If you think you might be pregnant, there are a few things you can do to find out for sure. The best way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test. You can buy pregnancy tests at most drugstores and supermarkets. Another way to find out if you're pregnant is to see your doctor. Your doctor can give you a physical exam and order blood or urine tests to find out if you're pregnant.
However, there are 10 most common signs of pregnancy and if you don`t want to go to the doctor or are afraid of buying at home pregnancy test, you need to be aware of at least some of these common symptoms.
Missed periods
One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a missed period. If you're normally very regular and your period doesn't come on time, you might want to take a pregnancy test.
The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormonal changes in the body. Pregnant women have high levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in their blood and urine. This hormone is produced when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. So, if you're pregnant, you'll have a higher than normal level of hCG.
During the whole month, the female body gives hints about the coming baby. For some women, it’s hard to determine whether they have signs of early pregnancy or not. The menstrual cycle and periods can be different every month. So, it’s important not to rely on this symptom alone. However, if you missed periods it is the first and most common sign of pregnancy.
Nausea and vomiting
Morning sickness, which is nausea and vomiting in the morning, is a common symptom of early pregnancy. It usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy and lasts until the end of the first trimester. About half of all pregnant women have some degree of morning sickness.
The cause of morning sickness isn't known, but it may be related to changes in the levels of hormones in the body. Hormones play a role in controlling nausea and vomiting. It means that pregnant women may feel nauseous and vomit because of the pregnancy, not just from getting sick.
Nausea is rather frequent among pregnant women and it can occur at any time of the day. For some, it may be just an annoyance, but for others, it can be so severe that they can't keep anything down, including water. While morning sickness usually goes away by the end of the first trimester, in a small number of cases it can continue throughout pregnancy.
Fatigue
Feeling tired is another common symptom of early pregnancy. Pregnant women often feel more tired than usual because their bodies are working harder. The added work from the baby's growth and development plus the stress of early pregnancy can take a toll on your energy level.
You may find that you need to nap more than usual or just take it easy during the day. Fatigue usually goes away by the end of the first trimester. Feeling fatigued is always present in pregnant women, but it becomes more intense and common in the early weeks. The fatigue usually starts to dissipate by the end of the first trimester.
Frequent urination
Another common early sign of pregnancy is feeling like you have to pee all the time. This is because the growing baby presses on your bladder. You may also feel an urge to urinate right after you've finished going to the bathroom. This symptom usually begins around the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy and lasts until the end of the pregnancy. It's important to drink plenty of fluids so you don't get dehydrated.
The cause of urinary frequency is increased production of a hormone called progesterone. Progesterone increases the amount of fluid flowing through the kidneys and makes the bladder wall thinner. This causes you to urinate more often. Another frequent symptom together with increased urination is thirst, which can be solved by drinking more water than usual. Unfortunately, this symptom usually continues throughout the whole pregnancy.
Heartburn
Another common early sign of pregnancy is heartburn. This occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling in the chest. The symptoms usually start around the sixth week of pregnancy and may get worse as the baby grows. Heartburn is caused by changes in hormone levels and increased pressure on the stomach from the growing baby. It usually goes away after the baby is born. However, some women have heartburn throughout their pregnancies.
Pregnant women often experience heartburn, especially during the early weeks. The heartburn usually starts to dissipate by the end of the first trimester. Besides, your whole body is changing and your heartburn may lessen over time. You can try to relieve heartburn by avoiding acidic and greasy foods, eating several small meals throughout the day instead of three large ones, and avoiding beverages before bedtime. You can also try over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications if the heartburn is severe.
Mood swings
Mood swings are common during early pregnancy. Pregnant women may feel happy one minute and sad or angry the next. This is because of the changing hormones in their bodies. The mood swings usually start around the fourth week of pregnancy and last through the end of the first trimester. They're usually worse during the morning and evening.
Mood swings are very common in pregnant women and they can start as early as the fourth week of pregnancy. They usually last until the end of the first trimester, but in some cases, they can continue throughout the entire pregnancy. They are usually worse during the morning and evening. Pregnancy hormones are the main cause of mood swings during early pregnancy.
Cravings
Many women experience cravings during early pregnancy. For example, you may crave chocolate one day and ice cream the next. Craving certain foods is a common sign of early pregnancy. The cravings usually start around the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy and go away by the end of the first trimester.
The cause of cravings is not fully understood, but it may be due to changes in hormone levels or nutritional deficiencies. You can try to satisfy your cravings by eating a healthy and balanced diet. However, it's important to listen to your body and not eat foods that are unhealthy or harmful.
Some scientists believe that cravings during pregnancy are caused by nutritional deficiencies. You can try to satisfy your cravings by eating a healthy and balanced diet, but it's important to listen to your body and not eat foods that are unhealthy or harmful.
Breast tenderness
It is one of the most unreliable signs of pregnancy, because your breast may tender before periods, during ovulation or be a symptom of getting pregnant. Still, if you experience breast tenderness together with other symptoms, it's likely an indication of early pregnancy.
Breast tenderness is very common in early pregnancy. It is caused by the increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The breast tenderness usually goes away after the first trimester. However, in some cases, it can continue throughout the entire pregnancy.
You can try to relieve breast tenderness by wearing a supportive bra, avoiding caffeine, and eating a healthy diet. You can also try over-the-counter pain relievers if the tenderness is severe.
Bloating
A pregnant woman in the early stages will often feel bloated due to the hormones that slow down her digestive system. This symptom usually starts around the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy and goes away by the end of the first trimester.
Bloating is common in early pregnancy and it is often caused by the increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The bloating usually goes away after the first trimester, but in some cases, it can continue throughout the entire pregnancy.
You can try to relieve bloating by avoiding carbonated beverages, eating frequent small meals instead of three large ones, and avoiding tight-fitting clothing. You can also try over-the-counter anti-gas medications if the bloating is severe.
Elevated basal temperature
This symptom is not common, but if you have been tracking your basal body temperature and it has elevated for more than two weeks, there is a good chance you are pregnant. An elevated basal temperature is one of the most reliable signs of early pregnancy. If you have been tracking your basal body temperature and it has elevated for more than two weeks, there is a good chance you are pregnant.
The basal temperature elevates because of the increase in progesterone that occurs in early pregnancy. The progesterone level remains elevated until the end of the first trimester.
You can try to take your basal temperature every morning before you get out of bed. To get an accurate reading, you should use a basal thermometer and measure your temperature at the same time each day. If you are pregnant, this symptom will continue throughout the entire pregnancy.
What are some strange and uncommon signs of pregnancy?
Amongst all the said above, there are also some strange and uncommon pregnancy signs which are not as commonly talked about, for example:
- Changes in skin pigmentation – This can include darkening or lightening of the skin on different parts of the body.
- Swelling of extremities – This is due to water retention, which is also common in early pregnancy.
- Nasal congestion – Hormones can cause the nasal passages to swell, leading to congestion.
- Diarrhea - This is another common symptom in early pregnancy, and is thought to be caused by the increase in progesterone.
- Growling stomach - Although it is often dismissed as hunger pangs, a growling stomach can be a sign of pregnancy.
- Cravings for non-food items – This is a relatively rare symptom, but some pregnant women develop cravings for non-food items such as ice, clay or laundry detergent.
- Acidic taste - A sour or metallic taste in the mouth can be another sign of pregnancy.
- Headache - Many pregnant women experience headaches in the early stages, which is thought to be caused by the increase in hormones.
- Increased urination - This is due to the increase in the amount of blood and other fluids in the body.
- Changes in libido – Pregnancy can cause a change in libido for both men and women.
If you experience any of these symptoms along with the others mentioned, there is a good chance you are pregnant. However, it is important to remember that not all pregnant women will experience every symptom, and that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other things. If you have any concerns, please consult your doctor.
What should you do next?
When have already noticed all or half of those symptoms that we have read together, the best would be to take a home pregnancy test kit or go see a health care provider?
Pregnancy test kits are available over the counter and can be purchased at most pharmacies. If you are pregnant, the test will show a positive result. If you are not pregnant, the test will show a negative result. If you choose to take a home pregnancy test kit, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Many of these tests are sensitive enough to detect hCG levels as low as 25 mIU/mL, which is very early in pregnancy.
If you experience any of the symptoms described above and you would like to confirm whether or not you are pregnant, please consult your doctor. They will be able to perform a blood test or a urine test to detect hCG levels and confirm your pregnancy.
Can those symptoms mean something different?
At the same time, this list of 10 most common early pregnancy symptoms isn't conclusive and each person experiences different pregnancy symptoms. So if you're experiencing something that doesn't appear on this list, it doesn't mean that you're not pregnant – it just might not be one of the most common early signs of pregnancy. Every woman is different and will experience different symptoms during her pregnancy.
For example, breast tenderness or nausea and vomiting may be more common in early pregnancy, while back pain and constipation may occur later on. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are concerning you, please consult your doctor. They will be able to provide you with more information and advice.