10 Early Signs of Pregnancy to Watch Out For
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that begins with subtle clues your body provides. Recognising these early signs can help you confirm your pregnancy sooner, empowering you to take proactive steps for your health and the health of your baby. Below are ten early signs of pregnancy that are commonly experienced.
1. Missed Period
A missed period is often the first noticeable sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is regular, missing a period can be a clear indicator that you might be pregnant.
According to a study published in the Journal of Women's Health, about 29% of women reported a missed period as their first sign of pregnancy. However, stress, hormonal imbalances, and other factors can also cause missed periods, so it's important to consider other symptoms as well.
2. Morning Sickness
Morning sickness refers to nausea and vomiting that typically occurs in the morning but can happen at any time of the day.
The American Pregnancy Association states that up to 85% of pregnant women experience this symptom, usually starting around the sixth week of pregnancy. It is believed to be caused by the rapid increase in hormones like Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG).
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Beyond morning sickness, general nausea and vomiting can be prominent signs of pregnancy. These symptoms can start as early as two weeks after conception. According to Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway, a board-certified OB-GYN, these symptoms are due to the hormonal changes that occur during early pregnancy.
4. Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is another common early sign of pregnancy. The body produces more progesterone to support the pregnancy, which can cause you to feel unusually tired. According to a study in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 60% of women reported fatigue as an early pregnancy symptom.
5. Breast Changes
Changes in your breasts, such as tenderness, swelling, or darkening of the areolas, can be early indicators of pregnancy. These breast changes are due to the increase in hormones preparing your body for breastfeeding. The Mayo Clinic notes that these changes can occur as early as one to two weeks after conception.
6. Mood Swings
Hormonal fluctuations during early pregnancy can cause mood swings. According to Dr Mary Jane Minkin, a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynaecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, these mood changes are similar to those experienced before a menstrual period but can be more intense.
7. Frequent Urination
Increased urination is a lesser-known but common early sign of pregnancy. The growing uterus can press against the bladder, causing you to need to urinate more often. The Cleveland Clinic reports that this symptom typically starts around six to eight weeks after conception.
8. Implantation Bleeding
Some women may experience implantation bleeding, which is a light spotting that occurs when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. This usually happens around 10 to 14 days after conception.
9. Food Cravings or Aversions
Sudden changes in your food preferences, such as cravings or aversions, can be an early sign of pregnancy. Ensure to include leafy greens in your diet to avoid constipation during pregnancy.
10. Elevated Basal Body Temperature
Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) can provide early clues about pregnancy. A consistent rise in BBT after ovulation that lasts for more than two weeks may indicate pregnancy. According to research from the National Institutes of Health, a higher-than-normal BBT for 18 days post-ovulation is a strong indicator of pregnancy.
How Do I Know When I Conceived?
Determining the exact date of conception can be challenging, but several methods can help you estimate when you might have conceived:
1. Tracking Ovulation: Conception typically occurs around the time of ovulation, which is when an egg is released from the ovary. Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your next expected period. If you track your menstrual cycle and know when you ovulate, you can estimate that conception likely occurred within 24 to 48 hours of ovulation.
2. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting: By tracking your basal body temperature daily, you can identify a slight rise in temperature that occurs after ovulation. This temperature shift can help you pinpoint when ovulation occurred, giving you a better idea of when conception might have happened.
3. Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): These kits detect the surge in luteinising hormone (LH) that triggers ovulation. By using OPKs, you can determine your most fertile days and estimate the likely date of conception.
4. Ultrasound Dating: An early ultrasound can provide a more accurate estimate of your conception date. Ultrasound measurements of the embryo can give a precise age of the pregnancy, which can then be used to estimate the date of conception. This method is particularly useful if you have irregular menstrual cycles.
5. First Day of Your Last Menstrual Period (LMP): Healthcare providers often estimate the date of conception based on the first day of your last menstrual period. They typically add two weeks to this date to account for the average time between the start of the menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Expert Advice
Dr. Jane Frederick, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist, emphasises the importance of early detection and prenatal care. "Recognizing early pregnancy symptoms can help you take prompt action to ensure a healthy pregnancy. If you suspect you might be pregnant, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm your pregnancy and begin prenatal care," advises Dr. Frederick.
Recognising the early signs of pregnancy can provide peace of mind and help you take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy journey. From a missed period to implantation bleeding, each symptom is your body’s way of indicating that it’s nurturing a new life. If you experience these symptoms and suspect you might be pregnant, consider taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare professional for confirmation and guidance.
References
- https://coastlinewomenscenter.org/
- https://www.hellomotherhood.com/
- https://americanpregnancy.org/prenatal-testing/ultrasound/
- https://icogonline.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/annual-report/ICOG-Annual-Report-Oct-2022-Dec-23.pdf
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health or pregnancy symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.
