Stella is excited and overjoyed. She and her husband have been trying for a pregnancy for the past few months. She has just missed her period. Is she really pregnant?

One of the most commonly questions asked by women is, "Am I pregnant?"  Even if they have never been pregnant before, most women are aware of the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy. Women who have been pregnant before will recognize the symptoms which occurred in their previous pregnancy. Surprisingly though, some women may have severe symptoms in one pregnancy and hardly any in the next!  The fact is that each pregnancy is different and a woman may not have the same symptoms or the same intensity of symptoms during each of her pregnancies.

When to suspect a pregnancy

Missing a period is one of the most common reasons for suspecting a pregnancy. Women who have regular periods will take this as the first sign of pregnancy. Only a urine or blood pregnancy test, followed by a pelvic exam, can positively confirm a pregnancy. Occasionally a period can be delayed due to hormonal problems, even in the absence of pregnancy. If you are trying for a pregnancy, keep track of your periods. Mark the first day of your period on a calendar. The first day of the period is what determines the due date of the pregnancy.

Swollen, tender, or sore breasts and/ or nipples are often the first signs of pregnancy. The reason breasts and/ or nipples are often sore, swollen, or tender during early pregnancy is because there is an increased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone in pregnancy. The breasts undergo changes to prepare for breastfeeding. The breasts and/ or nipples are often particularly painful during a first pregnancy.