If you’re reading this, it’s because you’ve either experienced some symptoms, your period is late, or you had unprotected sex and you’re overly cautious (trust us, we get it). If you’re wondering if you might be pregnant, here’s what to do next.

Consider the Timing:

When was your last period and when did you have sex?

• If you are currently on your normal period, you are not pregnant.
• If you had sex before your last normal period, you are not pregnant.
• If you have had sex since your last period but it’s been less than four weeks since your last period, it’s too soon to tell.
• If it’s been four weeks or longer since your last period and you’ve had unprotected sex since then, it’s time to take a pregnancy test as you might be pregnant.

Consider your symptoms:

Some women have no symptoms of pregnancy besides missing their period, whereas others may experience the full gamut

• Common symptoms may include: tender or swollen breasts, nausea with or without vomiting, more frequent urination, and fatigue.
• Less common symptoms include: implantation bleeding and/or cramping, moodiness, headaches, constipation, or nasal congestion.

Have you taken a pregnancy test?

…and did you take it correctly?

• If it’s been 4 weeks since your last period (LMP) and you have a positive test, you’re pregnant. However…
• False positives can happen! It is important to follow the directions of your specific test exactly as most of our patients who got a positive result got it after leaving it sit for too long or had other user error.
• If the test said negative but you want to make sure, take another test in 48 hours to see if it has changed. HCG, the hormone that a pregnancy test measures, should double every 48 hours in early pregnancy.

It’s negative but I still have symptoms…

• It’s important to know that all of the symptoms of pregnancy can also be symptoms of something else – fatigue and nasal congestion could be a cold, and tender or swollen breasts with a headache could be normal PMS. If you’re concerned, always talk to your doctor. 
• It’s possible you took the test too early. Wait 48 hours to a week and try again.

You can take our quiz that will help you determine how likely it is that you are pregnant here.

When you’re wondering whether or not you’re pregnant, time can seem to drag by, whether the pregnancy is planned or unplanned! Try to be gentle with yourself and lean on someone you trust during this time. For more tips, check out this blog post.

Written by Kristen Long, Alpha Center

Sources:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/symptoms-of-pregnancy/art-20043853
• https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/false-positive-pregnancy-test#medications