If you’ve been noticing changes in your body and you are sexually active, then you may be wondering if the changes can be associated with pregnancy. People can experience pregnancy symptoms in different ways, but there is a difference between pregnancy weight gain and regular weight gain.

What does pregnancy weight gain feel like?

The best way to find out if you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test and confirm the results with your doctor. However, the most common first sign of being pregnant is a missed period. Of course, not all women have regular periods. If you have an irregular period or are on birth control, you could miss this early sign of pregnancy.

Pregnancy weight gain doesn’t feel especially different from regular weight gain, but it does have some additional symptoms you may want to be aware of. One of the main symptoms of pregnancy is morning sickness. Between 70 to 80% of women experience it, and it is the most common in the first trimester.

If you are pregnant, you also may experience constipation. The excess progesterone can cause your bowels to slow down. On the other hand, you also may have to pee more frequently, and you may be incredibly thirsty.

If you’re having all three of these symptoms plus weight gain, it may be beneficial to take a pregnancy test, especially if your lifestyle hasn’t changed enough for you to gain weight. If you’re not experiencing any of these symptoms and you have been eating a few extra snacks here and there, the weight gain can potentially be attributed to your lifestyle. Either way, if you’re concerned about being pregnant, it’s best to take a pregnancy test or talk with your doctor.