Could you be expecting a child? Although a pregnancy test is the most reliable means of confirming that, learning about the early signs of pregnancy and why they happen can give you some insights. The early signs of pregnancy differ from one woman to the next. Within the first month of pregnancy, you may notice rapid changes in your body, or you may not notice any signs at all. A missed period, swollen and sore breasts, tiredness, an increased need to urinate, and morning sickness are all early signs of pregnancy.
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What are the common early signs of pregnancy?
Some of the most common early signs and symptoms of pregnancy are:
A missed period
A missed period is the most common and obvious indication of pregnancy. Once you’ve conceived, your body generates hormones that prevent ovulation and the removal of your uterine lining. This implies that your period has come to an end, and you won’t have another one until your baby is delivered. Missing your period may not always indicate that you’ve conceived. Stress, heavy exercise, diets, hormonal imbalances, and other conditions that cause irregular periods might also lead you to miss your period.
Tender, swollen breasts
Hormonal changes might make your breasts uncomfortable and aching. As soon as your body adjusts to hormonal changes, the discomfort should reduce considerably after a few weeks.
Fatigue
In the early stages, you may experience tremendous fatigue. Because of high amounts of the hormone progesterone, this is a symptom of pregnancy. Fatigue, like other early pregnancy symptoms, improves during the second trimester. For many women, however, it returns in the third trimester.
Nausea with or without vomiting
Morning sickness usually starts one month after conceiving and can strike at any time. Some women, on the other hand, suffer nausea earlier, while others never do. Although the exact reason for nausea during pregnancy is unknown, pregnancy hormones are most likely to blame.
Need to wee more often
Because your womb is expanding and pulling on your bladder, you may need to pass urine more frequently than usual. Progesterone also makes you want to pee more and might cause constipation.
Other less common early signs of pregnancy are:
Other less noticeable signs and symptoms you might experience during the first trimester include:
Spotting
Light bleeding (spotting) can be a sign that your embryo has implanted in the lining of your uterus, even if it appears to be a bad sign. Several days after conception, the embryo is implanted. Small drops of blood or a brownish discharge from the vaginal area indicate implant hemorrhage. It can begin around your typical period time and linger anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It can lead some women to believe they haven’t had a period and aren’t pregnant.
Food cravings, constant hunger, and food aversions
Early in pregnancy, food can be challenging. Some women have a strong desire for certain foods or experience continual hunger. While some foods and flavors may seem delicious early in pregnancy, they may become unpleasant later. Food aversions can develop during pregnancy, making you loathe foods you used to enjoy.
Headaches and back pain
Many pregnant women endure moderate headaches on a regular basis, while others experience back pain.
Bloating
Early in pregnancy, hormonal changes can make you feel bloated, similar to how you might feel at the start of your regular menstrual period.
Moodiness
Early in pregnancy, the surge of hormones in your body can make you feel especially emotional and teary. Swings in mood are also typical.
Dizziness and fainting
These effects could be linked to dilated blood vessels, decreased blood pressure, and lower blood sugar levels.
So are you really pregnant?
Many of these signs and symptoms aren’t specific to pregnancy. Some of them can signal that you’re about to get sick or that your period is about to begin. Similarly, you can be pregnant and not have many of these symptoms. Take a home pregnancy test or visit your health care physician if you miss a period and observe some of the signs mentioned above. Make an appointment with your health care practitioner if your home pregnancy test is positive. The sooner you have a confirmation of your pregnancy, the sooner you can start prenatal care.
So how quickly can you know if you’re pregnant?
Each woman’s experience with pregnancy is unique. Some women may realize they’re pregnant as early as the first few days of pregnancy, while others may not detect anything until their period is missed. Some women aren’t even aware they’re pregnant until months after conception. Taking a pregnancy test is the most reliable way to find out if you’re expecting.
When you take a pregnancy test, a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin is measured (hCG). This hormone begins to grow in your body from the moment you are conceived and multiplies significantly during the first trimester of your pregnancy. It takes time for your body to produce enough hCG to register on a pregnancy test, despite its early appearance in the process. It may take 3 to 4 weeks from the first day of your last period for your body to produce enough hCG to result in a positive pregnancy test.
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