Signs You May Be Pregnant (and What to Do Next)
Understanding Early Pregnancy Symptoms
If you think you might be pregnant, you’re not alone—and you’re not without support. Early signs of pregnancy can be confusing or even easy to miss, especially if your periods aren’t always regular. At Pregnancy Support Services, serving women and their partners from Chapel Hill, Durham, and the surrounding areas, we’re here to walk with you through each step, starting with understanding the symptoms and exploring your options.
Common Signs of Early Pregnancy
Every woman’s experience is different, but here are some of the most common early signs that you might be pregnant:
1. Missed Period
One of the most recognizable signs is a missed period, especially if your cycles are usually regular. However, stress, illness, or changes in your routine can also delay your cycle.
2. Fatigue
Many women feel unusually tired in the early weeks of pregnancy due to hormonal changes—especially the rise in progesterone.
3. Nausea or Morning Sickness
Not all women experience this symptom, but nausea (with or without vomiting) is a well-known sign that often begins around the 6th week of pregnancy.
4. Breast Changes
Hormonal shifts can cause breasts to feel tender, swollen, or sore. You might also notice darker areolas.
5. Frequent Urination
As your body starts producing more blood and pregnancy hormones, your kidneys work harder, which can lead to more frequent bathroom visits.
6. Mood Swings
Rising hormone levels may affect your emotions and cause unexpected mood changes—sometimes even before you realize you might be pregnant.
7. Light Spotting or Cramping
Some women experience light spotting or cramping around the time the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This is different from a normal period.
What to Do If You Think You Might Be Pregnant
Taking that first step can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Here’s what we recommend:
1. Take a Pregnancy Test
Home pregnancy tests can be a helpful first step, but for the most accurate results, it's best to take one after your missed period. If you’re unsure or want confirmation, we offer free lab-grade pregnancy testing at our pregnancy center.
2. Schedule a Free Appointment
At Pregnancy Support Services, we provide confidential pregnancy testing and limited first-trimester pregnancy ultrasound services at no cost. During your appointment, you can:
Confirm your pregnancy
Estimate how far along you are
Receive an ultrasound
Ask questions in a safe, judgment-free space
3. Talk Through Your Options
Whether you're feeling excited, scared, unsure, or a mix of emotions—we’re here to listen. Our trained staff will help you understand all your options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion information. We believe every woman deserves to make an informed decision with clarity and confidence.
4. Get the Support You Need
If you are pregnant, we're here to support you with free resources like parenting classes, fatherhood coaching for your partner, material assistance, emotional support, and referrals to trusted local agencies.
Visit Us in Chapel Hill or Durham, NC
No matter what you’re feeling right now, know this: you’re not alone, and you have options. Pregnancy Support Services is here to provide care, clarity, and community—every step of the way.