10 Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs - Is it Time to Start Worrying?
10 Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs to Look Out For
How do you know if you’re pregnant? There are countless pregnancy symptoms and signs, from the more well-known signs like morning sickness and fatigue to the more subtle ones like changes in your nipples and mood swings. Because pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman and may occur in combination with each other, you may not even know for sure that you’re pregnant until you see your doctor’s positive test result during your first prenatal visit.
1) Bleeding
Bleeding is a common early sign of pregnancy. It can occur as soon as three weeks into a pregnancy or as late as four months after conception. Most bleeding during this time is not significant, but there are also some situations where you should see your doctor. Seek emergency medical attention if you have vaginal bleeding that soaks two pads per hour for two hours in a row or if the discharge is heavy enough to fill an average-sized tampon within an hour.
2) Leaking Urine
Sometimes, early signs of pregnancy may not show up until several weeks after conception. This can happen if you have ovulated irregularly or had a period. One of the first signs of pregnancy that most women notice is leaking urine. In fact, up to 90% of pregnant women experience this symptom in their first trimester of pregnancy. Leaking urine may be accompanied by an increase in vaginal discharge, which also happens to pregnant women later on during pregnancy.
3) Sex Drive
Pregnancy affects a woman's sex drive, with many experiencing the most intense desire during pregnancy in the third trimester. Additionally, fertility level can change because of pregnancy hormones. Stress can also have an impact on libido levels. Most pregnant women will experience some sort of symptom or sign, but there are some which you should not ignore as they could be signs of ectopic pregnancy symptoms.
4) Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common symptoms during pregnancy. It's a well-known symptom because it's typically accompanied by vomiting. Nausea has many causes, but in pregnant women, it typically accompanies other pregnancy symptoms such as increased urination, food cravings, sore breasts, nausea and heartburn. Usually this is just a temporary side effect of the pregnancy hormone called HCG that is being released into your system by the baby.
5) Cravings
Pregnant women may experience a variety of pregnancy symptoms. One that may catch their attention is the cravings, or lack thereof, for certain foods. Experiencing an increased appetite or an aversion to a food can be one symptom of pregnancy that women should not ignore. While it's important to remember that each woman will experience different symptoms during her pregnancy, there are other signs and symptoms to keep in mind as well.
6) Fatigue
Some women experience significant fatigue throughout their pregnancy. You may feel so tired that you're even sleeping through your normal wake-up time, or you may feel like you could sleep for an hour or two in the middle of the day. It is normal to experience this type of fatigue if you haven't slept well in weeks, but it should be nothing that an extra cup of coffee can't fix!
7) Vomiting
One of the early signs of pregnancy, vomiting, is typically due to heightened levels of hormones in your body. This can be caused by a variety of reasons including nausea, early pregnancy symptoms, and an ectopic pregnancy. If you find yourself vomiting more than three times a day or if it seems excessive given the situation you should contact your doctor immediately.
8) Frequent Urination
A very common early pregnancy symptom is increased frequency of urination. Often this will result in your having to use the restroom more than eight times a day, with no decrease at night. If you notice an increase in urine with the thought of urination or an inability to control urine flow, it is important that you speak to your doctor as soon as possible. An ectopic pregnancy can cause this symptom and should be ruled out if there are other pregnancy symptoms present.
9) Constipation or Diarrhea
Constipation is a symptom of pregnancy that usually happens in the second or third trimester, because your uterus puts pressure on your bowel. It's recommended to eat more high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils and chickpeas. Keep in mind it's common for pregnant women to experience constipation during their third trimester. The first sign of pregnancy for some women is diarrhea.
10) Breast Changes
One of the first signs of pregnancy is breast changes. The breasts may become larger, feel fuller, and tingle or feel sore to the touch. It's important to note that breasts can also feel these things without being pregnant-- there are a variety of causes for these symptoms including endocrine disorders, thyroid problems, or medications. Some women find it comforting to have a bra with soft pads that provide extra cushioning for the breasts which helps alleviate some pain associated with frequent breast soreness during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Symptoms