What are the earliest signs that I’m Pregnant?

Pregnancy is a time when the body undergoes many changes. Some of these changes can give you clues early on and help you prepare for your pregnancy.

Missed period

If you have regular periods every month, a missed period is a reliable clue of a pregnancy. You can confirm it by using a urine pregnancy test. Some women experience mild spotting around the same time. This may be due to implantation bleeding which generally occurs about 6 to 12 days after conception when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea can occur early in pregnancy. It may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. It can occur at any time of the day even though it is commonly called morning sickness.

Food cravings and aversions

You might start disliking foods you enjoyed and also may develop cravings for food you disliked. This is common and can occur at any time during your pregnancy. Ensure you  eat a nutritious diet and stay hydrated. Avoiding hunger is key to managing the nausea.

Tender and swollen breasts

You might experience mild pain and tenderness in your breasts due to the hormonal changes. Your nipples and areola can also appear darker and more prominent over time. The veins on your breast may also become more prominent.

Frequent urination

You might find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom for urination. The kidneys have to filter more urine during pregnancy. This symptom will continue throughout pregnancy as the uterus grows bigger and puts pressure on your bladder

Fatigue

Many women find themselves tired during pregnancy and it can begin quite early in their pregnancy. You may feel exhausted and may feel the need to take more frequent breaks.

Backache

Lower back ache is a common symptom during early pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes which loosen up the ligaments in your joints.

Mood swings

You may experience sharp mood swings. Hormonal changes in your body, anxiety and fatigue are some of the reasons.

A few other common symptoms can include headaches, some people complain of strange tastes in their mouth and stomach bloating.

This article is written to be informative and does not substitute seeking a professional consultation from a medical professional.