Late and Worried?
It’s important to make sure that you are pregnant. A missed period is the most common indication, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant.
Many women wait until they miss a period to schedule a pregnancy test. However, a number of pregnancy symptoms show up before a missed period. Review the list of common pregnancy symptoms below, and if you think you might be pregnant, call us.
Request an appointment today to receive a lab-grade pregnancy test and speak to our caring staff about your options. Services are fast, free-of-charge and confidential.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
Nausea
Nausea (also known as morning sickness) is typically one of the first pregnancy symptoms you will experience. It is caused by increased estrogen and progesterone production in your body. If there is a chance you may be pregnant and you feel nauseous, experience dizzy spells during the day and/or find yourself throwing up on a regular basis, do not take over the counter or prescription medication until you have taken a pregnancy test.
Fatigue
The extra progesterone your body makes while pregnant will leave you feeling tired during the day. It also interferes with your sleep at night, making it hard to get a good night’s rest.
Changes in Eating Habits
Nearly all pregnant women notice a change in eating habits. Some women experience cravings for particular foods, others can no longer tolerate the smell of foods they used to love while still others experience a loss of appetite. In fact, many women experience all these changes throughout the first three months of pregnancy.
Frequent Urination and Constipation
Hormonal changes in the body will leave you feeling like you need to pee all the time even though you are not drinking more water than normal. At the same time, you are likely to have problems with constipation as the uterus hardens and puts pressure on your bladder.
Mood Swings
Many women experience mood swings even before they know they are pregnant. These mood swings have nothing to do with common pregnancy worries. They come about because your body is creating more estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that affect your moods and feelings.
Pregnancy Tests Available
Each pregnancy is different, and you may experience a couple severe symptoms, a few mild symptoms or off and on symptoms that leave you wondering if you are just imagining the changes your body and mind are undergoing. However, we encourage any woman who suspects she may be pregnant to take a pregnancy test for her own peace of mind.
First Coast Women’s Services provides free-of-charge pregnancy tests. Call one of our locations today to schedule a confidential appointment. You will receive the results of the pregnancy test during your appointment.
Pregnancy Test FAQs
How accurate is the test?
Our tests are laboratory rated. They can detect the hCG pregnancy hormone as early as 7 days after conception or 21 to 24 days after the first day of your last period. The test is over 99% accurate.
Can I have a retest if my test is negative and my period doesn’t start?
Yes, you may be rescheduled for another test. The hCG hormone doubles every 2.2 days during the first three months of pregnancy.
Should I see a doctor if I have a second negative test and have not started my period?
If you have concerns about missed periods and your pregnancy test continues to be negative, you should see your health care provider for assessment. If you need resources for health care, First Coast Women’s Services can provide you referrals.