Am I pregnant?
Everything you need to know about the question "Am I pregnant?" at a glance
- Early signs of pregnancy can include a missed period, tiredness, nausea or breast tenderness.
- Whether you are pregnant or not can be determined with a pregnancy test from the pharmacy or drugstore.
- A test is usually reliable from the first day after the absence of your period.
- A positive test result should always be confirmed by a gynaecologist.
Am I pregnant? Recognizing the first signs and testing correctly
At the latest when the menstrual period fails to arrive at the expected time, many women ask themselves the question: "Am I pregnant?" In fact, there are various early signs that can indicate pregnancy.
What are the typical signs of pregnancy?
Important to know: Every woman and every pregnancy is individual. Symptoms can appear early, late or not at all. And they can differ from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The most common early signs of pregnancy include the following symptoms:
All symptoms of pregnancy are triggered by fertilization and the release of different hormones. Most symptoms are completely normal and need not cause you any further concern. However, you should pay particular attention to your body and abdomen during this time. If you notice any abnormalities or feel unsure, be sure to talk to your gynecologist or midwife.
Does every symptom automatically mean pregnancy?
No. Many of the signs mentioned can also have other causes, for example stress, hormonal fluctuations or an impending period. Symptoms alone are not reliable proof of pregnancy.
If you are unsure or experience unusual symptoms, it is always advisable to seek medical advice.
How does a pregnancy test work?
You can obtain a pregnancy test over the counter from pharmacies or drugstores. You can easily perform the test at home:
- Hold the test stick in the urine stream or
- catch urine in a clean cup and dip the test into it.
After a few minutes, the viewing window will display the result.
The test measures the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) in the urine. This hormone is produced after implantation of the fertilized egg and increases continuously during the first weeks of pregnancy.
When is a pregnancy test reliable?
The hCG hormone rises sharply after conception. It can be detected in urine from the 10th day after fertilization of the egg.
The most reliable test is from the first day after the absence of your period.
If the test is negative, you are probably not pregnant. However, the hCG level may not have been high enough. To be on the safe side, you should therefore repeat the test a few days later if symptoms indicate a possible pregnancy.
What to do if the pregnancy test is positive?
A positive test result should be confirmed by a gynecologist. The examination to determine pregnancy should take place as soon as possible after the absence of menstruation. You will receive further information, support and advice on how to proceed at the practice. Midwives can also be a point of contact at this early stage.
Where can I get help and advice?
Do you have questions, fears and worries about pregnancy, birth or partnership? Then you can contact a pregnancy advice center near you free of charge. You can use the database of the Federal Institute of Public Health (BIÖG) to find a pregnancy advice center near you in just a few clicks.
You can obtain information on general family advice centers or local family offices via our Family Guide.
Your gynecologist will not only give you a medical examination, but will also advise you on general pregnancy issues. You can use the portal Frauenärzte im Netz to find a gynaecologist as well as gynaecological clinics and fertility clinics in your city or area.
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