While pregnancy symptoms differ for every woman, there are some common ways our bodies can tell us we are pregnant. The best way to confirm is to take a home pregnancy test or a blood test, but until you can do that, here are some common early signs of pregnancy, which can help you determine whether or not you are pregnant:
The classic symptoms
- Tender breast: You may start to notice your breasts getting tender or fuller due to hormonal changes. This is one of the first pregnancy symptoms and you may start noticing it within only two weeks of conception.
- Fatigue: During the early stages of pregnancy, progesterone levels rise. A really high dose of this hormone can even put you to sleep.
- Cramping or implantation bleeding: Early in pregnancy, you may notice a small amount of bleeding due to the fertilized egg attaching to the uterus lining. It differs from menstrual bleeding, as it is lighter, spottier and does not last for a long time. You may also experience abdominal cramping similar to menstrual cramps.
- Nausea: Due to the rapidly increasing estrogen levels, women experience nausea during the early stages of pregnancy.
- Cravings: Like most symptoms, cravings for certain foods is a result of the dramatic hormonal changes in the first trimester.
- Headaches: Hormonal changes cause increased blood circulation, which may result in recurrent mild headaches
- Constipation: The increase in progesterone levels results in the food taking more time to pass through the intestines, resulting in constipation
- Mood Swings: The hormonal changes and increase in hormones during the first trimester can make you abnormally emotional
- Dizziness: Due to the low blood sugar levels and low blood pressure, you may experience faintness or feel dizzy
The obvious symptom
One of the most apparent symptoms that you may be pregnant is not getting your period. This obvious sign is generally what makes women check for other symptoms.
However, it is important to know that these symptoms are not specific to pregnancy. They might be a result of sickness or normal menstruation signs. Similarly, you may not experience any of these but still be pregnant. For this reason, it is important to take a pregnancy test to confirm.
Call Gateway Women’s Care in Raleigh or in Durham for your free pregnancy test and consultation – our nurses can help you with all your pregnancy questions!