Before you even contemplate the challenging and confusing idea of having a baby, you have to figure out if you are indeed "preggers". Sure, taking an at home pregnancy test would be the easiest and most convenient way of answering that probing question, but it is also the most expensive. Before you visit your local drugstore or doctor, here are some helpful little signs to help you determine if a pregnancy test or doctor's visit is necessary:

1. You've Missed Your Period
   Probably the strongest clue to solving the baby mystery is whether or not your period is late. This is a classic little sign in movies that always has the leading lady in a state of turmoil. Think Juno.
2. Your Breasts Are Sore
   If your breasts seem swollen, tender or sore, this is a very good indicator that you may be pregnant. Many women also experience darkening nipples. If you're noticing changes in your breasts, and you're not a girl going through puberty, something is definitely up.
3. You're Fatigued
   Sure, everyone feels a little extra tired every now and again. A light night or a busy day can do that to a person. However, when you're pregnant you may feel unusually exhausted and have a difficult time keeping up with even your usual day-to-day activities. While being fatigued is a handy little excuse for skipping your workout at the gym, it may also be a sign of a wee little baby.
4. You Feel Sick
   If you've been vomiting or feel a bit nauseous, it may be "morning sickness" and not the flu. While some women never experience this particular symptom, it is a common sign of pregnancy for many. Time to stop by the grocery store and pick up some saltines.
5. You Feel Bloated
   A little late night snack at your fav fast food joint, or even your period can leave you feeling bloated, but did you know that pregnancy can also give you a puffy belly? While your tummy bloat will eventually go away after your period or little salty snacking, a pregnant woman continues to experience bloating due to high levels of progesterone, which cause her digestive track to slow down. Baby belly bloat - yep, it's a sign.
6. You Need To Use The Bathroom - A Lot
   Pregnant women tend to take more potty breaks because their kidneys are working harder to flush out fluid. If you find yourself needing to pee more frequently, you may be "preggers". Constipation, due to the increased progesterone that is the cause for belly bloat, is also a nasty little pregnancy side effect for many women.
7. You've Got Some Serious Craving
   Many people joke about pregnant women having crazy cravings for things like pickles and ice cream. However, you may just have a serious desire for pasta or bread. If you feel unusually famished, it may be because your body is looking for additional nourishment. While you're not exactly eating for two, your body does require more to cope with the physical changes that come along with pregnancy.
8. You've Got a Headache
   During the first few weeks of pregnancy, many women experience mild tension headaches as a result of increased hormone levels and blood volume. A headache is a common annoyance for many, but if you're experiencing this and some of the other symptoms listed, you're one step closer to motherhood.
9. You're Experiencing Cramps, Spotting or Moodiness
   You may be thinking to yourself that a lot of these symptoms seem like the ones you experience when you have PMS or your period. If you have cramps or spotting, don't rule out pregnancy. These can be signs of implantation, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall. Many women often mistake these signs as period symptoms. They're often the women featured on the tv show "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant." Better to deal with reality and all possibilities. Mood swings are often associated with "that time of the month", but they are also a symptom of pregnancy due to increased hormones. Your hormones never seem to catch a break.

If you're experiencing more than one of these signs, you may be a mommy soon. Take a deep breath. Remember, every woman's body reacts differently. Some women experience many of the listed signs, while others may not experience any. If you have any lingering questions, take an at home pregnancy test and consider scheduling an appointment with you doctor.