Waiting to see if you missed your period can make time feel like it’s slowed down. Rest assured, even though you want to know now, you will find out very soon.
During pregnancy, the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) begins to build up in your blood and urine. However, it can take time to reach detectable levels and deliver a positive pregnancy test result.
Some women may begin to experience early pregnancy symptoms before this even happens. Keep reading to learn about many signs and symptoms women can notice.
When you are ready to take a pregnancy test, schedule an appointment at The Open Door. We offer pregnancy testing for free.
Here are eight early pregnancy signs and symptoms you may notice.
1. Nausea with or without Vomiting
You may start to feel nauseous at the beginning of your pregnancy, which is known as “morning sickness.” Hormones are likely to blame for this very well-known symptom. It can happen at any time of day, vary in severity, and some women will not experience it at all.
2. Increased Urination
You may find yourself running to the restroom more than you usually do. This is because your blood volume increases by almost 50% when pregnant. More blood in your body means that your kidneys process more fluid, leading to more urine in your bladder.
3. Fatigue
You may feel exhausted, especially during the first 14 weeks and toward the end of pregnancy. This symptom is common, and you may need to rest more than usual.
4. Food Aversions or Cravings
If foods and drinks you used to enjoy, like broccoli, spinach, and coffee, no longer appeal to you at all, you could be experiencing a food aversion. You could also crave pickles, sweets, or foods you may not have cared about before pregnancy. These symptoms are likely due to hormones.
5. Tender, Swollen Breasts
Your breasts may feel sensitive and sore like they might before a period. This symptom can subside as you adjust to the hormone levels. You may also notice your breasts enlarging and areolas darkening (the areas around your nipples).
6. Bloating
You may also feel bloated like you could at the beginning of your period due to hormonal changes.
7. Spotting
When the fertilized egg implants in the lining of your uterus, spotting can occur. This is also known as implantation bleeding. It can be confusing because it happens around when you’d expect your period. However, it’s usually light and stops after one day.
8. Missed Period
A missed period is the most noticeable sign of pregnancy if you have regular periods. After missing your period, it will be time to take a pregnancy test. If you have irregular periods, this sign can be harder to spot. Instead, take a pregnancy test 36 days after your last period or four weeks after you had sex.
Additional pregnancy signs and symptoms include moodiness, constipation, cramping, and nasal congestion.
Schedule a Pregnancy Testing Appointment
Every woman will experience a different mixture of pregnancy signs and symptoms. Some women experience them all, and some may only notice a missed period.
Visit The Open Door Pregnancy & Family Resource Center for a free and confidential pregnancy testing appointment. We can help you find out for sure.