5 Earliest and Most Common Pregnancy Signs

Do you look forward to confirming your pregnancy, or does the perspective of being pregnant terrify you? Either way, you need information, and we’ll provide it.

In the following lines, we will teach you all about pregnancy signs and symptoms: what they are, when they appear, and how to deal with them. Before we get there, though, there is one thing you should keep in mind.

You are unique

Therefore, do not expect your pregnancy symptoms to perfectly match the ones described below. You may experience only some of them, at different levels of intensity, at different times, or in different combinations.

Also, just the fact that you experience some of the symptoms described below does not guarantee a pregnancy.

These symptoms may have other causes as well. You should only see them as a sign to pay attention and, at the right time, take a pregnancy test.

Here is what you should expect.

Breast changes

Once you’ve conceived, your hormones will go wild. The effects will first be noticeable at breast level, probably in the first two weeks after conception.

You may feel that your breasts swell, become sore, or tingly. They could feel heavier or tender to the touch. Your areolas, the areas surrounding your nipples, may change color, getting darker.

If you are pregnant, it’s all normal. Your body is simply adjusting to the hormonal changes. The symptoms will dissipate as the adjustment is complete. If the pregnancy test comes out negative and the symptoms do not go away, you may want to consult a doctor.

Spotting and cramping

After you’ve conceived, as the egg attaches itself to your uterus walls, you may get cramps and light spotting. Doctors refer to it as implantation bleeding and say it occurs on the second week of pregnancy.

The period from ovulation to menstruation is of approximately two weeks and menstruation begins with cramps and spotting as well. As a result, many women associate these pregnancy signs with the start of their period.

In pregnancy, the cramping and spotting will occasionally be accompanied by a milky vaginal discharge. It occurs as the lining of the vaginal walls thickens.

By itself, the discharge is normal and nothing to worry about. Accompanied by foul smell and itching or burning sensations, it could be a sign of infection and should prompt you to see a doctor.

It occurs as the lining of the vaginal walls thickens. By itself, the discharge is normal and nothing to worry about. Accompanied by foul smell and itching or burning sensations, it could be a sign of infection and should prompt you to see a doctor.

Fatigue

Have you started feeling tired and sleepy all the time? If you are pregnant, you will. It can start as early as the first week of pregnancy.

Specialists attribute pregnancy fatigue to high progesterone levels. However, low blood sugar and low blood pressure levels could be the cause as well. Just get some rest, eat a healthy diet rich in nuts, seeds, and fruits and vegetables, and your energy levels will eventually increase.

Morning sickness

It is the most famous pregnancy symptom, although not all women experience it. Although the cause is yet unclear, many specialists blame morning sickness on the hormonal changes.

You may experience pronounced nausea that often leads to vomiting, slight dizziness, or aversion to certain foods or smells.

For many women, these symptoms are more pronounced in the morning, but they may occur anytime during the day or following contact with particular foods or smells.

If the symptoms are frequent and you experience frequent nausea and vomiting, you should talk to your doctor. You could have a toxic pregnancy and need special treatment and monitoring.

If the symptoms are not pregnancy related, your physician will help you identify the cause and find the right treatment for you.

Lack of menstruation

Most women realize they are pregnant when they notice delays in their period. That is because, during pregnancy, most women do not have a period.

Some, very few, continue to bleed during pregnancy as well, so just because you still have a period does not necessarily mean you are not pregnant. Do keep in mind that your period could delay due to other reasons as well, such as sudden and considerable weight changes, hormonal misbalance, birth control pills, and more.

Other pregnancy signs

The considerable hormonal changes associated with pregnancy induce other reactions as well. Some of them appear during the first weeks, others become more common as the pregnancy advances.

Here is a brief list of other pregnancy signs you should look out for:

• mood swings
• headaches
• back pain
• dizziness and fainting
• constipation
• frequent urination

These symptoms are usually mild and bearable. If they get too severe, there are ways to control them, but you should always consult your doctor. Any drugs or alternative treatments could harm your baby, if you have one growing inside you, so be careful!

Conclusion

Have you noticed any of the above signs or symptoms? Don’t struggle with doubt. No matter if you’ve been trying to get pregnant or it was an accident, you need to find out for sure. The best solution is to take a pregnancy test.

This brings us to another important issue: the numerous types of pregnancy tests, their accuracy, and how to take them. You will find all the information you need in our post: All about Pregnancy Tests: Types, Accuracy, and Convenience.

Once you’ve clarified your situation, don’t hesitate to let us know what symptoms you experienced, what type of pregnancy test you used, and what your plans are, in a comment below. If there’s something you would like to add to our post or you have questions, we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can do it better!