Knowing whether or not you are pregnant, especially early on, can be difficult. Even the most obvious of signs can seem deceiving. Certain symptoms are a dead give-away though, and when combined with other symptoms, there is no way to deny that you are expecting a bundle of joy in the near future.
Feeling Tired
According to iVillage.com, once conception has taken place, your body begins to go through metabolic changes that helps it prepare for your growing baby. These changes in your metabolism can cause extreme exhaustion quite rapidly. Another culprit is the sudden spike in your progesterone levels. An increase in this hormone can make you feel sleepy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Darker Nipples
This occurs early in your pregnancy, around the time your period would be arriving. Your areola, the dark area around your nipple, begins to darken and get larger; this is your body's way of preparing for breastfeeding. According to iVillage.com, the darker areola helps your newborn find the nipple.
Increased Urination
If you find yourself suddenly having to use the bathroom more often and know you haven't increased the amount of liquids you are drinking, it may be a sign of pregnancy. Once conception takes place, your body begins to fill with extra blood and bodily fluids needed to support both you and your baby throughout your pregnancy. The excess fluid is then sent to your kidneys for processing and passed on to your bladder for excretion.
Odor Sensitivity
You may begin to notice a heightened sensitivity to the smell of certain foods, most of which will repulse you and trigger your gag reflex, making you nauseous. According to BabyCenter.com, an exact cause for this has not been determined, however it is believed that increased levels of estrogen are to blame. While this sensitivity typically applies to foods you already have a distaste for, you may soon find it includes foods you usually enjoy as well.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is one of the first signs that you may be pregnant, and is one of the most common. According to the Mayo Clinic, it can happen at any time of the day, despite its name, and can affect every woman differently. Some may experience nausea alone, while others suffer from both nausea and vomiting.
