Early Symptoms of Pregnancy & When To Test

Early Pregnancy symptoms are not the same for everyone; it differs from one woman to another. You can notice changes in your body quickly (during the first month of pregnancy), or you might not see anything at all.

While pregnancy tests and ultrasounds are the only means to determine if you’re expecting, there are additional signs and symptoms to watch for. One of the first signs of pregnancy is more than a missed menstruation.

Let’s look at some very common signs and symptoms of pregnancy

1. Tender, swollen breasts.

Early in pregnancy, hormonal changes may cause your breasts to ache and feel uncomfortable. After a few weeks, the discomfort should go away as your body adjusts to the hormonal changes. You may also realize that your breasts have become more prominent and that your bra is a little tighter than usual.

2. Increased urination

You might notice that you’re urinating more often than usual. This is because the blood volume in your body increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to filter excess fluid that gathers in your bladder.

3. Nausea and vomiting

Morning sickness usually starts one to two months after you become pregnant and can strike at any time of day or night. On the other hand, some women experience nausea early in pregnancy, while others do not. While the exact cause of sickness during pregnancy is uncertain, it is most likely due to pregnancy hormones.

4. Missed periods

If your monthly cycle hasn’t started after a week or longer, you could be pregnant if you’re in your reproductive years. However, if you have an irregular menstrual cycle, this symptom can be deceiving.

5. Constipation

Constipation can be caused by high amounts of the hormone progesterone, which slows the flow of food through your digestive tract. Supplementing with iron can exacerbate the condition. Include enough fiber in your diet and drink plenty of fluids, especially water and prune or other fruit juices, to avoid or treat constipation.

6. Nasal congestion

As hormone levels and blood production grow, the mucous membranes in your nose can stretch, dry up, and bleed easily. As a result, you can get a stuffy or runny nose.

7. Bloating

During pregnancy, due to Hormonal changes in the early days, your body might start feeling different changes, including bloating; this feeling is very similar to how your body might feel when you are menstruating.

8. Fatigue

Progesterone levels rise dramatically during early pregnancy, which might make you sleepy. Try to get rest as much as possible. Exercise and a good diet may help you feel more energized.

9. Food cravings

While pregnant, your perception of smell and taste may change. Of course, hormonal changes are to blame for food choices, as they are for most other pregnancy symptoms.

10. Heartburn

Hormones produced during pregnancy, Heartburn can occur when the valve between your stomach and esophagus is relaxed, allowing stomach acid to escape into your esophagus.

A lot of these signs and symptoms aren’t only for pregnant women. Some of them can signal that you’re likely to get sick or that your menstruation is about to begin. Similarly, sometimes you can be pregnant and still see no symptoms.

Take a home pregnancy test or visit your health care physician if you miss a period and observe some of the aforementioned signs or symptoms. If your home pregnancy test comes back positive, make an appointment with your doctor. You can begin prenatal care as soon as you obtain confirmation of your pregnancy.

Start taking a daily prenatal vitamin if you’re attempting to conceive or have recently learned you’re expecting. Prenatal vitamins usually include key vitamins and minerals like folic acid and iron to help your baby grow and develop.

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