My Period Is Late, Am I Pregnant?

Every woman will to have different bodily signs to show if she is pregnant. The most common pregnancy sign is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. It is important to understand pregnancy symptoms because the symptom may be related to something other than pregnancy.

You may develop pregnancy symptoms as often as one week after conception. Some women will not develop pregnancy symptoms at all. Some common pregnancy symptoms are:

Spotting
Caused by the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall.
It usually occurs 6-12 days after conception.
This may include light bleeding and cramping.
Other explanations for spotting could be your actual period is coming, changes in hormones, or changes in birth control pill.

Missed or Different Period
If you have missed your period, you could take an over the counter pregnancy test to help determine if you are pregnant or not
Many women will still have a period even though they are pregnant
Some women will continue menstruation through several months of their pregnancy

Light bleeding during the first menstruation period after becoming pregnant is common
Other explanations for missed or different periods are weight changes, hormonal problems, tension, birth control pills, and stress

Tender Breasts
Usually 1 to 2 weeks after conception, a woman may notice changes in their breasts
Darkening of the areolas, the skin around the nipples, may also occur in the early stages of pregnancy

Fatigue
Feeling tired is a common symptom of early pregnancy
Other explanations can include stress, depression, a cold or flu, or other illness

Nausea or Vomiting
Usually begin between 2 and 8 weeks after conception
Some women will never deal with it and others start to get sick very early on in their pregnancy

Backaches
It is common to experience back pain throughout a pregnancy as your body adjusts
Other explanations are stress, PMS, or physical strain

Headaches
The changing of hormones can cause headaches
Other mental strains or eye problems can also be an explanation

Frequent Urination
Usually occurs around 6-8 weeks after conception as the uterus pushes on the bladder
Other explanations are urinary tract infections, or possibly other medical problems

Food Cravings
You may crave a specific food, not necessarily pickles and ice cream
May have an aversion to certain foods
Other explanations are poor diet or lacking of a certain nutrient, also stress and depression

Pregnancy symptoms can be similar to other medical issues. If you think you are pregnant, you can first take an over the counter test. Pregnancy tests are very accurate and if the test says you are pregnant, you probably are. If the pregnancy test comes back negative and you still have not received your period after another 5 days, you should retake the test. It is possible you took the test too early before. If you still have not had your period, it is important to see your doctor; you may be pregnant or have another medical issue.

If you should suspect or discover you are pregnant, it is very important that you make an appointment to see your health care provider. Prenatal care is essential for both you and your baby's health. Today there are many options available if you have an unplanned pregnancy. You can visit Lifetime Adoption for more information on adoption, and to chat live. In today's adoption world, you can choose how involved you want to be with the adoptive family. Open adoption offers women the option of finding a forever family for their baby, while maintaining contact through letters and pictures.

Mardie Caldwell, C.O.A.P. is the founder of Lifetime Adoption. She is an award-winning author of Adopting Online and Adoption: Your Step-by-Step Guide and radio talk show host of Let's Talk Adoption with Mardie Caldwell.

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