While a pregnancy test or consultation with a healthcare professional is the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy, there are a plethora of early pregnancy signs that may indicate the start of motherhood. The gush of hormonal changes that take place in the body paves the way for a range of early pregnancy symptoms. The occurrence and intensity of these early pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman. Listed below is a comprehensive list of signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Top 17 Early Pregnancy Signs
With pregnancy, a wide range of changes begins to happen within the body. These get surfaced in the form of signs and symptoms of pregnancy. These include:
1. Missed Period
A missed period is one of the most common and obvious signs of pregnancy. Once conception takes place, the body holds back from shedding the uterus lining. This ceases the menstrual cycle until childbirth.
But for some women, missing a period is not the foolproof method. Other factors such as stress, excessive exercise, dieting, and hormone imbalances can also cause irregular periods or a missed period.
2. Sore and Swollen Breasts
Sore and swollen breasts are common early pregnancy signs. The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy cause tenderness in the breasts. This is similar to the discomfort experienced before a period.
Furthermore, in some women, the areolas darken and increase in size. Also, there can be an increase in breast size during pregnancy. This leads to an uncomfortable fit and a feeling of tightness while wearing regular bras.
3. Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is another common early pregnancy sign. As the body undergoes hormonal changes, particularly the increase in blood volume, the kidneys work harder to filter the blood and eliminate waste products, increasing the need to urinate more frequently.
This symptom of pregnancy shows even before a missed period is witnessed. But as frequent urination can also be caused by other factors, its presence cannot be considered an accurate confirmation of pregnancy.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea, often accompanied by vomiting, is a common symptom experienced by many pregnant women. This sensation, commonly known as morning sickness, can occur at any time of the day or night. It typically starts around one to two months after conception.
5. Unexplained Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most common early pregnancy symptoms. Many women experience extreme tiredness and exhaustion for no known reason. It is believed that the rapid increase in progesterone levels with the onset of pregnancy contributes to excessive day-time sleepiness during this phase.
6. Food Cravings
Food cravings and aversions are common during pregnancy. Many pregnant women experience a strong desire for certain foods, often those that provide energy and essential nutrients like calcium. Cravings can vary widely and may include anything from sweet to salty or even unusual combinations.
On the other hand, it’s also common for some pregnant women to develop aversions to foods they previously enjoyed. This shift in taste preferences is believed to be influenced by hormonal changes.
7. Changes in Appetite
Changes in appetite are common during early pregnancy. Some women may experience increased hunger and food cravings, while others may have a decreased appetite or aversion to certain foods. These changes in appetite or visible changes in portion size can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations and the body’s response to pregnancy.
8. Mood Swings
Pregnancy hormones influence the chemicals in the brain, leading to mood changes. While some women may experience irritability or sadness, others may feel a sense of elation or happiness.
Although mild mood changes during pregnancy settle automatically with self-care, support and guidance, cases of intense depression during pregnancy will require specialised medical attention.
9. Bloating
The hormonal changes that occur in the body during the onset of pregnancy can lead to increased water retention and gas. This leads to feelings of bloating and abdominal discomfort. This is usually a temporary and one of the mild early pregnancy symptoms that typically subside as the body adjusts to the hormonal shifts. Staying hydrated, eating smaller meals and engaging in gentle exercise helps provide relief.
10. Spotting
Light spotting, especially when you expect to have a menstrual period, might be the first indication of pregnancy. But not all women have it. Light spotting, also known as implantation bleeding, happens when the fertilised egg attaches itself to the uterus lining. This is typically 10-14 days after conception.
11. Stomach Cramping
Mild uterine cramps can occur as an early pregnancy sign. These early pregnancy cramps may resemble period-like cramps that appear intermittently over a few days. However, if the cramps are severe or predominantly felt on one side of the body, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Such symptoms could indicate an ectopic pregnancy or other potential complications, warranting immediate medical evaluation.
12. Acne and Skin Changes
Pregnancy hormones and increased blood volume can cause skin changes. While some experience a pregnancy glow and clearer skin, others may experience increased acne or pimples. Hormonal fluctuations can lead to excess oil production and clogged pores. While a gentle skincare routine generally provides relief, consult a healthcare provider if skin issues and early pregnancy symptoms are severe.
13. Headache and Dizziness
Headaches, lightheadedness, and dizziness are common in early pregnancy due to hormonal changes and increased blood volume. Hormonal fluctuations contribute to headaches, while the expanding blood volume affects blood pressure and circulation, leading to feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness.
14. Metallic Taste in Mouth
A metallic taste in the mouth is often experienced as one of the early pregnancy symptoms in some women. It can occur randomly or when consuming certain foods, resembling the taste of metal or having coins in the mouth.
This is believed to be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy. While it can be unpleasant, it is a common and temporary symptom that typically improves as the pregnancy progresses.
15. Constipation
Constipation is one of the common early pregnancy symptoms experienced by many women. It occurs due to hormonal changes that slow down the digestive system, leading to difficulty in passing stools. Progesterone relaxes the intestines contributing to constipation during pregnancy. Additionally, the expanding uterus can put pressure on the intestines, exacerbating constipation.
16. Congestion
Congestion is another potential early pregnancy sign. Increased blood flow and hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to nasal congestion and stuffiness. This is commonly known as pregnancy rhinitis. It causes difficulty in breathing through the nose and may be accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose.
17. Heightened Sense of Smell
A heightened sense of smell is an early pregnancy sign experienced by many women. Hormonal changes can increase sensitivity to odours, causing certain smells to become stronger and potentially triggering feelings of nausea or aversion.
Everyday scents that were previously tolerable may suddenly become overwhelming. This symptom can vary in intensity and duration from woman to woman.
Do Early Pregnancy Signs Confirm Pregnancy?
Many of the signs and symptoms of pregnancy aren’t unique to pregnancy alone. Some of these symptoms can be an indication of ill health, an underlying medical condition, or simply a get start to the monthly menstrual cycle.
A pregnancy test is the only way to confirm a pregnancy at home. A pregnancy test usually comes positive from the first day of the missed period. In women who are not sure of the date of their next period, a pregnancy test done after 21 days of unprotected sex can confirm pregnancy.
Conclusion
The early pregnancy signs can vary from woman to woman, and even from one pregnancy to the next. While a missed period is often considered a telltale sign, other symptoms too can hint at the start of motherhood. These early pregnancy symptoms include sore and swollen breasts, frequent urination, nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), unexplained fatigue, etc.
However, it’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to pregnancy and may have other causes. A pregnancy test or consultation with a healthcare professional is the most accurate way to confirm pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Early pregnancy symptoms
Q2. What symptoms do you have at 1 week pregnant?
At 1 week pregnant, there are typically no noticeable physical symptoms since conception has just occurred. Most early pregnancy symptoms, such as a missed period and breast changes occur a week thereafter. But you begin to feel small changes taking place in your body.
Q3. What are the 5 most common signs of early pregnancy?
The five most common signs of early pregnancy are a missed period, breast tenderness or changes, fatigue, frequent urination, and nausea or morning sickness. However, the severity of symptoms can vary from woman to woman.
Q4. How does your lower stomach feel in early pregnancy?
With the onset of pregnancy, the uterus begins to pull and strain the muscles for added strength and support. This causes lower abdominal pain, early pregnancy cramps and mild lower stomach discomfort.
