Being pregnant will change your life. However,the early signs of pregnancy can be confusing to many people. Some people have all of these symptoms while others have very few. We are going to dive into the early signs of pregnancy and explain what those signs of early pregnancy look like. Remember, pregnancy signs are different for everyone!
Table of Contents
What is conception
Let’s start at where life begins and a pregnancy journey starts. Conception refers to the fertilization of an egg by a sperm, resulting in the creation of a zygote and the start of pregnancy. It is a biological process that marks the beginning of human development.
How Early Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start
Early pregnancy symptoms can start as early as a few days after conception, but they may not become noticeable until a few weeks later. Some common early symptoms include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue or increased need for sleep
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Mood swings or irritability
- Frequent urination
- Light spotting or cramping
- Food cravings or aversions
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, such as stress or hormonal imbalances. A pregnancy test can confirm whether you are pregnant. If you think you might be pregnant, it is recommended to see your doctor for a confirmed diagnosis.
What are the early signs of pregnancy
The early signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman, but common symptoms include:
Missed Period
The most obvious sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. Your period usually happens every 28- 30 days. Some people have periods every few months. If you are on birth control, you may not have a period at all or just a light one. Birth control is never 100%. However, if you are someone who has a regular period every month and now there is no period, there is a chance that you are pregnant.
How do you know you have missed your period
A missed period is often the most noticeable and significant sign of pregnancy. To determine if you have missed your period, you can:
- Track your menstrual cycle: Keep a record of the dates of your period to determine if you have missed one.
- Use a calendar: Mark the days your period is due on a calendar to see if it arrives.
- Monitor physical symptoms: Pay attention to physical symptoms, such as breast tenderness or bloating, which can also indicate pregnancy.
It is important to keep in mind that a missed period can also be caused by other factors, such as stress, changes in weight or exercise habits, or certain medical conditions. If you suspect you may be pregnant, the best way to confirm it is through a pregnancy test or a visit to your doctor.
Nausea
Many women experience morning sickness, which can be mild or severe.
READ: How to Write A Birth Story
What does early pregnancy nausea feel like
Early pregnancy nausea is a common symptom experienced by many women. It can feel different for everyone, but here are some common ways it is described:
- Morning sickness: As the name suggests, nausea can be more intense in the morning, but it can occur at any time of the day.
- Constant or intermittent: Nausea may be present all the time or come and go throughout the day.
- Mild or severe: Some women experience mild nausea, while others have more severe symptoms that interfere with their daily activities.
- Accompanied by vomiting: Some women may also experience vomiting along with nausea.
It is important to remember that everyone’s experience with pregnancy nausea can be different, and some women may not experience it at all. If the nausea is affecting your daily life or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as persistent vomiting or dehydration, it is best to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Fatigue
Pregnant women often feel tired due to increased levels of hormones in their bodies.
What does early signs of pregnancy fatigue feel like
Early signs of pregnancy fatigue often feel like increased exhaustion or a sudden drop in energy. This can manifest as a feeling of being physically and mentally drained, even after a full night’s sleep. Some women may also experience feelings of sluggishness, drowsiness, or a lack of motivation. These symptoms are often a result of hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy and can begin as early as the first trimester.
Breast changes
Swelling, tenderness, and darkening of the nipples can occur as early as a few weeks after conception.
During early pregnancy, some common breast changes include:
- Tenderness and soreness: Hormonal changes can cause your breasts to feel swollen, tender, or sore to the touch.
- Enlargement: Your breasts may grow larger as they prepare to produce milk.
- Darkening of the nipples: The skin around your nipples may darken and the veins may become more visible.
- Colostrum production: Some women may start to produce colostrum, a form of breast milk, during early pregnancy.
- Lumps: You may feel lumps or bumps in your breasts, which are caused by the growth of milk-producing glands.
It’s important to note that not all women experience these changes and some may experience different symptoms. These changes are a result of the hormonal changes in your body and are a normal part of pregnancy.
Bloating
Increased hormones can cause bloating, similar to what women experience before their period.
What to expect with bloating as an early sign of pregnancy
Bloating is a common early sign of pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes in the body.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Increased gas: The hormones in your body can slow down digestion, leading to increased gas production and bloating.
- Abdominal fullness: You may feel as though your abdomen is stretched or full, even if you haven’t eaten a large meal.
- Constipation: The slow down in digestion can also cause constipation, which can add to the feeling of bloating.
- Relief with passing gas: Passing gas may bring temporary relief from bloating.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and some women may not experience bloating during early pregnancy. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Mood swings
Pregnant women may experience mood swings due to hormonal changes.
Mood swings are a common symptom of early pregnancy and can be caused by hormonal changes in the body. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Irritability: You may feel easily annoyed or frustrated, even over small things.
- Anxiety: You may feel worried or nervous, especially about the health of your baby.
- Depression: Some women may experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness during early pregnancy.
- Euphoria: On the other hand, some women may feel sudden bursts of happiness or excitement.
- Crying spells: You may find yourself crying more easily or for no apparent reason.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are normal and are a result of the hormonal changes in your body. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or are experiencing persistent symptoms, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Spotting
Some women may experience light spotting, which can be an early sign of pregnancy.
These symptoms are not always a guarantee of pregnancy and can also be caused by other factors. It is important to confirm pregnancy through a pregnancy test or doctor’s visit.
What to expect when you’re spotting during pregnancy
Spotting during pregnancy can be concerning, but it is not always a cause for alarm. However, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the cause. Some common causes of spotting during pregnancy include implantation bleeding, cervical changes, infection, and complications such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Your doctor may recommend further testing, such as an ultrasound or blood tests, to determine the cause and ensure the health of the pregnancy. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and seek medical attention if you experience any heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain.
What is not Spotting During Pregnancy
What is not spotting during early pregnancy
Spotting during early pregnancy refers to light bleeding or discharge from the vagina. It is not considered to be a normal symptom and can be a sign of several issues, such as implantation bleeding, cervical irritation, or a possible miscarriage. If you are experiencing spotting during early pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate care.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is a common sign of early pregnancy. As the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus, it can put pressure on the bladder, leading to an increased need to urinate. Additionally, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increase in blood flow to the kidneys and cause the bladder to fill more frequently. However, frequent urination can also be a sign of other conditions such as urinary tract infections, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause.
Higher Basel Body Temperature
Higher basal body temperature can be a sign of early pregnancy, but it is not a definitive indicator. Basal body temperature is the temperature of the body at rest and can be measured orally, vaginally, or rectally. During ovulation, the hormone progesterone causes a slight increase in basal body temperature that can last throughout pregnancy. However, many factors can affect basal body temperature, including illness, stress, and changes in sleep patterns, so it is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy on its own. If you think you may be pregnant, it’s best to confirm with a pregnancy test and speak with your healthcare provider.
Changes in cervix mucus
Changes in cervical mucus can be an early sign of pregnancy. During ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thin and stretchy, helping sperm travel to the egg. In early pregnancy, hormone levels change, causing the cervical mucus to become thicker and opaque. This can also cause the cervix to feel softer and higher in the vaginal canal. However, changes in cervical mucus can also be a sign of other conditions such as hormonal imbalances, infections, or menstrual cycle changes, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause. While changes in cervical mucus can be a sign of early pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator, and pregnancy should be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
Gas
Gas and bloating can be common symptoms during early pregnancy, as the body adjusts to the hormonal changes and the uterus expands. The hormones progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) can slow down digestion and cause food to pass more slowly through the intestines, leading to bloating and gas. Additionally, the growing uterus can put pressure on the intestines, causing discomfort and digestive issues. However, gas and bloating can also be symptoms of other conditions, such as food intolerance, digestive disorders, or hormonal imbalances, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause. While gas and bloating can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator, and pregnancy should be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
Sensitive to Smells
Sensitivity to smells is a common symptom during early pregnancy. This is due to the heightened sense of smell caused by the increased levels of hormones in the body. Women who are pregnant may experience an aversion to certain smells or an increased sensitivity to strong or overpowering odors. However, sensitivity to smells can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as nasal congestion or a headache, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause. While sensitivity to smells can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator, and pregnancy should be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
Pimples
Pimples or breakouts can be a sign of early pregnancy, as the hormonal changes in the body can cause an increase in oil production, leading to skin irritation and acne. However, pimples or breakouts can also be a symptom of other conditions such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or dietary changes, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause. While pimples or breakouts can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator, and pregnancy should be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
Faster Heartbeat Early signs of Pregnancy
A faster heartbeat can be a sign of early pregnancy, as the body works to pump blood more efficiently to the uterus and placenta to support the growing fetus. This increase in heart rate can cause palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath. However, a faster heartbeat can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as anxiety, stress, or anemia, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause. While a faster heartbeat can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator, and pregnancy should be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
Swelling of feet and hands early signs of pregnancy
Swelling of the feet and hands can be a sign of early pregnancy, as the body retains more fluid due to the increased levels of hormones. This fluid retention can cause swelling in the extremities, especially towards the end of the day or after long periods of standing or sitting. However, swelling of the feet and hands can also be a symptom of other conditions, such as heart, liver, or kidney problems, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine the cause. While swelling of the feet and hands can be an early sign of pregnancy, it is not a definitive indicator, and pregnancy should be confirmed with a pregnancy test.
Signs Of Pregnancy
Early pregnancy cannot be detected until around your missing period. However, there are many other signs and symptoms that happen well before the due date of your period. We hope these tigsn and symptoms and understanding what they are help you on your journey in pregnancy. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns!
