If you’ve never been pregnant before, you might not be aware of the early symptoms of pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms differ for every woman. 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 pregnancy signs, which can help you determine whether you are pregnant or not:

  • Tender breasts: You may start to notice your breasts getting tender or fuller due to hormonal changes. This is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy and you may start noticing it within only two weeks of conception.
  • Fatigue: During the early stages of pregnancy, the 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

 

One of the most apparent symptoms that you may be pregnant is not getting your period. This first pregnancy symptom is generally what makes women check for other symptoms and consider, am I pregnant now?

However, it is important to know that these symptoms are not only specific to pregnancy. They might be a result of sickness or the onset of your period. 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.

Gateway Women’s Care offers free pregnancy tests and confidential support in Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.