I missed my period this month.
My birth control failed.
I had unprotected sex.
All these situations and more can make you worry that you might be pregnant. While taking a pregnancy test is the first step toward finding out, there are common symptoms that might hint at an early pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
From the moment of conception, your body is flooded with a special mixture of hormones that tell your body to begin preparing to sustain a pregnancy. These hormones can cause common symptoms in many women. However, it’s important to note that not every woman will experience every symptom, and some may not experience any symptoms at all. This is why it’s critical to take a pregnancy test if you think you might be pregnant.
The most common early pregnancy symptoms include:
Missed menstrual period
This is often the first symptom women experience in early pregnancy. Those early pregnancy hormones tell your body to stop menstruating and instead thicken the uterine lining, which is where the pregnancy will attach and develop.
Sore, swollen breasts
Have you ever noticed that your breasts feel more tender or larger right before your period? That same thing can happen during early pregnancy. If your bra is fitting tighter or your nipples and breasts feel more sensitive than normal, you could be pregnant.
Nausea with/without vomiting
Mistakingly called “morning sickness,” the nausea and/or vomiting that often happens during pregnancy can actually occur any time of the day or night. If you’re feeling sick to your stomach without a known cause (like food poisoning or sickness), this could be a sign of pregnancy.
Increased urination
Have you been running to the bathroom more than normal? This could be a sign of early pregnancy, especially if you’re also having other early pregnancy symptoms. This is because your body’s blood volume increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to filter more blood and produce more urine.
Fatigue
If you’re having other pregnancy symptoms plus fatigue, this could very well mean you’re pregnant. In early pregnancy, your body is going through a lot of changes that can result in feelings or tiredness, like it’s difficult to get up in the morning or like you want to nap more than normal.
Next Steps
If you are having any of the common early pregnancy symptoms, it’s critical to take a pregnancy test (and if it’s positive, follow up with an ultrasound). This is because other health conditions can cause the same symptoms, so taking a pregnancy test is the first step to getting the clarity you need.
At Upstate Pregnancy Center, we offer free, medical-grade pregnancy testing with results explained by one of our caring team members. If your result is positive, you will be offered a limited ultrasound and be given information about your options in a safe, confidential environment.
You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule your free appointment.