Are You Pregnant? Top 5 Most Common Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Early pregnancy symptoms differ from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy. You may notice changes in your body before you realize you're pregnant, or you may not notice any signs at all. If you think you might be pregnant, it can be tempting to reach for a test immediately. But when to take pregnancy test calculator? And how accurate are home pregnancy tests? Presumptive signs of pregnancy are those indications that suggest a woman may be pregnant even in the absence of a confirmation through a test.

HOW ACCURATE ARE HOME PREGNANCY TESTS?

Home pregnancy tests are accurate if you use them correctly. Read and follow the instructions carefully. If you do not know when your last period began, you should wait at least 21 days after you had unprotected sex before taking a home pregnancy test. This is because it takes time for the hormone that signals pregnancy (human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG) to reach a high enough level to be detected in your urine.

If you test too early, you might get a false-negative result. This means the test says you're not pregnant when you actually are. If this happens, try testing again in a few days.

Missed period

Changes in the menstrual cycle are often one of the first things that women notice when they become pregnant. In most cases, missing or skipping a period is the most conspicuous sign that something has changed. However, it is important to remember that not all women experience this symptom.

For some, the only change may be a lighter or shorter period than usual. In either case, changes to the menstrual cycle are usually presumptive signs of pregnancy. However, remember that stress, dieting, exercise, hormone imbalances, and other causes can also cause irregular periods that can lead you to miss your period.

Frequent trips to the bathroom

One of the presumptive signs of pregnancy is an increase in urinary frequency. This occurs because you have more blood than usual. The blood flow to your body increases throughout pregnancy. Your kidneys filter your blood and eliminate waste. This waste exits your body as urine. The more blood there is in your body, the more you will need to pee.

Plus, as the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the bladder and causes a need to urinate more often.

However, needing to pee more often can also be a sign of an infection, so if you're concerned, it's best to consult your doctor.

Breasts that are sore (and swollen)

Presumptive signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman. For some, the presumptive signs may be very subtle, while for others they may be more pronounced. However, one of the most common presumptive signs of pregnancy is breast tenderness.

This can range from a mild discomfort to severe pain, and is often exacerbated by touch. Additionally, the breasts may feel heavier than usual, and the areolas may darken and enlarge. These changes are due to the increased levels of hormones in the body during pregnancy, and usually resolve themselves after a few weeks.

Other reasons for sore breasts include PMS, certain medications, and infections. So if you're unsure whether your sore breasts are a sign of pregnancy, take a home pregnancy test or see your doctor.

Nausea (with or without vomiting)

Nausea and vomiting are common early presumptive signs of pregnancy. You may feel nauseous at any time of day, with or without vomiting. Nausea is often worse in the morning, but it can strike at any time of day. For some women, it may come and go throughout pregnancy.

It's not clear why nausea occurs in early pregnancy. It may be due to the increased hormones in your body, or it could be a reaction to the changes that are happening in your body.

Obviously, you could just be sick and not pregnant at all.

Fatigue

If you're pregnant, you may find yourself more tired than usual. This is called fatigue. Fatigue is different from simply feeling tired. It's a deep exhaustion that can be difficult to shake.

Fatigue and tiredness are common early presumptive signs of pregnancy. It's caused by the increased levels of progesterone in your body. Progesterone is a hormone that helps support pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, your fatigue will likely lessen.

It's best to keep in mind that many things can cause fatigue. A variety of illnesses to stress can also make you feel exhausted.

Final thoughts on presumptive signs of pregnancy

Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with lots of changes, both emotionally and physically. Though every pregnancy is different, some common signs may indicate you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, the best thing to do is take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor to confirm. Once you know for sure, you can start making plans for your new arrival!

Can you name any other presumptive signs of pregnancy?