When you become pregnant, your body goes through many changes to prepare it for carrying your baby for the next nine months. Symptoms of early pregnancy are associated with hormonal changes that begin as soon as you conceive. Although early signs of pregnancy can vary from woman to woman, keep in mind that conditions other than pregnancy can cause the following symptoms as well. If you have been sexually active and suspect you are pregnant, it is important to see your health care provider so you can get the appropriate prenatal care.
Missed Period
Also called amenorrhea, a missed period is usually the first sign of pregnancy. If an egg fails to be fertilized during ovulation, the uterus lining sheds and a monthly period, or menstruation, begins. When you conceive, the lining does not shed, causing a missed period. On the other hand, if you do experience slight bleeding or spotting of a lighter color, this might also mean pregnancy. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is called implantation bleeding and can happen 10 to 14 days after conception. This bleeding will be slightly earlier than your normal period.
Upset Stomach
Commonly called morning sickness, nausea at any time of day is attributed to a rapid increase of the hormone estrogen. You may or may not vomit and this symptom can begin as early as two weeks into the pregnancy. Other gastrointestinal issues include constipation, craving or experiencing a sudden distaste for certain foods.
Fatigue
The Mayo Clinic also lists fatigue and tiredness as one of the early classic symptoms of pregnancy. Due to increased hormone progesterone, lower blood sugar levels and increasing blood production to supply the fetus with, energy can be drained.
Skin Changes
Areolas, the skin around your nipples, may turn slightly darker. Nipples can also become more pronounced along with the whole breast feeling tender and fuller. The vaginal skin may seem more darker because of increased blood circulation to that area as well.
Other Possible Symptoms
Other symptoms that you may or may not experience include abdominal cramps, headaches, dull backaches, increased moodiness, feeling dizzy or faint and extra trips to the bathroom because of urinary frequency. None of the symptoms above can determine pregnancy 100 percent, therefore if you experience some or all of the above, you should call your doctor to set up an appointment for confirmation.
