How can you tell if you are pregnant? With so many myths and old wives tales about the symptoms of pregnancy, it can make it very confusing to know if what you suspect, or hope, is real. Some women will be able to tell within the first weeks of conception, while others have very little tell-tale signs as symptoms will vary in intensity and frequency for each woman.

• Change in breasts: Breasts may become swollen, tender and sore within the first few weeks as your breasts prepare for breastfeeding. Nipples may darken in colour and become highly sensitive and erect.

• Missed period: This is often one of the first and most common sign of pregnancy; however this can also be due to many reasons, such as stress and fatigue.

• Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting can occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy and can strike at any time of the day. Rapid rise in estrogens can cause the stomach to empty more slowly causing nausea. Odours can also be a trigger as your sense of smell becomes more sensitive.

• Spotting/Cramping: Light bleeding may occur 10-14 days after conception due to implantation, where the fertilised egg implants itself in the lining of the uterus. Cramps may also strike as your uterus expands to accommodate the growing foetus.

• High basal body temperature: This is your oral temperature when you first wake up in the morning. Prolonged high basal body temperature can indicate pregnancy.

• Fatigue: Your body has to work hard to adjust to the major changes for the growing foetus. The effects of lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels combined with increased blood and hormone production can deplete your energy levels. Increased progesterone, known to cause sleepiness, can also make you to feel tired.

• Food cravings: Fancy Chinese food and pickles? Or the foods you loved, you can no longer stomach? Food cravings are usually due to hormonal changes.

• Change in toilet habits: Feeling constipated or urinating more frequently can also be a sign you are pregnant.

Although these are common signs of early pregnancy it's important to remember that many of these symptoms might just be caused by the arrival of your menstrual cycle and doesn't necessarily mean that you are pregnant. The only sure-fire way to get the right answer is to take a pregnancy test and confirm the results with your doctor so that you can either begin prenatal care or find out what is causing these symptoms.

What made you think you were pregnant? Share your baby symptoms here.