The only way to know for sure if you’re pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test. But there are early symptoms of pregnancy that may point to the possibility. Here’s what to look for.
1. Shortness of breath
Breathing like you’ve just run a marathon when all you’ve done is walked across the room? Increased levels of progesterone may make breathing a bit difficult at times as your body adjusts to new hormonal levels. It may continue throughout your pregnancy, especially as your growing baby starts to put pressure on your lungs and diaphragm.
2. Sore breasts
Take note of your breasts. Do they feel different? As early as two weeks after conception, hormonal changes may make your breasts sore, tender, fuller and heavier. Switch to your most supportive bra – and wear it to bed if you need it – to help ease discomfort.
3. Fatigue
During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar – which can make you feel sleepy. The best thing to do is head to bed earlier, and steal the chance to snooze when you can.
4. Mood swings
If you’re feeling a little hormonal, it might be because your body is adjusting to new hormones. Fatigue and hunger can make mood swings worse, McLean says, so try to find time to rest and eat small snacks throughout the day.
5. Nausea
Most pregnant women start to feel queasiness when they are about 7 to 9 weeks, but some can experience morning sickness earlier. Small, frequent, protein-rich meals and staying hydrated can help control your uneasy stomach.
6. Cravings or food aversions
Suddenly, you can’t stand the smell – much less the taste – of certain foods? Or you now cannot get enough of spicy food. It could be your body telling you probably have a baby on-board!
7. Peeing often
During pregnancy your body produces extra fluid, making trips to the bathroom more often. Annoying as it may be, don’t cut back on how much you’re drinking. You need extra fluids to keep enough water in your body.
8. Cramping
Feeling crampy? This pregnancy sign is actually triggered when a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine wall. Your uterus could also be stretching to get ready for a baby.
9. Bloating
Can’t fit your skinny jeans anymore? Ramped-up levels of progesterone slow down your digestive track and may make your tummy feel puffier than usual.
10. Spotting
Light bleeding may occur five to 10 days after conception; this is called ” implantation bleeding” and it’s a sign that the embryo has implanted itself in the uterine wall.
Are you really pregnant?
Unfortunately, these signs aren’t unique to pregnancy – you can be pregnant without experiencing any of these signs. Still, if you miss a period or have a nagging feeling that you have any signs on this list, you might want to take a home pregnancy test. If it’s positive, make an appointment with your doctor. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care.
References:
- WebMD
- Mayo Clinic
- Parents.com
- Babycentre
- TheBump
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Image Credit: WikiHow.
