An unplanned pregnancy can offer many challenges. We are here to support you and provide guidance.  We can assist you in whatever way you feel will be most helpful. When you call us, you will speak with a trained professional who can answer your questions. She will meet with you at your convenience to explain the many services available.

Signs of Pregnancy

One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle; however there are more signs and symptoms that could indicate that you are pregnant. These signs and symptoms may arrive within one week after conception, or they may develop a few weeks after conception or they may not be present at all. Be mindful that each of these symptoms may be related to another medical issue other than pregnancy.

While signs of pregnancy differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy, the list below is some of the most common pregnancy sign symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, and you have been sexually active, it is important to consider taking a pregnancy test.

Delayed or Missed Menstrual Cycle

One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. While some women may bleed while they are pregnant, if you become pregnant your next menstrual cycle should be missed.

Other Explanations
Stress, tension, fatigue, hormonal issues, excessive weight gain/loss, or birth control.

Implantation Bleeding
This may be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, and may be confused with a normal menstrual cycle as it may occur about 6–12 days after conception, when the embryo implants into the uterine wall.

Other Explanations
Actual/altered menstrual cycle, birth control, infection, intercourse abrasion.

Tender/Swollen Breasts
Your breasts may be tender to the touch or sore and possibly even swollen as early as one- to two-weeks after conception.

Other Explanations
PMS, birth control, or hormonal issues.

Fatigue/Tiredness
Feeling overly tired or fatigued can occur as early as the first week after conception.

Other Explanations
Illness, stress, or depression.

Backaches
Some women experience a dull backache throughout their pregnancy; however, early on some women may have just a lower backache.

Other Explanations
Stress, physical strain, PMS, or other back issues.

Nausea/Morning Sickness
About 2–8 weeks after conception this well-known pregnancy symptom may show up. Some women may feel nauseous all day, while others may have no nausea at all.

Other Explanations
Stomach disorders, food poisoning, or stress.

Headaches
You may experience headaches early on in your pregnancy due to a rise in hormones in your body.

Other Explanations
PMS, eye strain, caffeine, or dehydration.

Frequent Urination
As your uterus enlarges throughout your pregnancy you may have increased need for frequent urination. This symptom typically occurs around 6–8 weeks after conception.

Other Explanation
Increased liquid intake, diuretics, diabetes, or urinary tract infection (UTI).

Darkening of Areolas
The skin around your nipples may darken with pregnancy.

Other Explanations
Hormonal issues or the effect from a previous pregnancy.

Food Cravings/Aversions
While you may have a sudden craving for a certain food, another food may completely turn you off while pregnant. Cravings and/or aversions can occur all throughout your pregnancy.

Other Explanations
Stress, depression, poor diet, or PMS.

Source: American Pregnancy Association

Just as you were in shock when you first learned you were pregnant, your family and friends may be surprised too.  Eventually you will move from shock to planning, so will the others in your life. Give them time to process their initial emotions and try not to make any lifelong decisions based on yours or their first response. An unplanned pregnancy can offer different emotions including anger and frustration but this often passes quickly.

Only you know the best approach for the important people in your life, but here are some general tips:

• First, confirm your pregnancy (this can be done at My Choice Pregnancy Center). Be sure you didn’t get a false positive from a home pregnancy test.
• Practice telling someone supportive, but be prepared for the range of reactions you might get. Discuss with your advocate ways to share the information.
• Take a supportive person with you. Your advocate will be with you to share the news if you would find this helpful.
• Don’t break the news at work or school or immediately after someone comes home from work or school.
• Start with how you are feeling, what you need, and why you are telling them. This may help them empathize with you. Do not be surprised with their reaction.
• Write a letter if talking is too difficult. Don’t use e-mail or text messaging.
• Don’t ask for any immediate decisions.
• If you are worried about getting physically hurt, first plan for a safe place to go and arrange for a way to get there (our housing program may be able to help).

Remember this is your life, your baby, and you’re in control.