What are the most common early pregnancy symptoms before a missed period. How can you differentiate between pregnancy signs and PMS symptoms. When should you take a pregnancy test to confirm suspicions.

Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

Recognizing early pregnancy symptoms can be challenging, as many signs mimic premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, certain changes in your body may indicate conception has occurred, even before a missed period. Here are some of the most common early pregnancy symptoms to watch for:

Breast Changes

Breast tenderness and sensitivity are often among the earliest signs of pregnancy. You may notice:

• Soreness or aching in your breasts
• Increased sensitivity to touch
• A feeling of fullness or heaviness
• Darkening of the areolas (the area around your nipples)

These changes can occur as early as one to two weeks after conception due to rising progesterone levels. While breast tenderness may persist throughout pregnancy, it often subsides after the first trimester.

Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired is a common early pregnancy symptom. This fatigue is caused by hormonal changes, lower blood sugar levels, and decreased blood pressure. You might find yourself needing more rest or feeling exhausted even after a full night’s sleep.

Nausea and Morning Sickness

Nausea, often referred to as “morning sickness,” typically begins between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy. However, some women may experience queasiness earlier. The severity of pregnancy-related nausea varies from person to person and can occur at any time of day.

Changes in Cervical Mucus

An increase in vaginal discharge is another potential early sign of pregnancy. You may notice:

• Sticky, white, or pale yellow mucus
• Increased volume of discharge

These changes are due to increased hormones and vaginal blood flow. The discharge may continue throughout pregnancy as your cervix softens.

Less Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms

While not as frequent, some women may experience the following symptoms in early pregnancy:

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining. This can cause light spotting or bleeding about 10 to 14 days after conception, typically a week before your expected period. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter than a normal period and lasts only one to three days.

Frequent Urination

An increased need to urinate can start as early as two weeks after conception. This is due to the body pumping more blood, causing the kidneys to process more fluid than usual. As a result, your bladder fills more quickly, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom.

Distinguishing Between Pregnancy and PMS Symptoms

Distinguishing between early pregnancy symptoms and PMS can be challenging, as many signs overlap. Here are some key differences to consider:

• Timing: Pregnancy symptoms typically occur after ovulation and before your expected period, while PMS symptoms usually begin a week or two before your period and end when it starts.
• Duration: Pregnancy symptoms tend to persist and may intensify over time, while PMS symptoms generally resolve once menstruation begins.
• Breast changes: While both conditions can cause breast tenderness, pregnancy often leads to more noticeable changes, such as darkening areolas and increased sensitivity.
• Nausea: Morning sickness is more commonly associated with pregnancy than with PMS.

When to Take a Pregnancy Test

If you suspect you might be pregnant, you may wonder when to take a pregnancy test. Here are some guidelines:

• Wait until after your missed period for the most accurate results.
• Some sensitive tests can detect pregnancy hormones up to 5 days before your expected period, but results may be less reliable.
• For the most accurate results, test first thing in the morning when your urine is most concentrated.
• If your first test is negative but you still suspect pregnancy, wait a few days and test again.

Remember that home pregnancy tests detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in your urine. This hormone begins to be produced after implantation, which occurs 6-12 days after conception.

Other Potential Early Pregnancy Signs

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, some women may experience other early signs of pregnancy:

Food Aversions or Cravings

Sudden changes in food preferences can occur early in pregnancy. You might find yourself:

• Developing strong aversions to certain foods or smells
• Craving specific foods you don’t usually eat
• Experiencing changes in taste perception

These changes are thought to be related to hormonal fluctuations and may serve as a protective mechanism for the developing fetus.

Mood Swings

Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to mood swings. You might experience:

• Sudden emotional shifts
• Increased irritability
• Unexpected bouts of crying

These mood changes are common and usually stabilize as pregnancy progresses.

Slight Cramping or Bloating

Some women experience mild cramping or bloating in early pregnancy. This can be due to:

• The uterus beginning to expand
• Implantation of the fertilized egg
• Hormonal changes affecting digestion

While mild cramping can be normal, severe pain or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Factors Influencing Early Pregnancy Symptoms

It’s important to note that every woman and every pregnancy is unique. The presence, absence, or intensity of early pregnancy symptoms can be influenced by various factors:

Hormonal Levels

The production of pregnancy hormones, particularly hCG and progesterone, varies from woman to woman. Higher levels of these hormones may lead to more pronounced symptoms.

Previous Pregnancies

Women who have been pregnant before may notice symptoms earlier in subsequent pregnancies, as their bodies are more sensitive to hormonal changes.

Individual Sensitivity

Some women are naturally more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations and may experience more intense symptoms.

Age and Health Status

Factors such as age, overall health, and pre-existing conditions can affect how a woman experiences early pregnancy symptoms.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

While many early pregnancy symptoms are normal, certain situations warrant medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Heavy bleeding or persistent spotting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Severe nausea and vomiting that prevents fluid or food intake
• Any symptoms that concern you or interfere with daily activities

Early prenatal care is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. If you suspect you’re pregnant or have a positive home pregnancy test, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and begin prenatal care.

Coping with Early Pregnancy Symptoms

If you’re experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, there are several strategies to help manage discomfort:

For Nausea

• Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid strong smells that trigger nausea
• Try ginger tea or ginger candies
• Wear acupressure wristbands designed for motion sickness

For Fatigue

• Get plenty of rest and go to bed earlier
• Take short naps during the day if possible
• Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated
• Engage in light exercise, such as walking, to boost energy levels

For Breast Tenderness

• Wear a supportive, well-fitting bra
• Use cold or warm compresses for relief
• Avoid caffeine, which can increase breast sensitivity

Remember that while these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they’re often signs of a healthy pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medications or supplements to manage symptoms.

Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period: Most and Least Common

Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period: Most and Least Common

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jane Chertoff on May 22, 2019

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

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Was this helpful?

Perhaps you’re doing everything you can to try to get pregnant right now, including ditching the birth control, spending extra time in bed with your partner, and tracking ovulation.

You may want to know if you’re pregnant as soon as possible. Unfortunately, without taking a home pregnancy test, or getting a blood test or ultrasound, there isn’t a 100 percent certain way to tell you’re pregnant before missing your period.

Nevertheless, certain signs and symptoms could be a hint that you’re in the first weeks of pregnancy.

Below are some of the early symptoms of pregnancy you may experience before missing your period. Keep in mind that pregnancy symptoms often mimic PMS symptoms.

Sore or sensitive breasts

One of the earliest changes you may notice during pregnancy is sore or aching breasts. Your breasts may also feel tender to the touch, or fuller or heavier than normal. This is due to rising progesterone levels in the body.

This symptom may continue throughout your pregnancy or subside after the first few weeks.

Darkening areolas

You may also notice your areolas (the area around your nipples) darken. This can happen as early as one to two weeks after conception and is often a first sign of pregnancy.

Fatigue

Fatigue is common during the first months of pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes. Plus your blood sugar and blood pressure levels are lower at this time.

Nausea

Nausea and morning sickness usually start between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy. You may experience some queasiness before then. Pregnancy nausea is worse for some women than it is for others.

Cervical mucus

You may notice a change or increase in vaginal discharge in early pregnancy. During the first trimester, you may secrete sticky, white, or pale yellow mucus. This is because of increased hormones and vaginal blood flow.

This may continue throughout your pregnancy as your cervix softens.

Implantation bleeding

You may experience implantation bleeding, or light spotting or bleeding, about 10 to 14 days after conception.

Implantation bleeding usually occurs about a week before your expected period. The bleeding will be a lot lighter than your usual period. It will stop after one to three days.

Frequent urination

You’ve probably heard that you’ll have to pee all the time during pregnancy. This is because your body increases the amount of blood it pumps, resulting in the kidneys processing more fluid than usual. That means more fluid in your bladder.

Frequently having to run to the bathroom to pee may be an early sign of pregnancy. This can start as early as two weeks after conception. But you may not have this symptom until the second or third trimester.

Basal body temperature

Your basal body temperature (BBT) is your temperature when you’re fully at rest. It’s usually taken when you first wake up in the morning.

A rise in basal body temperature for 18 days following ovulation may be an early symptom of pregnancy. This method works best if you’ve been tracking your BBT for a while and know what it was pre-pregnancy and throughout your cycle.

Bloating

If your stomach feels bloated, it may be a symptom of early pregnancy. Your digestive system can slow down because of hormonal changes. This can cause bloating, constipation, or gas.

Pregnancy symptoms vary for everyone. They also are easy to confuse with PMS. That’s why it’s impossible to tell whether you’re pregnant on symptoms alone.

Your best bet is to take a home pregnancy test or see a doctor if you suspect you’re pregnant and have already missed your period.

Home pregnancy tests are fairly reliable. But you may occasionally get a false-positive test. This can occur for a number of reasons, including having a chemical or ectopic pregnancy, or even taking certain medications.

Follow a positive home pregnancy test with a doctor’s visit for a urine or blood test to confirm the pregnancy.

Pregnancy symptoms often mimic PMS symptoms. For example, fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness can be symptoms of both pregnancy and PMS.

But if you’re pregnant, there may be some telltale signs that it’s not PMS. For example, you may experience implantation bleeding.

This is light spotting or bleeding that occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception, usually about a week before your period would usually start. This bleeding will be lighter and stop after one to three days.

Other symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, and cramps could be symptoms of either PMS or pregnancy. Until you can take a home pregnancy test, it will be difficult to tell what is causing these symptoms.

You should wait at least one to two weeks after you have sex to take a home pregnancy test. That is the earliest the test will detect levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy.

If you take a test too early, it may not yet be able to detect hCG. If possible, you should wait and test the week after you miss your period.

After getting a positive home pregnancy test, see a doctor and let them know. They will be able to confirm the pregnancy and discuss next steps in your prenatal care.

Shop for a home pregnancy test online.

If your period is delayed, it’s not always because of pregnancy. Other causes of a delayed period may include:

• chronic or high stress
• low body weight
• frequent and high intensity exercise
• obesity
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• early perimenopause
• a thyroid condition

If you’re concerned about a delayed period not caused by pregnancy, see a doctor. They can offer tests for the above conditions and treatment.

There’s no way to know for certain if you’re pregnant before missing your period other than taking a home pregnancy test.

Some women do experience symptoms such as fatigue and nausea. These could be PMS symptoms, however. If you still aren’t sure you’re pregnant after taking a home test, see a doctor. They can confirm the pregnancy with a urine or blood test and discuss next steps in your prenatal care.

Last medically reviewed on May 22, 2019

• Parenthood
• Pregnancy

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Butler Tobah Y. (2019). Is implantation bleeding normal in early pregnancy?
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Basal body temperature for natural family planning.
  mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/basal-body-temperature/about/pac-20393026
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust results?
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first.
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/art-20043853
• Pregnancy: Am I pregnant? (2019).
  my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
• Stages of pregnancy. (2019).
  womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy
• What are some common signs of pregnancy? (2017).
  nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/signs

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 22, 2019

Written By

Jane Chertoff

Edited By

Christina Nagatani

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jane Chertoff on May 22, 2019

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Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period: Most and Least Common

Pregnancy Symptoms Before Missed Period: Most and Least Common

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Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jane Chertoff on May 22, 2019

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Perhaps you’re doing everything you can to try to get pregnant right now, including ditching the birth control, spending extra time in bed with your partner, and tracking ovulation.

You may want to know if you’re pregnant as soon as possible. Unfortunately, without taking a home pregnancy test, or getting a blood test or ultrasound, there isn’t a 100 percent certain way to tell you’re pregnant before missing your period.

Nevertheless, certain signs and symptoms could be a hint that you’re in the first weeks of pregnancy.

Below are some of the early symptoms of pregnancy you may experience before missing your period. Keep in mind that pregnancy symptoms often mimic PMS symptoms.

Sore or sensitive breasts

One of the earliest changes you may notice during pregnancy is sore or aching breasts. Your breasts may also feel tender to the touch, or fuller or heavier than normal. This is due to rising progesterone levels in the body.

This symptom may continue throughout your pregnancy or subside after the first few weeks.

Darkening areolas

You may also notice your areolas (the area around your nipples) darken. This can happen as early as one to two weeks after conception and is often a first sign of pregnancy.

Fatigue

Fatigue is common during the first months of pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes. Plus your blood sugar and blood pressure levels are lower at this time.

Nausea

Nausea and morning sickness usually start between the fourth and sixth weeks of pregnancy. You may experience some queasiness before then. Pregnancy nausea is worse for some women than it is for others.

Cervical mucus

You may notice a change or increase in vaginal discharge in early pregnancy. During the first trimester, you may secrete sticky, white, or pale yellow mucus. This is because of increased hormones and vaginal blood flow.

This may continue throughout your pregnancy as your cervix softens.

Implantation bleeding

You may experience implantation bleeding, or light spotting or bleeding, about 10 to 14 days after conception.

Implantation bleeding usually occurs about a week before your expected period. The bleeding will be a lot lighter than your usual period. It will stop after one to three days.

Frequent urination

You’ve probably heard that you’ll have to pee all the time during pregnancy. This is because your body increases the amount of blood it pumps, resulting in the kidneys processing more fluid than usual. That means more fluid in your bladder.

Frequently having to run to the bathroom to pee may be an early sign of pregnancy. This can start as early as two weeks after conception. But you may not have this symptom until the second or third trimester.

Basal body temperature

Your basal body temperature (BBT) is your temperature when you’re fully at rest. It’s usually taken when you first wake up in the morning.

A rise in basal body temperature for 18 days following ovulation may be an early symptom of pregnancy. This method works best if you’ve been tracking your BBT for a while and know what it was pre-pregnancy and throughout your cycle.

Bloating

If your stomach feels bloated, it may be a symptom of early pregnancy. Your digestive system can slow down because of hormonal changes. This can cause bloating, constipation, or gas.

Pregnancy symptoms vary for everyone. They also are easy to confuse with PMS. That’s why it’s impossible to tell whether you’re pregnant on symptoms alone.

Your best bet is to take a home pregnancy test or see a doctor if you suspect you’re pregnant and have already missed your period.

Home pregnancy tests are fairly reliable. But you may occasionally get a false-positive test. This can occur for a number of reasons, including having a chemical or ectopic pregnancy, or even taking certain medications.

Follow a positive home pregnancy test with a doctor’s visit for a urine or blood test to confirm the pregnancy.

Pregnancy symptoms often mimic PMS symptoms. For example, fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness can be symptoms of both pregnancy and PMS.

But if you’re pregnant, there may be some telltale signs that it’s not PMS. For example, you may experience implantation bleeding.

This is light spotting or bleeding that occurs about 10 to 14 days after conception, usually about a week before your period would usually start. This bleeding will be lighter and stop after one to three days.

Other symptoms like breast tenderness, bloating, and cramps could be symptoms of either PMS or pregnancy. Until you can take a home pregnancy test, it will be difficult to tell what is causing these symptoms.

You should wait at least one to two weeks after you have sex to take a home pregnancy test. That is the earliest the test will detect levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy.

If you take a test too early, it may not yet be able to detect hCG. If possible, you should wait and test the week after you miss your period.

After getting a positive home pregnancy test, see a doctor and let them know. They will be able to confirm the pregnancy and discuss next steps in your prenatal care.

Shop for a home pregnancy test online.

If your period is delayed, it’s not always because of pregnancy. Other causes of a delayed period may include:

• chronic or high stress
• low body weight
• frequent and high intensity exercise
• obesity
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• early perimenopause
• a thyroid condition

If you’re concerned about a delayed period not caused by pregnancy, see a doctor. They can offer tests for the above conditions and treatment.

There’s no way to know for certain if you’re pregnant before missing your period other than taking a home pregnancy test.

Some women do experience symptoms such as fatigue and nausea. These could be PMS symptoms, however. If you still aren’t sure you’re pregnant after taking a home test, see a doctor. They can confirm the pregnancy with a urine or blood test and discuss next steps in your prenatal care.

Last medically reviewed on May 22, 2019

• Parenthood
• Pregnancy

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Butler Tobah Y. (2019). Is implantation bleeding normal in early pregnancy?
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/implantation-bleeding/faq-20058257
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Basal body temperature for natural family planning.
  mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/basal-body-temperature/about/pac-20393026
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust results?
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Symptoms of pregnancy: What happens first.
  mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/art-20043853
• Pregnancy: Am I pregnant? (2019).
  my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant
• Stages of pregnancy. (2019).
  womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/youre-pregnant-now-what/stages-pregnancy
• What are some common signs of pregnancy? (2017).
  nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pregnancy/conditioninfo/signs

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

May 22, 2019

Written By

Jane Chertoff

Edited By

Christina Nagatani

Medically Reviewed By

Debra Sullivan, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, COI

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — By Jane Chertoff on May 22, 2019

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• Can You Get Your Period and Still Be Pregnant?

• Could You Be Pregnant If You Have Cramps, No Period, and White Discharge?

• Cramps but No Period: 7 Early Pregnancy Symptoms

• How to Calculate Your Due Date

• 7 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and More

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• Can You Get Your Period and Still Be Pregnant?

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  Many women claim to still get their period during early pregnancy, but is this possible? Here’s the truth.

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• Could You Be Pregnant If You Have Cramps, No Period, and White Discharge?

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  If you have cramps, white discharge, and no period, you may be wondering if you’re pregnant. Find out more about these and other signs of pregnancy…

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• Cramps but No Period: 7 Early Pregnancy Symptoms

  Medically reviewed by Kimberly Dishman, MSN, WHNP-BC, RNC-OB

  If you’re experiencing cramping but don’t get your period, you might be pregnant. Here are seven common early pregnancy symptoms.

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• How to Calculate Your Due Date

  Learn how to calculate your due date using a pregnancy wheel, Naegele’s rule, and other methods.

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• 7 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and More

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  When you’re 7 weeks pregnant, you may wonder what to expect next. Now that your baby is the size of a blueberry, find out what else you should know.

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• 6 Weeks Pregnant: Symptoms, Tips, and More

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  Although you won’t look pregnant yet, your body is going through many changes by week 6. Symptoms include nausea, constipation, and more.

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7 Early Signs of Pregnancy That Appear Even Before Your Missed Period

• Health

Some “signals” can tell you that you are pregnant – and even before you know that you have a missed period. And one of them is the attitude to coffee.

February 24, 2022

Source:

iStock/Getty Images

The most accurate early signs of pregnancy are missing periods or a positive rapid test. Although they are not one hundred percent likely to say that you are expecting a baby.

So, for various reasons, a pregnancy test can show a false positive or false negative result due to excessive or insufficient concentration of the hCG hormone or, for example, due to the “technical” quality of the test itself.

– Missing periods are not necessarily a sign of pregnancy if you have irregular periods, says Mirror expert Giulia Guerrini. – There may be other reasons for delayed menstruation, such as stress, past illnesses, hormonal failure, and so on.

But there are other early signs of pregnancy that you should pay attention to and which will give a “hint” – even before the delay in menstruation.

Read also

Implantation bleeding

A small amount of blood can be shed in a woman at the time of implantation of a fertilized egg into the endometrium. This sign is considered one of the earliest manifestations of pregnancy, although not all experts agree with this.

So if you have a little spotting before or after your period, it could be a reason to take a pregnancy test.

Pain in the chest

Pregnancy causes a number of hormonal changes in the body, the manifestation of which can be painful sensations in the mammary glands. Giulia Guerrini says that the onset of pregnancy will also be indicated by tingling sensations, darkening of the nipples and veins on the chest, which have suddenly become more noticeable. According to her, these symptoms will disappear when the woman’s body adapts to its new state.

See also

Constant nausea

The very same morning sickness that unfortunate heroines suffer from in dramas about love actually appears no earlier than 4-6 weeks of pregnancy, the expert draws attention. But in the very early stages, it can stir up both day and night – so it is possible that you are pregnant if you feel nausea, for example, in the afternoon.

The timing of nausea, its frequency and severity during pregnancy varies from woman to woman.

Taste change

Another sign of pregnancy is the taste sensations that have suddenly changed. Some foods you hate, others cause incredible cravings. Moreover, disgust suddenly appears to those foods or drinks that used to be especially favorite for you.

– Most often, pregnant women change their attitude to coffee or tea, as well as to foods high in fat – meat, sausage, sour cream, milk, – says the expert.

Fatigue

During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, a woman often feels very tired. This may be due to the fact that pregnant women may have lower blood pressure, lower sugar levels and increased production of the hormone progesterone.

– Adjusting your diet will help – eat more foods rich in protein and iron. Vitamin supplements for pregnant women will also help, recommends Giulia Guerrini.

Read also

You often run to the toilet

– Frequent urination (especially if you often run to the toilet at night) is one of the early signs of pregnancy, although it is not always associated only with this condition of a woman, the expert believes. – The fact is that during pregnancy, the kidneys produce more fluid.

Constipation is also a common problem for pregnant women.

Mood swings

– Sudden emotions and tearfulness are common pregnancy symptoms, especially in the first trimester, says Giulia Guerrini. – Unexpected mood swings happen due to serious hormonal changes in a woman’s body.

Text author: Anna Mayskaya

Early pregnancy symptoms

Early pregnancy symptoms

• January 24, 2022

Not every woman realizes that a new life has already been born inside her. The first signs of pregnancy are easily mistaken for the harbingers of menstruation. Some quickly realize that they should become a mother, and some do not notice any changes in their condition for a long time.

However, if you listen to yourself, it is easy to recognize pregnancy even before the test shows two strips. This will allow you to contact the gynecologist of the Urosvit Medical Center as soon as possible in order to undergo the necessary examination.

When do the first symptoms of pregnancy occur?

In the first days after conception, the body does not give specific signals. Signs of pregnancy in the early stages can be observed no earlier than the 8-10th day from the moment of fertilization of the egg, when the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus and the pregnancy hormone HGL (chorionic gonadotropin) begins to enter the mother’s body. On the 20th day of embryo development (coincides with the first days of delayed menstruation), most women are usually aware of their condition.

When to do the test?

Standard rapid tests determine the content of human chorionic gonadotropin in the urine at 3-4 weeks of pregnancy, that is, 1-2 weeks after fertilization. During this period, it is very important that the body receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals for the development of the baby. This is important because the formation of all organs and systems of the embryo occurs from the first weeks. However, it is strictly forbidden to use even special vitamin-mineral complexes for pregnant women on their own. You need to contact a specialist. So, a qualified gynecologist in Lviv conducts an appointment at the Urosvit medical center.

Reliable signs of pregnancy

After fertilization of the egg and its transition from the fallopian tube to the uterine cavity, a number of hormonal changes occur in the woman’s body, which quickly affect the form of early signs of pregnancy.

Breast enlargement and tenderness

A few days after the expected date of menstruation:

• breasts swell;
• areola of the nipple widens and darkens;
• vesicles on the areola, the so-called tubercles of Montgomery, increase in size.

If swollen breasts cause discomfort and pain during sleep, try wearing a padded bra without wires at night. The mammary glands are designed in such a way that they do not have muscles that could prevent the skin from stretching, therefore, during pregnancy and lactation, it is necessary to wear a bra and change it in accordance with breast augmentation in order to avoid squeezing.

Nausea

Nausea is a possible sign of pregnancy, since the feeling of needing to vomit can cause, in particular, problems with digestion. However, in combination with other symptoms during pregnancy, nausea often signals that there will be a baby in nine months. In the first trimester, this is an absolutely normal, although not entirely pleasant, manifestation of the first symptoms of a woman’s pregnancy. Nausea is more common in the morning and is mild. If it continues during the day and is accompanied by vomiting, you should consult a gynecologist at the Urosvit Medical Center.

Frequent urge to urinate

An early sign of pregnancy is also frequent urination, especially at night. This is due to the increased production of the hCG hormone. To make up for fluid loss and reduce the severity of nausea, you need to drink more water, green tea, compotes, juices, diluted by half with water.

Hypersensitivity to odors

Feelings of nausea can even be triggered by the aroma of morning coffee or perfume. These are also early pregnancy symptoms that may indicate that you are expecting a baby. Some women note increased sensitivity to smells and a sharp change in taste preferences as one of the first signs of pregnancy even before the delay in menstruation in the early stages.

To reduce nausea caused by smells, take frequent walks in the fresh air. While at home, ventilate the room for 5-10 minutes every two hours.

Sleepiness and fatigue

Symptoms of pregnancy in the first weeks also include a decrease in blood pressure and more intense metabolic processes in the body, often provoking severe fatigue. A balanced diet and walks will help to improve the general condition. If in the early stages a woman is haunted by dizziness, we can talk about anemia, that is, a lack of iron, or changes in blood pressure. It is necessary to consult with the doctor of the Urosvit Medical Center.

Delayed menstruation

One of the reliable signs of pregnancy. After fertilization, menstruation stops, as the endometrium creates good conditions for the development of the child. However, menstrual disorders can be associated with stress, diseases of the reproductive organs and hormonal disruptions.

What are the first symptoms of pregnancy?

In addition to direct, there are indirect signs of pregnancy that will help confirm the assumption. They shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Otherwise, you should immediately contact the gynecologist at the Urosvit Medical Center.

• Heaviness in the lower abdomen. The uterus is preparing to receive its new inhabitant, so the blood circulation in it increases, which is accompanied by characteristic sensations in the pelvic area.

• Increased appetite. At the beginning of pregnancy, the body consumes more energy – it is not surprising that you are constantly hungry. However, fast food, sweets and flour should not be lean, especially if the suspicion of pregnancy is confirmed.
• Insomnia. It happens that as a result of hormonal and psychological changes, the expectant mother falls asleep hard and often wakes up at night. In any case, do not take sleeping pills without consulting a doctor at the Urosvit Medical Center.
• Constipation. During pregnancy, increased production of progesterone relaxes the intestinal muscles, which complicates the work of digestion.
• Headache. Due to the same hormones, the expectant mother experiences a headache in the early stages, which can also be one of the signs of pregnancy. It is necessary to consult with the Urosvit gynecologist in order not to miss arterial hypertension.
• Irritability. Many pregnant women complain of emotional instability and mood swings in the early stages.
• Pigmentation of the abdomen. The appearance of a dark strip running from the navel to the lower abdomen also belongs to the list of signs of early pregnancy.
• Leg cramps. If it reduces the calf muscles, this signals pregnancy.
• Thrush. An increase in the amount of vaginal secretion is normal during pregnancy. But if the discharge has become liquid and has acquired a gray-white color with an unpleasant odor, or, conversely, has become cottage cheese or purulent, be sure to consult a doctor at the Urosvit Medical Center. In such cases, the risk of infectious complications increases, in particular, infection of the fetus

Diagnosis of pregnancy is important!

The sooner a woman finds out that she is pregnant, the sooner she needs to be registered with the antenatal clinic. The gynecologist of the Urosvit Medical Center, who will conduct the pregnancy, will eliminate the risk of ectopic pregnancy, hereditary and genetic diseases of the fetus. The specialist will tell you the rules of nutrition and recommend taking special vitamin and mineral complexes for the proper formation of organs and the development of the baby, warn about what changes in the body will occur during this period and indicate the timing of screening examinations to assess the course of pregnancy and fetal development.

Types of pregnancy diagnostics

• Pregnancy test. The level of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) rises gradually, so a standard express pregnancy test will give a reliable result only two weeks after conception.
• Blood test. A laboratory blood test for hCG will provide reliable information starting from the 7th day after the fertilization of the egg.
• ultrasound. Ultrasound examination will confirm the presence of pregnancy not earlier than 3-4 weeks after fertilization.
• Gynecological examination. Having studied the condition of the uterus, the gynecologist of the Urosvit Medical Center will also be able to diagnose pregnancy after implantation of the egg.

Doubt about pregnancy or not – in any case, you need to consult a doctor about your condition with the doctor of the Urosvit medical center, whose doors are open for patients daily at the address: Ivan Ogienko Street, 3.