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Possible pregnancy

Also called: Possible pregnancy, missed period, early pregnancy signs, am I pregnant

A missed period, nausea, sore breasts, or tiredness can be early signs of pregnancy. A home pregnancy test is accurate from the first day of a missed period.

TestHome urine pregnancy test
Most accurateFrom the first missed period
Next stepStart prenatal care

Overview

Pregnancy tests look for the hormone hCG, which rises fast in early pregnancy.

Testing too early can give a false negative. If negative and still no period, test again in a week.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Missed period
  • Sore breasts
  • Missed or late period
  • Pregnant or recently gave birth

Less common

  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Peeing more often

Look up a symptom: Breast pain or tenderness · Fatigue · Missed or late period · Nausea · Pregnant or recently gave birth

When to get medical care

Call 911Severe belly or shoulder pain, heavy bleeding, or fainting (possible ectopic pregnancy).
Get care todayPain on one side or spotting with a positive test.
See a doctor soonA positive test, to start prenatal care.

Causes

Sex without birth control, or birth control failure.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A test confirms pregnancy.

Questions you may be asked

  • First day of your last period
  • Bleeding or pain

The exam

A pelvic exam later.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Urine or blood test: Checks hCG.
  • Ultrasound: Confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus.

Treatment

If you're pregnant, start healthy habits now.

Self-care

  • Take a prenatal vitamin with 400 mcg folic acid
  • Don't drink alcohol, smoke, or use drugs
  • Check your medicines with a healthcare professional
  • Schedule a first prenatal visit

If you're not ready to be pregnant, a healthcare professional can talk through all your options.

Prevention

To prevent pregnancy:

  • Use birth control every time
  • Emergency contraception works best soon after sex

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an OB-GYN or midwife; high-risk pregnancies may see a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Teens: Confidential care is available at many clinics.

Outlook

Early prenatal care helps you and the baby stay healthy.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • Date of last period
  • List of medicines

Questions to ask

  • When is my due date?
  • Which medicines are safe?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Possible pregnancy

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.