Figuring out if you’re pregnant is not always an easy thing to do. If you aren’t planning a pregnancy, you might be worried and scared. These feelings are normal. When you’re pregnant the following things might happen:
- You miss a period;
- You’re tired and don’t have much energy;
- You might vomit;
- You need to urinate more than usual;
- You have tender or swollen breasts.
It’s important to remember that having one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean you’re pregnant. There might be other reasons why you are experiencing these symptoms. If you think you have one or more of these signs, it might be helpful to go and see your doctor.
Testing to see if you’re pregnant. Taking the step to test if you’re pregnant might be scary. But knowing if you are pregnant will allow you to move forward in deciding what to do next. Having support from a friend or someone you trust while you’re figuring out if you’re pregnant can be helpful. Here are two ways you can determine if you’re pregnant:
- Home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are available at most drug stores and pharmacies. Most home pregnancy tests work 99 out of 100 times if used after a missed period. They can be less effective if you take the pregnancy test too early, if you do not use it correctly, or if the expiration date on the pregnancy test has passed.
- Seeing your local doctor or go to a family planning clinic. Your doctor or the staff at a family planning clinic like Planned Parenthood will be able to let you know if you’re pregnant. These professionals will also be able to talk to you about the best ways to look after yourself during the pregnancy. If you are pregnant and you’re unsure about what to do, they might also be helpful people to talk to about your options.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was originally developed by youth and staff at ReachOut.com, a website that helps teens get through tough times.
