Early Signs of Pregnancy
Getting a healthy start on your pregnancy can do a lot to ensure that you have a smooth nine months ahead of you. The earlier you find out that you are pregnant, the better. Taking a pregnancy test is the only sure way to know, but there are earlier signs of pregnancy that can help you decide if you should take the test.
For women who have a regular monthly menstrual cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Women who are pregnant sometimes get a very light period, losing only a little blood. Every woman is different and not all women will notice the symptoms.Some of the other early pregnancy signs and symptoms are listed below;-
Feeling sick during pregnancy.
You may feel sick and nauseous, and/or vomit. This is commonly known as morning sickness, but it can happen at any time of the day or night. For most women who have morning sickness, the symptoms start around six weeks after their last period.
Read more about coping with nausea and morning sickness in pregnancy.
If you’re being sick all the time and can’t keep anything down, contact your gynecologist. The pregnancy condition hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a serious condition that causes severe vomiting and needs treatment.
Feeling tired is common in pregnancy.
It’s common to feel tired, or even exhausted, during pregnancy, especially during the first 12 weeks or so. Hormonal changes taking place in your body at this time can make you feel tired, nauseous, emotional and upset.
Sore breasts in early pregnancy
Your breasts may become larger and feel tender, just as they might do before your period. They may also tingle. The veins may be more visible, and the nipples may darken and stand out.
Peeing more often suggests pregnancy.
You may feel the need to pee (urinate) more often than usual, including during the night, it might be a sign. During pregnancy your body produces extra fluids, which has your bladder working overtime and you taking a lot of pee breaks.
Constipation
Constipation is another common early symptom of pregnancy. An increase in progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through the intestines, which can lead to constipation.
Increased vaginal discharge
An increased vaginal discharge without any soreness or irritation, is common in early pregnancy.
Strange tastes, smells and cravings
During early pregnancy, you may find that your senses are heightened and that some foods or drinks you previously enjoyed become repellent. You might notice:
- a strange taste in your mouth, which many women describe as metallic
- that you crave new foods
- that you lose interest in certain foods or drinks that you previously enjoyed – such as tea, coffee or fatty food
- that you lose interest in tobacco
- that you have a more sensitive sense of smell than usual – for example, to the smell of food or cooking
If your pregnancy test is negative
A positive test result is almost certainly correct. A negative result is less reliable. If you get a negative result and still think that you may be pregnant, wait a week and try again.
Find out about taking a pregnancy test.
If you are pregnant, use the pregnancy due date calculator to work out important pregnancy milestones and when your baby is due.
