Am I Pregnant?

Someone asked us: How can I tell if I’m pregnant? I think I might be but idk and I need to know now.

The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. 

Signs of pregnancy — like a missed period — can give you a “hint” that you MAY be pregnant, but it doesn’t mean you are. Many other things can also feel similar to pregnancy symptoms, like PMS.

It can be super stressful not knowing, and it’s totally normal to want an answer as soon as possible. Lots of people end up frantically searching the internet, trying to figure out whether they’re pregnant based on what they read online. But the reality is that Dr. Google can’t tell you if you’re pregnant — only a pregnancy test can.

You can use a regular pregnancy test that you can buy at most drugstores, superstores, dollar stores, and grocery stores. They’re very accurate as long as you take them after you miss a period. It doesn’t matter what brand you get or how much it costs — they all work the same way. Store-bought pregnancy tests are just as accurate as a urine pregnancy test that you’d get at a doctor’s office.

You can also get a pregnancy test from your nearest Planned Parenthood health center. 

If your pregnancy test is positive, it’s important to see a nurse or doctor right away to learn about your options and make sure you stay healthy — no matter what you decide to do about your pregnancy.

But be careful: There are places called “crisis pregnancy centers” or “pregnancy resource centers” that advertise free pregnancy tests and counseling. They may seem like normal medical clinics, but they aren't. They usually don’t even have real doctors or nurses working there. These places are run by people who want to scare or shame you out of getting an abortion or using birth control, and they often give misleading or wrong information about pregnancy and sexual health.

Something else to keep in mind: you can only get pregnant if semen (cum) gets on your vulva or in your vagina. So if you haven’t had vaginal sex or gotten any semen inside your vagina since your last period, you can’t be pregnant.

You can always count on Planned Parenthood to give you the real facts, without shame or judgment. If you have more questions, contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center. You can also talk with a live health educator on our Chat/Text line — it’s totally free and confidential.