Pregnancy Symptoms: How to Tell If You’re Pregnant
If you’re wondering if you’re pregnant, there are a few early signs that you might be. But keep in mind that every pregnancy is different, and not all of these symptoms will occur. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test to confirm your status.
Missed Period
Many women are surprised to learn that a missed period is an early sign of pregnancy. But not all symptoms of pregnancy are the same, so it’s best to be prepared if your cycle changes or you have a late period.
One of the most common signs of pregnancy that you’ll probably notice a few days before you expect your period is spotting, or blood that appears on the toilet paper or under your clothing. This is called implantation bleeding, and it usually happens in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Another common symptom of early pregnancy is fatigue. This is a natural response to the sudden increase in hormones that are released as your body prepares to support a growing baby.
Other changes in your body that may be a precursor to a missed period include frequent urination and bloating. Frequent urination is caused by the increased flow of blood to your kidneys, which makes it harder for them to filter the fluid.
Bloating is also caused by the progesterone hormone that relaxes muscle tissues in your abdomen, which slows down digestion. This leads to a feeling of being bloated, which can be a sign that you’re pregnant.
Missing your period and experiencing other symptoms that suggest you’re pregnant are both good reasons to schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN. Your doctor can help you decide whether or not a pregnancy test is the right course of action and offer guidance for addressing any additional health concerns you might have.
Implantation Bleeding
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of changes. Some are expected and normal, like a growing belly and a stoppage in your menstrual cycle.
Implantation happens when a fertilized egg implants into the lining of the uterus, according to Mayo Clinic. Typically, it occurs one to two weeks after fertilization or conception.
It’s very common and usually doesn’t need any medical attention. If you notice any spotting or bleeding that looks like your period, call your doctor.
The bleeding tends to be light in color (usually more pink or brown than red), doesn’t contain clots, and stops on its own, says Heather Reed, MD, an obstetrics and gynecology physician at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson.
However, this bleeding might be a warning sign of something more serious like an infection or miscarriage. If you experience bleeding along with other early symptoms of pregnancy, including cramping or nausea, call your OB-GYN right away.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. They affect 70-80% of all pregnant women and are usually not harmful to the fetus, although they can become very severe if left untreated.
Symptoms typically start between the fourth and eighth week of the last menstrual period and resolve by 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy. Severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum) occurs in a small number of women and can be life-threatening to the mother and baby.
Doctors ask questions and perform a physical examination to try to identify the cause of the vomiting. What they find may suggest a disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic stomach pain, or an intestinal tract obstruction.
Many of these disorders have similar symptoms, and doctors look for other warning signs. Other factors doctors consider include the patient’s previous medical history and any abdominal surgery in the past.
The doctor also looks for a recent diagnosis of cancer or liver or kidney disease. All drugs recently taken are reviewed, including those that might contribute to nausea.
Treatment of nausea and vomiting can be done in the doctor’s office or at home. It involves making changes to your diet and lifestyle to reduce your symptoms. If these don’t work, your doctor may prescribe medicine to relieve your symptoms and prevent vomiting.
Strange Taste in Your Mouth
Pregnancy can cause a lot of odd changes to your body, and your mouth and taste buds are no exception.
Women who have a strange taste in their mouth while pregnant are not alone; it’s called dysgeusia and is common for the first trimester. It is usually accompanied by other early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, cravings or aversions to certain foods and an increased sensitivity to smells. Generally, this taste is sour, bitter or rancid. It feels like you’re drinking from a metal cup or sucking on spare change.
This symptom is caused by changes in your hormone levels during pregnancy, in particular estrogen. It’s thought that estrogen plays a role in controlling and moderating the taste sense, so you may experience this taste alteration as a result.
The taste can be a bit uncomfortable, so you might want to try gargling with a solution (mild) made of water and salt or using toothpaste with mint flavor. It can help you reclaim your appetite and quell that metallic taste until it goes away on its own.
This symptom can also be caused by dehydration, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout your pregnancy. It’s also helpful to rinse your mouth regularly, especially after eating and drinking. Other causes of this taste include medications, gum disease, gingivitis and certain dental appliances or fillings. You can also consult your doctor to find out if you have another condition that might be causing the change in your taste.
Swelling of Your Breasts
As the body prepares to produce milk for your baby, it can cause a change in breast structure. Depending on the stage of pregnancy you are in, the changes may make your breasts feel tender or sore. This is because your breasts are made up of glandular tissue, fat, and connective tissue. Your breasts are also fuller, heavier, and larger than they were before you got pregnant.
Typically, the swelling of your breasts happens before or around the time of your period. This is because the production of estrogen increases in your body during your menstrual cycle, causing the ducts in your breasts to become enlarged. If you have sore breasts, it is a good idea to get checked out by your doctor. This can be a sign of premenstrual syndrome, a hormonal condition that causes your breasts to ache and get lumpy.
Another common cause of breast swelling is the development of mastitis, an infection that can occur in your breasts. If you notice a blood-stained discharge from your nipples, contact your GP or breastfeeding specialist immediately.
The best way to relieve the pain of sore breasts is to keep up with a healthy diet, stay active, and apply cold or warm compresses. A comfy, supportive bra can help ease soreness and reduce the likelihood of further discomfort.
Tiredness
Tiredness is one of the first pregnancy symptoms you’ll notice, typically starting in the early stage right after conception and implantation. The hormones released from your body during this time cause a range of changes that can affect your mood, metabolism, and energy levels.
Most women feel tired during their first trimester, which is the time when the baby is growing rapidly and the placenta is forming. “The whole system is working overtime,” Dr. Paik says. She adds that the hormone progesterone increases dramatically, which can make you sleepy.
If you are feeling especially fatigued, talk to your doctor about it. They may recommend a blood test to check for anaemia, which can also cause exhaustion.
This is because anaemia can be caused by lack of iron in your diet, so you need to eat more iron-rich foods. This will help reduce fatigue in pregnancy.
During the second trimester, you’ll start to feel more normal and your energy levels should increase again. But if you still find yourself exhausted, there are some simple ways to deal with it, such as resting and putting your feet up at the end of the day.
Getting plenty of rest and sleep is important for you and your baby, so don’t ignore this fact. A daytime nap can be a good way to get some rest and boost your energy levels, and taking the time to relax before bed will also help. If you are struggling to get to sleep, consider a nighttime routine that includes a bath or some reading.