If you want to double sure do retest and morning urine sample is best for it. Please use condom next time. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts   If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Dear first of all to assure yourself - do a home pregnancy test - morning urine sample is the best. And then please consult a specialist or a registered doctor soon. Read here also: https://lovematters.in/hi/resource/menstrual-cycle https://lovematters.in/hi/our-bodies/my-periods-are-irregular-what-should-i-do https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/home-pregnancy-tests-dos-and-donts If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d
I had sex one week after my period one week letter I am feeling week and having swollen foot whenever I seat one place, I have taken a pt it's showing tick red line and a fant red line
Dear Vivian it may be positive sign, but if pregnancy test not shows properly, please consult a specialist or a registered doctor soon. Please use condom next time. Read here: https://lovematters.in/hi/pregnancy/unsure-about-being-pregnant/unsafe-sex-missed-period-am-i-pregnant If you would like to join in on a further discussion on this topic, join our Facebook and Instagram: https://instagram.com/lovemattersindia?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.facebook.com/lovematters.india?mibextid=LQQJ4d
I had sex 3days ago,and am suppose to see my period first week of the month but I didn't see it. Am scared, the only pain I have is the lower part of my stomach
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