Answering the question "Am I pregnant?" can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments of your life, especially if you're trying hard for a baby. Even with consistent periods and a positive home pregnancy test, you may still be anxious until you see your doctor. If your period is inconsistent or you don't track it, however, you may have no idea if you're pregnant.

Early signs of pregnancy are different for every woman. The most consistent symptom is a missed period, but as noted earlier, menstrual cycles aren't always easy to track. Other early symptoms of pregnancy include:

• Nausea, food aversions or sudden food cravings.
• Headaches, backaches or slight cramping.
• Sore or tender breasts.
• Frequent urination.
• Exhaustion, fatigue or shortness of breath.
• Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting.

If you recognize one or more of these early signs, try taking our pregnancy quiz. This is no substitute for a medical expert, of course, but it can give you an idea of your pregnancy status. 

In addition, you should grab a home pregnancy test to confirm the results of your quiz. Follow the package instructions to conduct the test and evaluate the results. Modern pregnancy tests are inexpensive and almost always accurate when done correctly. The only thing more accurate than a home kit is a blood test performed by your doctor.

Pregnancies are times for celebration, but it can take a while until you know for sure. Follow these steps, check with your doctor and, if you're pregnant, prepare for the joy of adding to your family.