If you’re wondering whether you might be pregnant, you’re likely experiencing a range of psychological and physical symptoms. While every woman experiences early pregnancy differently, there are some general signs that you may be pregnant. These can include implantation bleeding, mood swings, nausea and fatigue. It is important to talk to your doctor to confirm if you are pregnant because these symptoms can be caused by other health conditions.
Tender, swollen breasts is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Breast milk production begins immediately after conception due to hormonal changes. However, sometimes breasts will become swollen and tender right before menstrual period begins.
As your body goes through a lot of changes during early pregnancy, fatigue is a common symptom. The increased levels of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone, can make you feel sleepy and tired all the time. Additionally, your blood pressure and blood sugar levels are lower during pregnancy, which can also contribute to fatigue.
There are a few early symptoms that some women may experience when they become pregnant. One of these is light bleeding or “spotting”, which happens when the egg attaches to the uterus. Additionally, some cramping may be experienced as the uterus starts to expand to accommodate the growing baby. Additionally, some women may feel lightheadedness, nausea, or have tender breasts.
Cravings for certain foods are common early in pregnancy, even before a woman realizes she’s pregnant. These cravings are thought to be caused by hormonal changes. Along with cravings, many pregnant women report a heightened sense of smell, which may lead to a aversion to certain foods.
The first signs of pregnancy are often nausea and vomiting, which can occur as early as two weeks after conception. For some women, morning sickness is just a small inconvenience. But for others, it can be severe enough to disrupt their daily lives. Morning sickness doesn’t just happen in the morning. It can happen at any time of the day or night. During pregnancy, more estrogen is produced in your body, which can cause digestion to slow down. This can lead to nausea and vomiting when food stays in your stomach for a longer time.
Dizziness or feeling faint is another early symptom of pregnancy. This can be caused by dilated blood vessels that make your blood pressure drop or by low blood sugar. If you experience these symptoms, be sure to drink lots of fluids and eat small, frequent meals to help stabilize your blood sugar.
If you’re pregnant, you may experience mood swings as your hormone levels fluctuate. You may feel weepy, irritable, or moody, similar to how you feel during PMS. However, these mood swings can last for weeks or even a few months.
If you have any of these symptoms and miss a period, it’s a good idea to take an at-home pregnancy test. The sooner you know you are pregnant, the sooner you can start pre-natal care, which is vital for a healthy pregnancy.