Recognizing the first signs of pregnancy can help you determine when to take a test or visit your healthcare provider.
Overview
Pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are a few common signs that typically occur in the early weeks. Being aware of these symptoms can help you understand whether you might be pregnant.
Key Early Signs of Pregnancy
- Missed Period
- One of the most common first signs. If your period is late and your cycle is usually regular, it might be time to take a pregnancy test.
- Morning Sickness
- Nausea and vomiting, often occurring in the early morning hours (though it can happen at any time of day). This can begin around the 6th week of pregnancy and typically lasts until the end of the first trimester.
- Breast Tenderness and Swelling
- Hormonal changes can cause your breasts to feel sore, swollen, or more sensitive. This can happen earlyin pregnancy, around 1–2 weeks after conception.
- Fatigue
- Many women experience extreme tiredness or exhaustion, especially during the first trimester. This is often due to rising hormone levels, particularly progesterone, which can make you feel more tired than usual.
- Frequent Urination
- Hormonal changes increase blood flow to the kidneys, causing you to urinate more often, sometimes even early in pregnancy.
- Mood Swings
- The rapid changes in hormone levels during early pregnancy can cause emotional fluctuations, making you feel more irritable, tearful, or emotional than usual.
Additional Early Signs to Look Out For
- Food Cravings or Aversions: You might crave certain foods or feel repulsed by others.
- Light Spotting: Some women experience implantation bleeding, a light spotting that occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.
- Headaches and Dizziness: Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow may lead to headaches or a feeling of dizziness.
- Increased Sense of Smell: A heightened sense of smell is a common early symptom due to hormonal changes.
Next Steps
If you experience several of these symptoms, the next step is to take a home pregnancy test or visit your healthcare provider for confirmation. Early prenatal care is important for both your health and the baby’s development.
