Do you think you might be pregnant? While taking a pregnancy test is the first step in finding out, there are early symptoms to watch out for that may indicate you’re pregnant.
Common Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body’s hormone levels begin to change, and these changes can cause physical and emotional symptoms in many women.
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, there’s a chance you might be pregnant:
1. Missed Period
One of the most noticeable early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you’ve missed your period by a day or more, it may be time to take a pregnancy test. However, irregular cycles can make this sign less reliable.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
Often referred to as “morning sickness,” the nausea that accompanies pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. This symptom usually begins around the sixth week of pregnancy but can start as early as the fourth week. Some women may experience severe nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which requires medical attention.
3. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired is common in early pregnancy. This fatigue can be overwhelming, and you might find yourself needing more rest and sleep than usual.
4. Breast Changes
Hormonal changes can make your breasts tender, swollen, or sore, like the feeling some women experience right before the start of their period. The area around your nipples (areolas) may also become larger and darker.
5. Frequent Urination
As your pregnancy progresses, your body produces more blood, causing your kidneys to process more fluid. This results in more frequent trips to the bathroom.
6. Mood Swings
Hormonal fluctuations can cause emotional highs and lows, making you feel more sensitive or irritable than usual. These mood swings are common in the first trimester but can continue throughout pregnancy.
7. Food Cravings and Aversions
Changes in your sense of taste and smell can lead to unusual food cravings or aversions. You might find yourself wanting foods you typically don’t enjoy or being repelled by foods you usually love.
8. Light Spotting and Cramping
Some women experience light spotting, known as implantation bleeding, which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This can be accompanied by mild cramping, often mistaken for the start of a period.
9. Bloating
Hormonal changes can cause bloating and a feeling of fullness in the abdominal area, similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This can make your clothes feel tighter around the waist early in pregnancy.
Next Steps
If you’re experiencing any of these early signs or symptoms of pregnancy, it’s essential to take a pregnancy test, as other health conditions can mimic the symptoms of early pregnancy.
At First Choice Women’s Center, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and give you the information you need to stay safe.
Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment.