Discovering that you might be pregnant can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Not only is this discovery important for planning your future, but it can also help you receive timely prenatal care.
While every woman’s experience is unique, there are common symptoms that may indicate pregnancy.
Below, we explore the most frequent early signs of pregnancy and discuss why many women experience these symptoms because of hormonal and other changes occurring in their bodies.
Missed Period: The Most Obvious Sign
A missed period is often the first and most obvious sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you’ve skipped a period, it could be a strong indicator of pregnancy. However, other factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, or weight changes can also cause missed periods, so it’s important to confirm with a pregnancy test.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a missed period is one of the most reliable signs, especially if accompanied by other symptoms. Additionally, Healthline notes that some women may experience light bleeding or spotting even after a missed period, which can be confusing.
Implantation Bleeding or Spotting
Some women experience light spotting or bleeding around the time of their expected period. This is known as implantation bleeding and occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. It’s usually lighter and shorter than a regular period.
Better Health Victoria explains that implantation bleeding typically occurs 6–12 days after conception and is often accompanied by mild cramping. American Pregnancy Association adds that this type of bleeding is usually pink or brown and not as heavy as a menstrual period.
Breast Tenderness
Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause your breasts to feel sore, swollen, or tender. This symptom often resembles the discomfort experienced before a period but may be more pronounced.
Cleveland Clinic states that breast tenderness is caused by increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which prepare the body for breastfeeding. What to Expect notes that this symptom can begin as early as one to two weeks after conception and may last throughout the first trimester.
Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired is a common early sign of pregnancy. This fatigue is caused by rising levels of progesterone, which can make you feel exhausted even in the early weeks.
The NHS explains that fatigue is one of the most common symptoms, often before a missed period. Parents add that the body is working hard to support the growing embryo, which can leave you feeling drained.
Nausea and Morning Sickness
Nausea, with or without vomiting, is a classic pregnancy symptom. Often referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of the day and typically begins around the sixth week of pregnancy.
SSM Health explains that morning sickness is thought to be caused by the rapid rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen levels. March of Dimes notes that while it’s called morning sickness, it can happen at any time and may last until the second trimester.
If your morning sickness seems extreme, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider to see if you’re suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, the most aggressive form of morning sickness.
Frequent Urination
Increased urination is another early sign of pregnancy. This happens because the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, and hormonal changes increase blood flow to the kidneys.
HealthPartners states that frequent urination can start as early as two to three weeks after conception. This symptom may continue throughout pregnancy as the uterus expands.
Food Aversions or Cravings
Changes in taste and smell sensitivity can lead to food aversions or sudden cravings. These changes are thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital explains that these cravings and aversions are often linked to the body’s need for specific nutrients.
Cravings can range from sweet to salty foods, while aversions may make previously enjoyed foods unappealing.
Mood Swings
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect your emotions, leading to mood swings. You might feel unusually emotional, irritable, or tearful.
UPMC explains that the rapid rise in hormones like estrogen and progesterone causes these mood swings. Psychology Today adds that mood swings are most common during the first and third trimesters.
Bloating and Constipation
Progesterone slows down digestion, which can cause bloating and constipation in early pregnancy. This symptom is often mistaken for premenstrual discomfort.
WebMD explains that progesterone relaxes the digestive tract muscles, leading to slower digestion. Increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated to alleviate these symptoms is often recommended by healthcare providers.
Heightened Sense of Smell
Many women report a heightened sense of smell during early pregnancy. This can contribute to nausea or aversions of certain foods and odors.
MedPark Hospital explains that this heightened sensitivity is likely due to increased estrogen levels. Strong smells, such as perfumes or cooking odors, may become overwhelming and trigger nausea.
When to Take a Pregnancy Test
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, taking a home pregnancy test is a good idea.
For the most accurate results, wait until after your missed period. If the test is positive, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal care.
Planned Parenthood recommends testing in the morning when hCG levels are most concentrated.
The early signs of pregnancy can vary widely from person to person. While some women experience multiple symptoms, others may notice very few. You may even experience very different symptoms from one pregnancy to the next.
If you suspect you might be pregnant, paying attention to your body and consulting reliable medical sources can help you navigate this exciting time.
As always, consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and confirmation.