Not knowing whether you are pregnant can be a cause of stress and confusion for many women. You probably have so many thoughts running through your head as you consider your options, unsure of what to do next. You may be looking for answers, especially if you believe you may be experiencing small changes in your body.

In the early stages of pregnancy, your body can show certain symptoms that signal to you that you may be pregnant. In this blog, we will discuss some of those early signs of pregnancy and what to do next!

A Missed Period

The most obvious early sign of pregnancy is your missed period. Of all early signs of pregnancy, surveys show that 29% of women report that a missed period was the first one they noticed. However, a late period is not always cause for alarm. Stress, illness and other outside factors can also cause your period to be late. Nevertheless, if you notice that you are late, it might be time to take a pregnancy test.

Nausea and Vomiting

You have probably heard that morning sickness is a common early symptom of pregnancy, and it is true. Many women deal with nausea and vomiting as their bodies adjust to the radically changing hormones. Luckily, not everyone experiences morning sickness, so you might be lucky enough to avoid it. Even for those who experience it, morning sickness typically subsides by week 14 of the pregnancy.

Mood Swings

Mood swings, like morning sickness, are caused by your body’s hormone changes during the first trimester. They are defined as extreme or rapid changes in mood or demeanor. If you are experiencing frequent, unexplained mood swings, it could be a sign of early pregnancy.

Spotting and Cramping

After conception, there is a chance you will deal with spotting. This is typically called implantation bleeding, which occurs between six and 12 days after the egg is fertilized. You may also experience some cramping similar to menstrual cramps. In fact, many women mistake these cramps, along with spotting, as the start of their monthly period.

Breast Changes

Changes to your breasts could also be a sign of pregnancy. You might notice that your breasts are swollen, sore, tender, or heavier than usual. This can occur as early as one week after conception and is caused, once again, by your changing hormone levels. This is another common symptom that could be associated with PMS or your monthly period, so keep that in mind as you assess your other symptoms.

Headache and Back Pain

It is common for women to experience frequent headaches and back pain early in their pregnancy. An isolated headache could be just that – a headache. But if you experience these symptoms at an unusually high rate, you might be pregnant, so be mindful of these changes to your body.

Fatigue

Many women notice the onset of fatigue or tiredness as early as the first week of their pregnancy. Most women feel more tired than usual at some point during the first trimester. By the end of the second trimester, most of the fatigue will subside.

When do Early Signs of Pregnancy Start?

Because each woman’s menstrual cycle is different, you will not encounter exactly the same early symptoms of pregnancy as everyone else. In most cases, women notice various early signs of pregnancy around the fifth week after conception. With that said, you might see your first signs of pregnancy within the first week. That’s why it is so important for you to be in tune with your body, so you can spot these symptoms early.

After Experiencing Early Signs of Pregnancy

After you experience any of the previously mentioned pregnancy symptoms, you might want to consider taking a pregnancy test. It is recommended that you wait at least a week after your missed period to take a pregnancy test since that will give you a more accurate reading. That said, the longer you wait after your missed period to take a test, the more accurate that test will be.

It is completely normal to feel scared or worried when you see early signs of pregnancy. If you don’t feel comfortable taking a home pregnancy test, you can take one for free at Mya Women’s Center. We can also perform a free ultrasound after you have a positive pregnancy test in our center. You are not alone. Make your appointment today!

Dr. Richard A. Zinni

D.O. Certified In Internal Medicine

The content on this page has been reviewed and approved by our Medical Director: Dr. Richard A. Zinni