Pregnancy symptoms: am I pregnant?

Some women may feel pregnant soon after conception, while others may not experience any symptoms for some time into their pregnancy.

The symptoms below are some of those frequently reported by women as signs of pregnancy, but to be certain, the best option is to perform a Home Pregnancy Test or have your doctor perform a test to confirm pregnancy.

Missed period (Amenorrhoea)

This is a common sign of pregnancy but is not absolute. See your doctor or perform a home pregnancy or urine test if you have missed a period or suspect you may be pregnant. (It is possible to continue to have light periods for some months when you are pregnant.)

Morning sickness

It is possible to begin feeling nauseated as early as a few days after conception. Remember that morning sickness doesn't just occur in the morning, it can occur any time of the day.

Sore, swollen breasts

Tender, swollen breasts is a common sign of pregnancy. Many women describe the feeling as similar to breast soreness prior to a period, only more tender.

Changed appearance of breasts

The skin around your nipples (areolas) usually darkens in colour when you are pregnant and you may notice enlarged veins on the surface of the breasts.

Extreme tiredness

Extreme fatigue is a common pregnancy symptom caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone, which has a sedative effect.

Frequent urination (Micturition)

As early as one week after conception you may find yourself feeling the need to urinate (usually only small amounts of urine) more frequently.