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Think you might be pregnant? You are not alone! Many women often ponder their
pregnancy status in the first couple of weeks after ovulation.
Chances are you won't experience any true pregnancy symptoms until the time when
you missed your period, or even a week or a few weeks later than this. It may be
even more difficult to determine if you are having signs and symptoms of
pregnancy if you don't regularly monitor your menstrual cycle.
There are however, some telltale signs of early pregnancy that many women
experience.
Sore or Swollen Breasts
This is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. When you are pregnant, your
breasts become excessively sensitive and sore. Even the trickle of the shower
head hitting your breasts may be uncomfortable. This sensitivity is due to
rising levels of hormones. It may feel somewhat like your breasts feel before
your menstrual cycle, only magnified.
Typically breast soreness lasts through the first trimester, and then generally
subsides for a time.
Fatigue
The first trimester is typically one filled with fatigue. Feeling tired all the
time is absolutely normal, especially given the tremendous work your body is
doing to create life! Your body starts producing elevated levels of progesterone
during pregnancy, to help prepare the uterus to maintain a pregnancy for nine
months. The elevated levels of this hormone can contribute to exhaustion.
Fatigue is typically most common during the first and third trimesters, with a
break during the second trimester.
Slight Spotting or Implantation Bleeding
Some women will not get their period, but will have some slight spotting or
brownish staining early in their pregnancy. If an egg is fertilized, it burrows
into the lining of the uterus, usually about six to eight days after
fertilization. This may result in a small amount of bleeding referred to as
“implantation bleeding.” This is not to be mistaken for actual menstrual
bleeding, which is typically heavier and prolonged.
Nausea
Most women will not experience nausea or morning sickness until 2-4 weeks into
their pregnancy, however some will start feeling nauseous right away. Morning
sickness is truly a “misnomer” as a woman might feel nauseous any time of day.
Some will in fact feel ill all day (morning, noon and night!).
Frequent Urination
Most women start having to use the bathroom more frequently shortly after they
become pregnant. Typically this is the result of an increased production of
blood and fluids in the body. Most women will not experience this symptom until
several weeks into their pregnancy, and for some women the need to urinate
frequently becomes worse throughout their pregnancy.
Other Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Other early signs of pregnancy reported by a number of women include:
Menstrual like cramping in the lower abdomen with no bleeding.
Increased sensitivity to odors.
Food aversions.
Elevated body temperature.
Simply feeling “not quite right.”
Of course, the one almost sure fire way most women find they are pregnant is
after they miss their period and take a home pregnancy test. If you are having
symptoms of pregnancy and test the first day after you miss your period, keep in
mind your test may or may not come back positive at that point.
Depending on the sensitivity of the test and the amount of pregnancy hormone in
your body, it may take a few days before you get a positive reading. When you do
get a positive test, be sure to contact your healthcare provider to set up your
first prenatal visit!
