A missed period is a well-known early pregnancy symptom. However, many other signs could indicate a positive pregnancy test. We asked our readers to share their early pregnancy experiences. Some of their answers might surprise you. Here are 23 early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Check them out and see if any sound familiar!
1. A Missed Period:
You’ve seen it in movies. You’ve read about it in books. It happens to many women. Your mom, sister, and best friend might have experienced it too. A missed period can be a strong indication that something is different. When your period is several days late, it can raise your suspicions. A week later, many women take a test. That’s when the reality hits – they are pregnant. A missed period is often a clear sign of pregnancy. But if you have irregular cycles, you might overlook this important sign.
2. Implantation Bleeding & Cramping:
Some women may experience light bleeding 6 to 12 days after conception, known as implantation bleeding. About 25% of women encounter this. It happens when the egg implants into the uterine lining, irritating the lining and leading to bleeding. Additionally, increased blood flow to the uterus during early pregnancy can cause cramping, which may feel similar to period cramps.
3. Tender Breasts Or Sensitive Nipples:
Sore breasts and nipples are a common sign of early pregnancy. You may notice these sensations 1-2 weeks after conception. They might lessen after a week but could continue until your baby arrives—increased levels of estrogen and progesterone cause this discomfort. Plus, the blood flow to your breasts rises, making them grow larger.
4. Appetite Changes & Food/Smell Aversions During Pregnancy:
Many pregnant women experience food and smell aversions. You are not alone if the smell of raw meat or a co-worker’s perfume is overwhelming. Many report that the smell and taste of coffee can trigger nausea. This reaction might signal early pregnancy. There is a theory that these aversions protect the developing fetus. The body may be reacting to substances that could be harmful. Pregnancy hormones, especially estrogen, play a role in these symptoms.
5. Noticing a weird metallic or sour taste in your mouth:
If you’re not feeling quite right, you might have dysgeusia. This is a common pregnancy symptom, and the hormone estrogen affects your sense of taste.
When you’re pregnant, estrogen levels increase. This can make your taste buds act strangely. It’s also thought that prenatal vitamins may cause a strange metallic taste in your mouth.
6. Feeling queasy and having that uncomfortable urge to throw up:
Nausea and vomiting are common during pregnancy. They are often called morning sickness, but that name is misleading. Many pregnant women experience this at any time of day or night. For some, morning sickness subsides by the second trimester. Sadly, others struggle with it throughout their entire pregnancy. Severe cases are called hyperemesis gravidarum. This condition can lead to dehydration, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and weight loss. Taking care of yourself is crucial during this time.
7. Hunger:
Are you feeling extremely hungry? No amount of pickle and ketchup covered mac and cheese seems to satisfy you. During pregnancy, hormones boost your metabolism. This helps your body use energy more efficiently. However, you do not actually need a lot more calories. Despite this, it can be difficult to resist eating them. As your pregnancy progresses, your growing baby will require more nourishment. This change can affect your appetite as well.
8. Intense food cravings:
It’s common to crave foods you’ve never liked before during pregnancy, suddenly. There isn’t an apparent reason for these cravings. They likely relate to changing hormones in your body. Certain foods might provide comfort as your body changes. Additionally, your body is working hard to produce more blood, which can increase your hunger.
During my first pregnancy, I craved salty foods like chips and fries. I was obsessed with sour flavors such as lemonade and sour patch kids during my second pregnancy.
9. Feeling so tired:
During pregnancy, your body produces more blood to support your growing baby. Your blood sugar and blood pressure also decrease due to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone. These changes in your body can be very tiring if you can, try to take short naps during the day. Make sure to find a safe place to rest, like at home. Avoid sleeping while driving. Get some well-deserved sleep whenever you can.
10. Insomnia:
Pregnancy can lead to insomnia. Daytime napping is one cause. High levels of progesterone make many women feel sleepy during the day. This can make it hard to fall asleep at night.
Hormonal changes also disrupt sleep, even without naps. The urge to urinate can make a good night’s sleep even harder. According to reports, 44% of women experience insomnia during the first trimester. This issue is more common in those who had sleep difficulties before pregnancy.
11. Experience intense Dreams:
Many women report that pregnancy leads to more vivid or intense dreams. This change is likely due to surges in pregnancy hormones. Additionally, pregnancy fatigue results in extra hours of sleep. This creates more chances to have a variety of dreams.
Pregnant women also tend to remember their dreams better. They often wake up more frequently during the night. This could be to use the bathroom, feel the baby move, change positions, or other reasons. As a result, they recall more of their dreams than if they had a solid night’s sleep.
12. Experiencing night sweats or feeling unusually hot:
Pregnancy hormones can significantly affect body temperature. Rapid changes in estrogen and increased blood flow may raise body temperature, which can trigger excessive sweating. Your body might react as if it’s preparing for heat.
Higher progesterone levels raise your basal body temperature. An increased metabolic rate can also make you feel warmer.
If you decide to relax in an ice-cold kiddie pool while pregnant. No one will judge you for it!
13. Headaches:
Pregnancy can bring headaches and fatigue. Your head may throb from these symptoms. If drinking more water and resting don’t help, talk to your doctor. There are safe ways to manage pregnancy headaches.
NOTE: Call your doctor if you have a strong headache that isn’t relieved by Tylenol and drinking lots of water (3-4 large glasses at once). It might just be a headache, but it could also signal the beginning of Preeclampsia, which can be serious.
14. Lots of Peeing:
During pregnancy, frequent urination becomes common. The hCG hormone is produced by placenta cells. This hormone nurtures the embryo attached to your uterine lining. It is also responsible for positive pregnancy test results. Unfortunately, it can lead to increased urination throughout the day and night.
As your baby grows, it will press on your bladder. This pressure causes you to feel the urge to urinate many times each day. It’s a normal part of pregnancy. Enjoy the journey!
15. Constipation:
Progesterone levels rise during pregnancy. This hormone relaxes the smooth muscles in your stomach and intestines, slowing digestion. Increased blood volume can also lead to constipation.
When an egg implants in the uterine wall, hCG production begins. Higher progesterone levels help the uterine lining grow. This growth is crucial for your baby’s development. However, it may cause bathroom issues for you.
You may become dehydrated, worsening constipation if you don’t drink enough fluids. You might feel like drinking less because you use the bathroom often, but staying hydrated is essential. Drinking enough fluids can help prevent constipation.
16. Blue Toilet Seats:
Some women may notice their toilet seats turning blue during pregnancy. This change concerns pregnancy hormones rather than the dye in new maternity clothes. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone can alter the pH of a woman’s skin. This change interacts with the ionized silver antimicrobial coating on toilet seats, resulting in a blue hue.
17. Changes in Skin:
Pregnancy hormones can have varied effects on our skin. One result can be increased androgens. These hormones can make skin glands grow larger and produce more oil. Some people call this a pregnancy glow. Others, however, may find themselves dealing with acne again. It’s like revisiting the breakouts of their teenage years.
18. Breathlessness:
Are you feeling out of breath during activities that used to feel easy? You’re not alone. About 60-70% of pregnant women report experiencing shortness of breath. The reason for this is likely pregnancy hormones.
Progesterone is known to stimulate your breathing. As your body makes more of this hormone, you may notice you are breathing more quickly than before. Remember, you’re sharing your oxygen with your growing baby. This means there’s less oxygen available, which can take some time to adjust to.
Additionally, as your baby grows, your diaphragm may be put under pressure. It can rise to 4 centimeters, making it harder to take deep breaths.
Take your time and try to relax. If you are worried about breathlessness during pregnancy, consult your doctor.
19. Mood Swings:
Pregnancy mood swings can be intense. Some partners have to take cover during these moments of frustration. Others find themselves crying over TV commercials or cute puppies.
These mood changes are profound and can happen quickly. Several factors contribute to them.
First, hormone changes affect neurotransmitters. These brain chemicals help regulate mood.
Fatigue also plays a role. Growing a baby is physically demanding.
Additionally, worries about parenthood can add stress. Concerns about being a good parent, childbirth, finances, and life changes weigh heavily on expectant parents.
Mood swings during pregnancy are common, especially between weeks 6-10 and in the third trimester. However, be vigilant about symptoms of depression and anxiety. These may include crying spells, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal, feelings of worthlessness, and panic attacks.
If these symptoms persist, talk to your doctor. Seek help if needed.
20. Baby Brain:
Are you often losing your keys? Are you struggling to remember the name of that pregnancy vitamin? Or maybe you put your purse in the refrigerator.
These moments can be attributed to pregnancy brain, fog, or forgetfulness. It’s a common symptom of pregnancy. The body produces more progesterone, which can make you feel a bit foggy and forgetful compared to before pregnancy.
You could also be distracted by the big job of growing a baby. That comes with its risks and responsibilities.
So, give yourself a break. It’s okay to ‘forget’ about attending your cousin’s poetry reading.
