Whether you planned to get pregnant or not, whenever you would miss your period, you suspect yourself to be possibly pregnant. The only way to know for sure is taking a pregnancy test or consulting your OB-GYN. But there are early signs and symptoms that may also suggest that you might be pregnant. But some, if not most of the signs that we’ll be sharing today may also be similar to the usual pre-menstrual discomforts.

Not all these early pregnancy symptoms may be present. To some, these symptoms may not be present at all. Each expecting mother is unique which means each experience differs from another. It’s still best to consult your doctor to be sure.

7 EARLY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT YOU MIGHT BE PREGNANT

Morning Sickness or Nausea – Morning sickness or feeling dizzy and wanting to vomit happens either day or night but for most pregnant women, it happens usually in the morning. The changing hormones are to blame for this. Pregnant women’s sense of smell tends to be sensitive around the early stages of pregnancy. The scent of strong perfume (that you used to love) or foods being cooked (especially fish), and smoke tend to irritate you. This sensitivity also causes you to be nauseated. Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly.

Swollen Breasts – This particular symptom is also present when you’re expecting your period to arrive. But for pregnant women, the feeling of heavy, tender, and swollen breasts are common. This is caused by rising levels of hormones setting in once the conception starts. Other changes to the breasts may occur such as darkening of the areola and increase in size. There’s nothing to worry about, once pregnancy progresses, you’ll get used to this changes in your breasts and welcome it as a good change as well.

Spotting/Implantation Bleeding – A small amount of bleeding may occur during early stage of pregnancy. You may mistake this as your first day of menstrual period. But there are some differences in texture and even color. The spotting may be a bit lighter in color compared to regular period. This bleeding is also called Implantation Bleeding which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus – about 10 to 14 days after fertilization.

Mood Swings – You tend to be more emotional or more sensitive when you’re pregnant. The changes of hormones in your body causes you to change your moods unusually. This is common during first trimester.

Food Cravings – Suddenly the food that you used to hate or don’t notice, you know crave for. Sometimes you also have a special favor for a certain taste early into your pregnancy. Again, the changes in hormones are to blame for this food craving. It’s normal and this will last up to the third month of your pregnancy.

Fatigue – You may notice that you’re unusually feeling weak or get tired easily. You may also notice that sometimes you tend to be really sleepy. This is caused by high level of a hormone called progesterone. Sometimes, it can also be caused by lower levels of blood sugar, blood pressure, and a boost in blood production. That’s why it’s best to take lots of rest, good sleep, and eating healthy foods that are rich in protein and iron too.

Missed Period – Of all the early symptoms or signs, this is a give away, especially if you keep track of your menstrual cycle religiously. This is what makes feeling pregnant or suspecting you’re pregnant strong. This may also be the main reason why you are checking other signs that you might be pregnant.

When one or all of these signs or symptoms are present and you strongly “feel” you are indeed pregnant, it’s time to confirm it by taking a pregnancy test. These kits are conveniently available for purchase over the counter in drug stores or pharmacies. Once you’ve done your tests at home and it showed two lines which indicate a positive for being pregnant, the next step is to consult an OB-Gynecologist to guide you through your pregnancy and ensure you have a healthy one.

Sources: https://www.kidspot.com.au / https://www.webmd.com