24 Early Signs of Pregnancy to Look Out for
Remember that these signs can vary from person to person, and not all women experience the same symptoms. Additionally, some signs may overlap with other health conditions, so confirming pregnancy with a test or a doctor’s visit is essential. Now, let’s explore the most common early signs:
1. Missed Period
One of the earliest noticeable pregnancy signs is a missed period. However, stress and hormonal imbalances, among other things, may also delay periods, so a delayed period by itself does not confirm pregnancy. You can use the pregnancy calculator to understand your pregnancy status better.
Here’s on overview of how to use the calculator:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Identify First Day of Last Period: Note the exact date of the first day of your last menstrual period. |
| 2 | Input Data: Enter this date into the pregnancy calculator. |
| 3 | Calculate Due Date: The calculator will process the information and provide an estimated due date. |
2. Frequent Urination
During early pregnancy, blood volume expands. This works up your kidneys to do more work. You find yourself running to the toilet more often.
3. Fatigue
Do you feel more tired than usual? Progesterone causes fatigue. The symptom usually subsides after the second trimester; however, it can recur again later.
4. Morning Sickness
Contrary to the name, morning sickness can strike at any time. Nausea typically begins at about two weeks post-conception but varies widely in intensity. Call your healthcare provider if you are becoming dehydrated or vomiting too much, as it may be interpreted as an onset of hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a more extreme form of morning sickness.
5. Tender Breasts
Hormonal changes cause breast soreness or swelling in the early stages of pregnancy.
6. Mood Swings
In the case of pregnancy, you will be bombarded with waves of emotions because of hormonal changes.
7. Spotting or Implantation Bleeding
About 10 days after conception, some women may experience light bleeding when the embryo implants itself into the uterine lining. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter and only persists for a few days, unlike a normal period.
8. Food Aversions and Cravings
Some women will suddenly have cravings for particular foods or an aversion to others. Such changes can be caused by hormonal alterations themselves, even transforming your sense of taste and smell, thus leading to these new preferences.
9. Bloating
Early pregnancy hormones make you feel bloated and gassy, with a tight, lumpy belly-you may feel your stomach is crampy, just like with the premenstrual bloating.
10. Headaches and Dizziness
As blood flow increases and hormone levels change, many women experience headaches or dizziness during early pregnancy.
11. Cramps
Some may feel light cramping as the body adjusts to pregnancy, but sharp pains or pain on one side may be an indication of an ectopic pregnancy. If you’re experiencing sharp pains, get checked with your doctor.
12. Constipation
Changing hormonal levels may cause digestion to slow down, causing you to be constipated. To lessen the discomfort, hydrate and consume fibre.
13. Metallic Taste
Some report a metallic taste in their mouth, often described as tasting like coins, which can appear randomly or when eating certain foods.
14. Acne or Skin Changes
The levels of the hormones may lead to acne or glowing skin. While most people tend to have radiant skin, others develop acne.
15. Shortness of Breath
Generally, your body requires more oxygen when pregnant, which might sometimes result in shortness of breath, especially during the later stages.
16. Increased Sensitivity to Smell
You will become highly sensitive to the smell, and some odours might be unbearable. You may experience nausea due to smells.
17. Back Pain
Though common in later stages, some feel back pain early due to hormonal changes and the added strain on ligaments.
18. Vaginal Discharge
Thick, milky discharge is normal as the walls of the vagina thicken in the case of breastfeeding to protect the uterus. But if this discharge smells or is accompanied by itching, it could be a sign of infection.
19. Darkening of the Areolas
The areolae, the area around the nipples, may darken as well as another sign your body is adapting and preparing for breastfeeding.
20. Congestion
For many women, hormonal changes can cause nasal passages to dry out, which leads to nasal congestion or frequent nosebleeds.
21. Heartburn
Progesterone relaxes your muscles, including the valve between the stomach and oesophagus, leading to acid reflux and heartburn.
22. Increased Basal Body Temperature
A slight rise in basal body temperature after ovulation is another common occurrence during early pregnancy. You can actually track your ovaries with an ovulation calculator to monitor what is happening.
23. Swelling
Generally, swelling of the feet or ankles is mild at this time because your body begins holding more fluid to support the growing size of your baby.
24. Excessive Saliva
Excessive salivation is one of the common symptoms which often comes coupled with nausea. It can be rather uncomfortable at times but is harmless.
Conclusion
Early pregnancy symptoms vary in all women. If you suspect you are pregnant, then just take note of any changes that may be happening in your body and then take a pregnancy test when you miss your period. The best advice will come from your doctor or healthcare professional. Making use of an ovulation calculator and a pregnancy calculator helps you to understand your reproductive health better.
