Top 7 Pregnancy Symptoms

May 30, 2023

Are you wondering whether or not you’re pregnant? Nausea and a missed period are the most common symptoms, but there are other signs to look out for as well. 

Check out this article to compare your symptoms with those of early pregnancy and learn about your best next steps.

1. Missed Period

A missed period can be the most telling. If your periods are usually regular (every 28 to 30 days), wait a few days before you start to be concerned. Your period can be up to a week late with a regular cycle. 

A missed period is a problematic symptom of determining pregnancy if your periods are irregular. Some women have no specific timeframe for their monthly menstrual cycle. Check these other symptoms to get more information.

It’s normal to experience light bleeding or spotting up to 10-14 days after conception while the embryo is implanted in the uterine lining.

2. Fatigue

If you feel like you can’t make it through the day without napping, fatigue is a common sign of early pregnancy. During the early weeks of pregnancy, progesterone levels rise quickly, which can cause you to feel sleepy. The best solution is to rest as much as possible.

3. Frequent Urination

Although it is not a concern as a standalone symptom, it ranks in the top most-experienced early pregnancy symptoms. The amount of blood in your body increases, causing your kidneys to work extra hard. 

4. Nausea

It’s common to experience nausea and vomiting, also known as “morning sickness,” during the first trimester of pregnancy. This can occur at any time of the day, and the severity can vary from woman to woman.

5. Tender Breasts

Hormonal changes and increased blood flow might make your breasts more sensitive and sore. Your breasts can feel swollen as they prepare for eventual breastfeeding. 

The area around your nipples, known as the Areolas, will also darken.

6. Moodiness

Mood swings or feeling weepy or emotional are not uncommon. Once again, this symptom is attributed to your fluctuating hormones.

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression for an extended period, contact your healthcare provider. 

7. Headaches

Poor sleep, anxiety, dehydration, low blood sugar, or eye strain can trigger headaches during pregnancy. The rise of hormones and blood flow can also lead to headaches.

There are also other early pregnancy symptoms, such as increased acne, backaches, food cravings or aversions, and bloating. Most of these are in the first trimester and disappear as you get later in your pregnancy.

How Do I Confirm If I’m Pregnant?

There is no way to know if you are pregnant unless you take a pregnancy test and confirm the results with an ultrasound. You should wait up to a week after your missed period so your body can produce detectable levels of hCG, the hormone that pregnancy tests are designed to detect. 

Crystal Women’s Clinic offers free lab-quality pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound. Call us with questions about taking an at-home test or schedule an appointment for your free lab-quality test! We are your best first step.