English 
Spanish 
A late period is usually the first sign of pregnancy, but your monthly menstrual cycle can change for other reasons. For instance, stress, increased exercise, a hormonal imbalance, certain medications, and rapid weight gain or loss can all cause you to skip periods.
Although every woman’s pregnancy is unique, there are some common early pregnancy symptoms to be aware of. Let’s review them and discuss the easiest way to confirm if you are pregnant or not.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Some women experience early pregnancy symptoms immediately, while others don’t feel any for weeks or months. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are some of the most common early pregnancy symptoms:
- A missed period.
- Tender, swollen breasts.
- Nausea with or without vomiting.
- Increased urination.
- Fatigue.
- Moodiness.
- Bloating.
- Light spotting.
- Food aversions.
What Should I Do First?
Your first step in determining if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. At Vida Support Services, we offer no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing. A nurse administers our lab-quality pregnancy tests so you can be confident in the results.
If you receive a positive test result, we recommend a limited obstetrical ultrasound. A pregnancy test only confirms the possibility of pregnancy, but an ultrasound verifies if the pregnancy is developing, its location, and how far along you are.
You need to get as much pregnancy information as possible to make a confident decision about your next steps. We can also review your situation and options to help you make an informed choice.
Should I Take a Home Pregnancy Test?
You can take a home pregnancy test, but it’s essential to follow the directions carefully. Many over-the-counter pregnancy tests have different sensitivity levels.
Some can detect pregnancy earlier than others. Experts recommend waiting until at least the first day after your missed period before testing.
Here are instructions for taking a home test:
- Check the expiration date.
- Test after your missed period.
- Read the directions thoroughly before beginning the test.
- Take the test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.
- Wait the recommended amount of time before checking the results.
- Retest in 3 to 5 days to confirm the results.
How Can Vida Support Services Help Me?
Whether you’re taking your first test or need to retest, request an appointment at Vida Support Services. Because you and your health matter to us, we provide the professional medical services you need at no cost to you.
We have two convenient locations to serve you. To schedule an appointment, please call (920) 955-3772 or complete our convenient online appointment form. We’re here for you.