5 Signs of Pregnancy

How to Tell If I’m Pregnant: The 5 Signs

You’ve missed your period, and you have this sinking feeling in your gut that something feels different. But how do you know for sure? Well, if you want to learn more about the signs before buying a pregnancy test or going to a nearby center, you’re in the right place. Below are the top 5 characteristics of a possible pregnancy.

1. A missed period.
2. Increased fatigue.
3. Nausea or vomiting.
4. Tender/swollen breasts.
5. Frequent bathroom breaks.

If you have the symptoms from this list by Mayo Clinic, and want to know for certain, we encourage you to take a pregnancy test. At-home tests are easy, but do cost money. Alpha Women’s Center is a great option that offers a *free* pregnancy test and is located in Des Moines and Ankeny.

If you choose to do an at-home test, morning is the best time to administer the test since the hormones you are looking for will be most concentrated, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You can put your urine in a clean cup or go directly on the test strip. Read the instructions that came with the test for the best time to check the pregnancy test, but a good rule of thumb is about 3 minutes.

Even with all the signs we talked about, a positive pregnancy test doesn’t give all the answers. Alpha Women’s Center offers free limited OB ultrasounds to help you confirm the pregnancy and inform you as to how far along you might be. We understand that this can be a very overwhelming time in your life. The physical and mental stress of a possible pregnancy can make it hard to focus and complete everyday tasks. Many factors can shape how you see the situation. We would love to listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s next. Call us at 515-285-5700 (Des Moines), 515-965-7885 (Ankeny) or visit Alpha Women’s Center.

References

Pregnancy Tests: When To Take, Types & Accuracy. Cleveland Clinic. November 28, 2022.

Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens First. Mayo Clinic. March 13, 2024.