Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms

Think you might be pregnant? Then you are probably looking out for some early signs and symptoms that confirm pregnancy.

Every woman – and every pregnancy – is different. The only way to confirm a pregnancy is by taking a pregnancy test once your period is due. But for many women, there are early signs that indicate that they are expecting.

The most common symptoms of pregnancy can include:

1. Missed periodIf your menstrual cycle is regular, then a missed period is usually the most reliable early sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, then a late period can be misleading. Some women experience a light bleed or spotting around the time their period is due, which is called an implantation bleed.
2. Morning sicknessDespite the name, morning sickness (nausea with or without vomiting) can happen at any time, day or night. It affects many pregnant women and usually starts at around 4 to 6 weeks into pregnancy. Some women have no sickness at all, while others are unable to keep anything down and are sick all the time. This may be hyperemesis gravidarum, a serious condition that requires treatment.
3. Tiredness Many women feel very tired during the first few weeks of pregnancy, and the fatigue can last up to 12 weeks. Tiredness is thought to be caused by a rapid rise in pregnancy hormones.
4. Tender breasts It’s not uncommon for your breasts to become swollen and tender in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Like many early pregnancy symptoms, this is due to hormonal changes. The discomfort usually decreases after a few weeks.
5. Urinating more frequentlyIt is not uncommon to experience increased urination during early pregnancy, day and night. When you become pregnant, your body makes more blood. This in turn causes the kidneys to process additional fluid, which ends up in the bladder.
6. Sensitivity to tastes and smells

The foods and smells that you used to love may suddenly become unbearable during pregnancy.

This change in preference is also linked to hormonal changes. While some women don’t notice any changes, others develop extreme aversions to certain foods and smells.

Am I pregnant?

While these signs and symptoms are often associated with early pregnancy, they can also indicate a wide range of other things.

If your period is due, a home pregnancy test is the best way to confirm a pregnancy.

If the test is positive, book an appointment with your doctor so your prenatal care can begin straight away.