How do I know I’m Pregnant? A Step-by Step Q&A

If you have missed your period and are considering taking the “missed period pills,” also known as abortion pills, take a minute to read this article.

Q: I missed my period—does that mean I’m pregnant?

A missed period is often the first noticeable sign that may make you think “Could I be pregnant?”. 

While pregnancy is a common reason, it isn’t the only cause. 

A missed period may often be the first noticeable sign of possible pregnancy, but some women have hormonal fluctuations, stress, recent infection, or other health problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome that can cause menstrual cycles to fluctuate or be missed on a monthly or sporadic basis. 

Q: What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

Early physical pregnancy symptoms can appear as soon as 10–14 days after conception. Some women experience:

• A lighter or shorter “light period” that could last a few hours or up to a couple of days 
• Mild abdominal cramping
• Nausea 
• Breast tenderness or swelling can develop and is related to hormonal fluctuations as your body adapts to pregnancy hormones
• Fatigue 
• Increased urination 

Other common symptoms of pregnancy may include bloating, food aversions with sensitivity to certain smells or tastes, stuffy nose sensation, or being more moody than usual. Increased heart rate, feeling more tired than usual, and an increased basal body temperature are also symptoms that may develop in the first few weeks or months of pregnancy due to hormone changes.

Because symptoms vary form woman to woman, listening to your body and paying attention to subtle symptoms can help clue you in to pregnancy as a potential underlying cause. If you have symptoms and if you have had unprotected sex in the past few months, getting a reliable pregnancy test is important.

Q: Can I trust an at-home pregnancy test?

At-home pregnancy tests are usually inexpensive and convenient, but they may be less accurate than tests performed in a medical clinic. Roughly 20 million at-home pregnancy tests are used annually–of those, roughly one million may provide inaccurate results. At-home urine hCG testing helps identify the hormone produced when a woman’s body is pregnant, but at-home urine tests can still give falsely negative results, meaning a true pregnancy can be missed by over-the-counter or at-home pregnancy tests. 

Clinic-based testing is considered the gold standard for pregnancy diagnosis because testing using an in-clinic urine or blood-based hCG test will more accurately identify pregnancy. Experienced medical providers can also complete ultrasound imaging to help identify if a pregnancy is present. 

Pregnancy Ultrasound:
The only way to verify a pregnancy 

Q: What about ultrasound—do I need one?

Yes. A pregnancy ultrasound is the only way to confirm pregnancy viability and location immediately. Ultrasound ensures your pregnancy is implanted correctly inside the uterus and not ectopic (outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes). 

Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening to you. An ectopic pregnancy involves implantation of a pregnancy in a location other than the uterus, such as the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, meaning the female body cannot support growth of the pregnancy–this condition usually causes significant and urgent symptoms like severe abdominal pain or feeling unwell that need to be addressed immediately with medical attention to help protect your life.

Q: What is an ultrasound like?

This testing involves use of a tool called a transducer that is pressed against the lower belly and pelvic region to create imaging of the structure of your reproductive organs including the uterus. No radiation exposure is involved in this testing, meaning it is considered low-risk and safe to you. Ultrasound is safe, uses no radiation, and is a vital step before making any decision about your pregnancy or considering abortion pills.

Quick FAQs About Pregnancy Detection

Q: Can stress cause a missed period?
Yes. Stress, illness, or hormonal changes can sometimes delay or stop your period, but if you have had unprotected sex—pregnancy is still possible.

Q: When is the best time to take a pregnancy test?
Most accurate results occur if you test after your missed period, using the first morning urine when hCG levels are highest.

Q: Do abortion pills work if I’m not actually pregnant?
No. Abortion pills (often called “missed period pills”) only affect an existing pregnancy. Taking them without confirming pregnancy first may cause unnecessary side effects and risks.

Q: How soon can a pregnancy be seen on ultrasound?
A pregnancy ultrasound can usually confirm pregnancy viability around 5–6 weeks after your last period.

Q: Where can I get a free pregnancy test and ultrasound?
Anchor of Hope offers free, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds provided by licensed medical professionals. 

Next Steps

Anchor of Hope provides free and confidential pregnancy testing, and in-clinic ultrasounds with licensed medical professionals. Appointments include a safe and confidential review of your personal health and medical history, and necessary screenings for sexually transmitted infections. Your health is our top priority, and we are here to help you understand your options and take the next step in your journey.