Signs You Should Take A Pregnancy Test: Early Signs Of Pregnancy
Different people have different reactions to the idea that they might be pregnant. Whatever your feelings are, you can prepare for the future by learning about the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
If you want to find out if youre pregnant for sure, youll need to get a testing kit. You can buy a pregnancy test at most drugstores and pharmacies or order one online.
Many of the early signs of pregnancy are very similar to those youd experience around the time of your period. None of these early signs of pregnancy can determine that youre pregnant for sure, so consider them symptoms to look out for, rather than a reliable test. Youll need to take a pregnancy test if you want to confirm that youve conceived.
Here are 10 common signs of early pregnancy:
Abdominal Pain And Miscarriage
Call your doctor if painful cramps in your lower pelvic region or lower back are accompanied by vomiting, nausea, or vaginal bleeding, these symptoms could indicate a miscarriage.
However, cramping can also occur during normal pregnancies. If you have no bleeding and youre not experiencing any other symptoms associated with miscarriage but you still have cramps, it never hurts to mention it to your doctor at the next visit.
The specific symptoms of miscarriage vary depending on the individual. Here are some common symptoms of miscarriage:
- Weakness and fatigue
Note that many pregnant women occasionally experience some of these symptoms and dont go on to have a miscarriage. Nevertheless, if you experience any of these symptoms, or are otherwise concerned, contact your OB-GYN immediately.
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What Happens In First Month Of Pregnancy
A missing menstruation is frequently the first indication of pregnancy for many women. By the time youve missed your period, the majority of pregnancy tests will be accurate. Other signs of early pregnancy include fatigue, bloating, frequent urination, mood changes, nausea, and sore or swollen breasts.
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Third Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms
The physical symptoms got worse during my third trimester. My legs hurt every second of the day. I couldnt walk up the stairs without getting winded and my thighs burning. I had to change up my commute so I could have access to escalators and elevators. This is a common complaint Ive heard from other mothers and pregnant women.
My body felt more discomfort and more cramps with each inch that my belly grew. If I walked for an extended period of time, I would feel the pain in my legs for days.
Those were just part of the physical changes.
Emotionally, pregnancy threw me into a whirlwind. I cried much more than I normally would. I became increasingly anxious. I worried about:
- being a bad mother
- not being able to provide enough security and love
- working and going to school during those nine months
I became more cautious about what I did and what I said, of the places I would go, and how long I would stay there.
On the flipside, I felt more magical. With each passing day, I became more eager to meet my son. I kept my hands on my belly, always protecting him. I would put my hands on my belly for weeks after giving birth.
There was pep in my slow, lumbering step. And I had a glow, according to my family. I was a bit of a contradiction: As overwhelmed as I felt, I was also happy.
Maybe it was because the journey was ending and I would soon get my body back, as they say.
Symptoms And Feelings In Early Weeks
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, various physical symptoms and new emotions arise. Although many women felt some anxiety during these early weeks, and some found it hard to believe it was really happening to them, there was also joy and excitement. .Unpleasant physical symptoms affected people’s feelings in the early weeks of pregnancy. Nausea and sometimes vomiting is well known as ‘morning sickness’, but these symptoms can happen all day, and can occasionally be very severe. Because this is so common, it has a separate section on the website .Another common symptom is feeling tired or run down. Some people are surprised to feel so exhausted. Others include getting a strange taste in your mouth, having tender breasts, feeling dizzy or faint, and abdominal cramps or twinges. To some people it felt a bit like premenstrual tension at first. But some women we talked to felt physically fine during the first few weeks, or noticed only minor changes.
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When Should I Take A Pregnancy Test
Some home pregnancy tests claim they’re sensitive enough to give a positive result as early as five days before you would expect your period. But you’re more likely to get an accurate result if you wait to test until after the first day of your missed period. If you test too early, you may get a false negative pregnancy test or an unclear result like a faint line.
If you test and get a negative result, but still have pregnancy symptoms and/or no period, try again in a few days. Test first thing in the morning, when your urine is more concentrated. Home pregnancy tests measure the amount of human Chorionic Gonadotropin in your urine. During early pregnancy, hCG levels typically double every two to three days.
Remember that your baby begins to develop before you can tell you’re pregnant, so take care of your health while you’re waiting to find out. If you haven’t already, start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
Once you’ve gotten a positive pregnancy test result, make your first prenatal appointment. Good prenatal care is essential for you and your baby. If you don’t have a doctor or a midwife to care for you during pregnancy, start asking for recommendations and see who’s covered by your insurance. There are options if you don’t have health insurance or need low-cost prenatal care.
Cramps During Early Pregnancy
The majority of pregnancies will have some mild cramping intermittently during the first 16 weeks, says Chad Klauser, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Here are some common causes of first trimester cramping.
Implantation Cramping: For some women, cramping is the first sign of pregnancy, as it sometimes happens when a fertilized egg burrows in the uterine wall. This is called implantation cramping, and it can feel like your period is about to start, says Dr. Puritz.
Uterine Growth: Rapid uterine growth in the first two trimesters of pregnancy can also lead to a pulling sensation within the stomach, says Dr. Klauser. Your uterus must stretch and expand to accommodate your growing baby.
Gastrointestinal Issues. Changing hormone levels might cause increased gas, bloating, and constipation during the first trimester. All of these gastrointestinal issues can cause cramping sensations.
Ectopic Pregnancy: In rare cases, first trimester cramping could be caused by ectopic pregnancy . Ectopic pregnancy often comes with one-sided cramping, bleeding, lightheadedness, or shoulder pain. Contact your doctor immediately if you have symptoms of ectopic pregnancy.
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/ What Can You Do To Ease Cramping In Early Pregnancy
Mild pain during pregnancy can be managed with paracetamol, if a woman usually takes this safely, and also may be alleviated with a hot water bottle, a warm bath or gentle exercise, says Dr Beckett. If a woman is not sure what she can safely do to manage her pain, she should contact her healthcare professional for advice.
Other Serious Issues During Pregnancy
Some pregnant women develop mental illnesses that are a significant risk to both them and their child. Other women may already have a mental illness that is more difficult to manage during pregnancy.
In particular, specialist health care is needed for pregnant women with:
- bipolar disorder , with manic highs and depression lows
- eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The risks include a loss of nutrition for your baby, an increased risk of miscarriage, and anaemia.
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Common Early Signs Of Pregnancy
What Can You Do To Feel Better
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Good nutrition and eating small, frequent, healthy meals can keep you going and can also help with nausea.
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If youre at work and fighting back drooping eyelids, try some stretches or deep breathing exercises. Or get up and walk around the office or take a break outside.
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When you can, go for a brisk walk around the block. A little exercise can energize you and may help you rest better when you do get to sleep.
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Adapt your sleep habits. Take naps, if possible, during the day. You may also want to try going to bed earlier.
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Drink enough fluids during the day and little several hours before bedtime. This may help you avoid having to get up to urinate during the night.
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Change Your Vitamin Time
This lesser-known trick is one that saved me during my first pregnancy. Start taking your pre-natal vitamins at a different time!
If youre sick in the morning, try taking your vitamin with lunch or supper instead to see if that helps it just might be all you need to feel better.
My OB also recommended trying a gummy prenatal vitamin, like these, to fight off nausea.
Some pregnant moms are able to handle the gummies much better and typically the flavors are ones that help reduce nausea! They also taste so much better!
Pregnancy Sign: A Missed Period
Well, duh, of course a missed period is the most common of early pregnancy signs. For many women who havent been pregnant before, this is usually the first symptom they notice, explains Nordahl. But hindsight is often 20/20. A first-time mom usually thinks back and realizes that a few things were different but wasnt sure what they meant, she says.
Read more:
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Do All Women Experience Early Signs And Symptoms Of Pregnancy
Each mom-to-be and each pregnancy is unique, so you may only notice some of these early signs of pregnancy. For example, the first signs and symptoms of pregnancy could occur before a missed period alternatively, missing a period may be your first clue that youâre pregnant. Whatâs more, the symptoms you notice in a second pregnancy may be different from what you experienced the first time around.
Other Early Signs And When They Happen
According to the National Institutes of Health, other early signs and symptoms of pregnancy may include:
Some women also report feeling dizzy or wobbly early on in pregnancy, often when they get up after lying down. This symptom may be due to changes in the blood vessels carrying oxygen to the brain.
Some women cannot explain any specific symptoms or changes in their body, but they intuitively feel that something is different.
They might describe it as not feeling like themselves or feeling as though they are suddenly always a step behind. This may be a sign of fatigue and an indication of hormonal changes.
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Mood Swings During Pregnancy
The hormones changing in your body mean you will probably have heightened emotions, both positive and negative. And you will probably swing between these emotions.
While you may be overjoyed about having a baby, you may also be stressed and overwhelmed. You may feel worried about whether:
- your baby will affect your relationship with your partner
- you will cope financially
- you will be able to juggle work and parenting
- you will be a good mother
- the baby will be healthy
- your other children will accept and love the new baby.
You may also feel unimpressed with your changing body. You may be worried about putting on too much weight, or not enough. Or not being able to do the physical activity that you usually do. Or not looking attractive to your partner.
Add the hormone-induced fatigue, forgetfulness and moodiness, and you may feel completely out of control. This is all common.
Is Lower Abdominal Pain A Sign Of Pregnancy
If you notice a twinge of pain or pain that feels somewhat like the onset of menstruation, theres a chance this might be caused by the implantation of the embryo. If you stomach feels hard or swollen, this is unlikely a sign of early pregnancy, since its too early. Your abdomen isnt likely to look or feel any different until later.
But wait! This symptom could also be caused by: PMS or stomach issues.
Acne is a common early symptom of pregnancy, but its also a common with PMS.
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Changes In Cervical Mucus
Have you become a student of your cervical mucus? Then check it out now: If it becomes creamy and stays that way after ovulation, its a good sign youll have a positive pregnancy test.
As your pregnancy progresses, youll also notice increased vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea. This thin, milky-white discharge is normal and healthy, but speak to your practitioner if it appears lumpy or thick.
Light Bleeding Or Spotting
Implantation bleeding is the light vaginal bleeding that typically occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception. It shouldnt cause anything more than mild spotting, which you may notice in your underwear. Implantation bleeding can also be accompanied by mild cramps that resemble the cramps of menstruation.
If the bleeding is heavy or if the cramping is severe, contact a health care provider for advice.
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How To Tell If You’re Pregnant Right Away
The only way to tell if youre pregnant right away is by taking a home pregnancy test according to its instructions. Waiting can be difficult, but you can usually take a test three to four days before a missed period though youre more likely to get a false negative if you test too soon. If its negative, wait a couple more days and test again if Aunt Flo doesnt come to visit.
Be sure to test first thing in the morning, when your urine and the hormone that the test is measuring are most concentrated. If you see a line indicating a pregnancy, youre almost certainly pregnant . Pregnancy tests with false positives are rare.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms Vs Pms: Whats The Difference
Most early pregnancy symptoms before your period are strikingly similar to the side effects of PMS. However, youll only notice changes in your areolas if youre pregnant. A consistently elevated BBT and creamy vaginal discharge post-ovulation are also both relatively reliable signs of conception, but theyre certainly not foolproof.
Otherwise, the only way to know if other early pregnancy symptoms are due to a baby or PMS is to hold out until you can take a pregnancy test.
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Metallic Taste In Your Mouth
Are you wondering why your cherished first cup of coffee in the morning now tastes like a bag of coins? This could be one of the more surprising changes that happen during your pregnancy.
Research has found that many people experience a change in their sense of taste or smell during pregnancy. One study found that all of the pregnant people they spoke to noticed some change. The medical name for this is dysgeusia. Its caused by your rising hormones as your body adapts to your new pregnancy. As they start to settle down, you should notice your taste returning to normal, too.
Understanding When Youll Be Most Fertile
When your body releases an egg during ovulation, it has 12 to 24 hours to live. Yikes! It must meet a sperm during that time, or else it dies and you wont get pregnant.
But heres the good news if youre trying to get pregnant: Sperm have a much longer life. In fact, sperm can live for up to seven days inside of your body.
So, its possible that if you have sex shortly before ovulation, you can get pregnant from sperm that was waiting inside your body.
You may want to track your fertility so you know when you have the highest chances of getting pregnant. At the end of week 1, its possible to get a better idea of when youll ovulate by:
- charting your menstrual cycle on a calendar
- checking your cervical mucus
- continuing to measure your basal metabolic temperature if you use this method of family planning
- using ovulation test strips that measure your bodys hormone levels, and can tell you whether or not youre ovulating
All of this is sometimes called the fertility awareness method. It may help you get pregnant, but its not the most reliable form of birth control so beware.
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