Am I Pregnant? 13 early symptoms of pregnancy you might have never known 2023 edition
Do you want to know if you are pregnant?
A pregnancy kit test is the easiest way to know. If you want to wait for a few more weeks for the test then these are a few of the earliest signs of pregnancy symptoms.
How soon can you start feeling if you’re pregnant?
When it comes to the first symptoms of pregnancy, everyone feels different. Some people start to notice changes within a week. Others might start getting symptoms when they miss their period.
When should you take a pregnancy test?
You can take a pregnancy test once you’ve missed your period.
What are the first signs of pregnancy?
A missed period.
Period is your body’s way of releasing tissue that it no longer needs. Every month, the lining of your uterus gets thicker in preparation for facilitating a fertilised egg. An egg is released and is ready to be fertilized and settle in the lining of your uterus.
If the egg is not fertilised, the thick lining starts to break down and is eventually expelled, along with some blood, from your vagina. This is your period, and once it’s over, the process starts all over again.
So if you missed your period it might mean you are pregnant or have some health condition.
1. Spotting or light bleeding
Spotting or light bleeding is one of the early sign of pregnancy, but not every woman experience it. According to doctors, it occurs as the fertilized egg attaches (or implants) itself into the uterine lining. This is different from bleeding that could occur from something like a miscarriage which is usually heavier.
Implantation bleeding typically occurs 10 to 14 days after conception, which is just before or right around the time your period is due. So, you may think you’ve gotten your period but its flow is lighter than period.
2. Lower abdominal pain or cramping
You can experience cramps and lower-abdominal pain which may appear as a signal of a coming period, they can also be a sign of egg implantation.
Implantation cramps can occur with or without spotting or bleeding and you might feel mild to moderate pain, pulling or tingling that comes and goes over a few days.
3. Higher body temperature
If you’re pregnant, your temperature may remain high. You could be running hot for other reasons, but if it lasts more than a few weeks, pregnancy may be the explanation.
4. Difference in cervical mucus
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the amount of cervical discharge may increase and become stickier and whiter.
5. Breast soreness, swelling or tingling
As initial signs of pregnancy, your body experiences big changes in hormones – specifically, increases in estrogen and progesterone – to support your growing baby. This change in hormones can contribute to many symptoms, including breast tenderness.
6. Fatigue and tiredness
Feeling tired and exhausted is common, and some women might notice it before they know they’re pregnant. In fact, fatigue may occur as soon as one week after conception.
7. Frequent urination
If your washroom visits and the urge to pee is more than usual around the time your next period is due, it may be a sign of pregnancy.
Pregnancy increases the amount of blood in your body, which gives your kidneys more fluid to filter and more waste to get rid of.
So if you’re pregnant, you may notice you’re peeing a lot more – a symptom that can start early on and last throughout your pregnancy.
8. Nauseousness or vomiting
The term morning sickness is the most well-known of all pregnancy symptoms, it starts with nausea, and even vomiting for some. This symptom can set in as early as two weeks after conception,
But some may not experience nausea or vomiting at all. And despite its name, morning sickness can actually happen at any time of the day or night.
9. Areolas get darker
During pregnancy, areas around your nipples will grow and darken. Usually, these changes are gradual and continue throughout pregnancy. However, you might notice these changes really early on in combination with other symptoms.
10. Bloating or constipation
Bloating or constipation are quite common during pregnancy. This happens due to changing hormones. They slow down digestion, which can cause a buildup of air in the gut and lead to constipation.
Early on, bloating or constipation may be mild and accompanied by other pregnancy symptoms.
11. Sensitiveness to smell
Sensitivity to smell is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Most women become more sensitive to the smells around them during pregnancy.
This sense of smell can stay around through the first trimester or beyond, and contribute to other symptoms such as nausea, and food cravings or execrations.
12. Mood swings
Changes in mood are very common during pregnancy – these happen as early on as your body gets a sudden burst of estrogen and progesterone.
If you are pregnant, any mood changes you’re experiencing are likely coupled with other symptoms such as fatigue or nausea. You may feel more sensitive or like a crybaby.
13. Headaches & Dizziness
Headaches can happen thanks to the increased blood volume and hormonal changes that occur in early pregnancy. You can also get headaches if you’re dehydrated as a result of nausea. As blood flow increases during pregnancy, blood pressure can also decrease and lead to dizziness.
Could you have all pregnancy symptoms and still not be pregnant?
Definitely. These early pregnancy symptoms can also be due to some other conditions, especially premenstrual symptoms. So, the best way to know if you’re pregnant is to try to relax and take a pregnancy test.
When should you see a doctor about a new pregnancy?
If you’ve taken a pregnancy test and it’s positive, go ahead and book an appointment with your doctor.