How do I tell if my friend is pregnant?

It is possible that she does not know she is pregnant and thinks she is gaining weight or has some sort of illness. Many girls who experience an unplanned pregnancy for the first time have trouble admitting to themselves that they could be pregnant. They deny the pregnancy and hope it goes away. Their denial is dangerous for themselves and their babies.

Don’t delay talking to your friend if you suspect she is pregnant. If you would like more guidance on how to talk about the situation, call 1-800-395-HELP to talk with a trained, caring counselor. You may also
click here to contact a counselor by email.

Would you like to see what others have to say about how they've faced unplanned pregnancies?
Follow this link to watch videos of women and their families who've been where you are.

Your friend may or may not already know or suspect she is pregnant.

If she is pregnant and knows it, she may be uncomfortable talking to you about it. If she’s pregnant and doesn’t know it, she may be in denial to herself and others. In either case, there are signs you can look for.

Some signs your friend could be pregnant:

Does she seem worried and avoiding you?
Has she been talking about changing her plans for the future such as putting off going to college?
Is she experiencing unusual mood swings?
Have you noticed physical changes?
Does she seem to sleep or eat more than she used to?
Is she experiencing nausea or vomiting?
Is she using the bathroom more than usual?
Has she started dressing differently? Is she wearing loose fitting clothes?

These could be signs that your friend is pregnant. She could know it and be looking for a way to talk to you or someone else about the situation.

She needs your love and your help. You aren’t “butting in;” you’re being a true friend.