What are the first signs of pregnancy?
If you’re trying to get pregnant, you’re probably looking for any and all signs that might indicate that you’re successfully on your way. And while there are a few well-known early symptoms of pregnancy, such as nausea and fatigue, there are also a few lesser-known ones that you might not be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the first signs of pregnancy so that you know what to look out for. From changes in your body to changes in your behavior, here’s what you need to know about the early stages of pregnancy.
What are the first signs of pregnancy?
Missed period
If you’re sexually active and have a regular menstrual cycle, a missed period is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Other early pregnancy symptoms include fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea, and frequent urination. If you think you might be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Nausea
Nausea is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. It usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and can be worse in the morning. Nausea is often accompanied by vomiting, but not always. Some women have “morning sickness” that goes away after a few weeks, while others have nausea that lasts throughout the pregnancy.
If you are pregnant and have nausea, there are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms:
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks
• Eat ginger in any form – candied, fresh, or powdered
• Avoid strong smells that make you nauseous
Breast changes
There are a few changes that can happen to your breasts when you first become pregnant. Your breasts may feel more tender to the touch and may also be larger or heavier than usual. You may also notice that your nipples darken in color and become more pronounced. These changes are all due to the increased levels of hormones in your body during pregnancy and are perfectly normal. If you experience any pain or discomfort, try wearing a supportive bra to help alleviate some of the pressure.
Fatigue
Many women report feeling tired, or even exhausted, during early pregnancy. This is caused by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes and an increase in blood volume. Some women find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or may need to take a nap during the day. If you’re pregnant and fatigue is affecting your daily life, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Frequent urination
If you’re pregnant, you may find yourself going to the bathroom more often than usual. This is because your body is producing more fluids and your kidneys are working overtime to get rid of them. The extra trips to the bathroom may start as early as one to two weeks after conception.
Mood swings
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but also a time of many changes and new challenges. One thing that you may notice early on is mood swings. These can be caused by hormonal changes, lack of sleep, stress, and other factors.
If you are pregnant or think you may be, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Mood swings can be a normal part of pregnancy, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. Your doctor will be able to help you figure out what is causing your mood swings and how to best deal with them.
Food cravings
Some women experience food cravings as one of the first signs of pregnancy. These cravings can be for specific foods or for certain types of food, and they can be very strong. Some women have trouble resisting their cravings, while others find them manageable. If you’re experiencing food cravings, try to eat healthy foods and snacks that will satisfy your craving without giving you too many calories.
When to take a pregnancy test
If you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, you’re probably looking for early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. While it’s true that some women experience early pregnancy symptoms as soon as they conceive, most don’t notice anything at all until after they’ve missed a period.
So when is the best time to take a pregnancy test? If you’re experiencing any of the early signs of pregnancy, such as fatigue, morning sickness, or implantation bleeding, and you think there’s a chance you could be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test. Most home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate if taken on the day of your expected period.
If you’re not sure when your next period is due or if you’ve been charting your cycles and think you may have conceived earlier than you thought, consider taking a pregnancy test sooner rather than later. Some home pregnancy tests can detect hCG as early as 6 days before your missed period.
