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I Think I’m Pregnant—What Now?

The first step: Take a deep breath. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know if you think you might be pregnant.
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By Natalie Gontcharova, Senior Editor
Updated May 5, 2025
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Image: SeventyFour | Shutterstock

You can’t quite place it, but you just feel like something’s off. Maybe you’re nauseous, or maybe you’ve even missed a period. Either way, the words “I think I’m pregnant…” keep running through your head. Whether or not you’ve been planning a pregnancy, the limbo you’re in can understandably cause anxiety.

Before you even take a pregnancy test (which you should do, of course—more on that later), take a deep breath and recognize that any feelings you’re experiencing are valid. “When I was pregnant with both of my children—even though the pregnancies were planned and very much wanted—I still experienced a lot of nervousness and uncertainty,” shares Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with a focus on maternal mental health. “That caught me off-guard. But I learned that it’s completely possible to hold both joy and fear at the same time. That duality is part of the process, and honoring that can be really grounding.”

Next, remember that you don’t have to navigate this period alone, says Esther Chung, MD, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility physician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. See a healthcare provider as soon as you can. “Your ob-gyn and their staff will support you at every step, whether it’s deciding to continue the pregnancy, wondering how to navigate the different stages of pregnancy… or just getting clarity,” she says.

With this said, read our step-by-step expert guide on what to do if you think you might be pregnant.

First, Consider the Timing

It’s a good idea to be aware of your menstrual cycle and calculate when you last ovulated—although it’s not a substitute for taking a pregnancy test. “Sperm can live inside the body for up to five days, so even if intercourse wasn’t very recent, pregnancy is still possible if it occurred near your ovulation,” explains Chung. “If it’s been more than three to four weeks since any sexual activity, and your test is negative, pregnancy’s unlikely—but not impossible, especially if you have irregular periods.”

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I just can't shake the feeling that I'm pregnant again. I've been nauseous all day every day this past week, and I'm super exhausted when I'm getting plenty of sleep. And I'm even more emotional than usual. I peed on a stick and got a negative, but my gut tells me that it's wrong or just too early. I'm thinking about going to the doctor and asking for a blood test to solve the mystery.

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Take Stock of Your Symptoms

Early signs of pregnancy include a missed period, light spotting, breast tenderness, nausea and fatigue, according to Mayo Clinic. Chung suggests tracking any symptoms you’re having—it’s useful both for you and for your healthcare provider. That said, of course not every symptom means you’re pregnant—it’s important to take a pregnancy test and to see your provider if you have questions about other conditions.

Take a Pregnancy Test

This is the most important step to take if you think you’re pregnant. “Whether your period is late, or you’re feeling ‘off’ or ‘different,’ the first step is to take an at-home pregnancy test,” says Chung. “You can buy these over-the-counter at any pharmacy.” If you’re wondering when to take a pregnancy test, in general waiting until after your missed period—about two weeks after conception—will lead to the most accurate results, according to Cleveland Clinic.

If you got a positive pregnancy test, the next step is to make an appointment with an ob-gyn to confirm your pregnancy with a blood test and/or ultrasound, says Chung.

If your pregnancy test is negative, your next steps vary. In some cases, you might want to wait a few days and test again, especially if you’re not confident you tested within the right timeframe or followed all the instructions correctly. Or, you can reach out to your healthcare provider for more information. Remember that home pregnancy tests are generally 98 to 99 percent accurate if used correctly, per Cleveland Clinic.

Visit Your Healthcare Provider

Seeing a doctor is the most definitive way to put any ambiguity to rest if you’re still questioning what’s happening with your body. Together with your healthcare provider, you can decide on next steps. “Remember, there’s no shame in asking questions—this is your body, your health and your future,” says Chung.

If you’re pregnant and decide to stay pregnant, it’s important to stop drinking alcohol, smoking and ask your provider if any medications you may be taking are safe for pregnancy, says Chung. She also advises to start taking prenatal vitamins, especially folic acid. “We recommend one that has at least 400 mcg of folic acid,” she adds.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

If you’re struggling at this uncertain time, it’s important for your mental health to talk it out. “I’d recommend reaching out to someone you trust, whether it’s a therapist, a friend or a support group,” says Ayrapetyan. “Talking things through with someone who can hold space for all the ‘what ifs’ without trying to rush you toward clarity can be incredibly comforting.”

Ayrapetyan adds that it’s important to allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling without judging yourself. “Whether you’re completely unsure about being pregnant, feel unprepared or just thought you’d be more ready than you are, it’s okay,” she says. “These aren’t emotions you have to ‘fix,’ they’re clues pointing to what matters most to you right now.”

Frequently Asked Questions

I haven’t had sex in a while. Could I still be pregnant?

“Possibly—it depends on timing,” says Chung. Again, if it’s been more than three or four weeks since you’ve had sex and your pregnancy test is negative, you’re more than likely not pregnant. But it’s not impossible, especially if you have irregular periods.

I’ve had sex with multiple partners recently, and I think I’m pregnant. What should I do?

First, take a pregnancy test, says Chung. If it's positive, schedule a visit with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy with bloodwork and/or ultrasound. During this time, you’ll find out your estimated due date, “which may offer some clarity” on who the father might be, she says. If you’re still unsure who the father is, your healthcare provider can perform a DNA paternity test as early as week 8 of pregnancy, according to Cleveland Clinic. This test collects tissue or blood samples from both the biological mom and the potential biological dad.

“Regardless of the number of sexual partners, your ob-gyn should check you for sexually transmitted infections with an early pregnancy to ensure your health and the health of a potential pregnancy,” Chung says.

Can you get pregnant from unprotected sex, but no ejaculation?

Yes, it’s possible. “Even without ejaculation, pre-ejaculate, or precum, can contain sperm—and it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg,” says Chung. “The risk is likely lower than if there was intravaginal ejaculation, but it’s not zero.” She advises that if pregnancy isn't part of your plan, you should use birth control or a reliable contraceptive every time.

I think I’m pregnant, but my test was negative. Should I test again?

False negative pregnancy tests do happen, but they’re pretty rare. Again, pregnancy tests are about 98 to 99 percent accurate when used correctly, says Cleveland Clinic. Make sure you’re testing a day or so after your missed period for the most accurate results. If you’re still unsure about your results, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

I think I might be pregnant, but I’m really scared to take a test. What should I do?

It’s completely normal to feel anxious while facing a potentially huge life change. “Finding out you’re pregnant or wondering if you may be can stir up so many emotions, including excitement, fear, confusion, hope or even doubt,” says Ayrapetyan. “If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please know that this is a completely normal response to a potentially life-changing moment.” It’s important to speak with someone you trust about how you feel—whether it’s your partner, a friend or a mental health professional. They can help coach you through the process and hopefully make it a bit less scary.

Living in the “I think I’m pregnant” in-between can feel overwhelming. Of course, it’s best to take a pregnancy test and find out as soon as possible. But it’s even more important to be kind to yourself and remember to take it one step at a time. “Be gentle with yourself and remember that you don’t need all the answers right now,” says Ayrapetyan. “You just need a safe space to land while you figure out what feels right for you.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Sources

Lilit Ayrapetyan, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist with a focus on maternal mental health, particularly for high-achieving and working mothers.

Esther Chung, MD, is a reproductive endocrinology and infertility physician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. She earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School.

Cleveland Clinic, DNA Paternity Test, April 2024

Cleveland Clinic, Pregnancy Tests, November 2022

Mayo Clinic, How Long Do Sperm Live After Ejaculation?, March 2025

Mayo Clinic, Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens First, March 2024

Real-parent perspectives:

Learn how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

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