If you’re searching for signs of pregnancy then you’re not alone. Even during my pregnancy journey, I was looking for early symptoms to predict.
In this post, you can find out the signs and most common symptoms of pregnancy before the pregnancy kit can detect them.
These are the 20 common signs and symptoms of pregnancy.
Every pregnancy is different. Some may experience different signs of pregnancy depending upon their body condition and how
It need not be the same but below listed are some of the common signs all ladies would experience.
Nausea and Vomiting:
One of the most common symptoms during pregnancy. This may cause discomfort throughout the day. And some may experience morning sickness.
It is one of the early signs of pregnancy. You may feel unpleasant throughout the day and may lose your appetite.
For some, it can last up to 16 to 20 weeks of pregnancy and it doesn’t put the baby at an increased risk.
I experienced nausea in the morning times till my second trimester but there was no vomiting throughout my pregnancy which is normal for some.
Digestion problem:
If you’re having a continuous digestion problem then the credit goes to progesterone hormone which creates smooth muscle relation and causes slow digestion in small and large intestines.
It immensely changes our bodies and leads to digestion problems.
And also due to the growth of the uterus in the stomach which can press on or even block parts of the digestive tract. This can lead to slow movement of food and causes indigestion.
If you’re experiencing this symptom please don’t take any medications until you consult with a Doctor.
Tender breasts and sore nipples:
You may experience tender breasts within one or two weeks after conception. It is one of the early signs of pregnancy.
And your body is making an enormous amount of estrogen and progesterone which makes breasts grow bigger.
Due to growth in breast size, the veins become more noticeable under the skin.
The area around the nipples becomes darker and larger. Small bumps are seen around the areola area. Which prepares for the excretion of milk for the newborn.
So, if you have this symptom then it will be a good reason for you to take a pregnancy test.
Mood swings and irritability:
Mood swings are very common during the first trimester and third trimester.
I experienced a roller coaster ride when mood swings where I would be happy for a minute and then I would feel like crying in a river the next minute.
This is mainly caused due to fluctuations in hormones for accommodating the growing life inside you.
Moreover, you may feel like PMS which happens every month. Some frustration and irritability occur during
Frequent urination:
Frequent urination is an early sign of pregnancy symptoms. It mainly occurs due to changes in hormones and pressure on the bladder while the uterus is growing to accommodate the baby’s growth.
Due to fluctuations in hormone levels, the liquid in the body starts to increase drastically. This might lead to kidney functioning some extra shifts than usual.
This symptom occurs in the first trimester and then later appears during the third trimester. Similarly, during the last few weeks of pregnancy which is above 35 weeks, you may struggle to empty the urine bladder.
Although it can be annoying due to frequent trips to the restrooms. It is advised to drink water throughout the day to keep you hydrated. You can consider this sign for detecting pregnancy at an early stage.
Food cravings and aversions:
You may start to feel food cravings as early as 5 weeks into pregnancy (First trimester). And it gets even stronger during the second trimester.
Some of the most common cravings during pregnancy are as follows,
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- Chocolate
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- Lemons
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- Sweets
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- Pickle
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- Ice cream
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- Spicy foods
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- Peanut butter
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- Fatty foods
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- Sour foods
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- Fruits juices
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- Dairy products
These cravings can start in the first trimester due to an increase in HCG (Human chorionic Gonadotropin) hormone which increases the senses of taste and smell in pregnancy. And cravings heightened during the second trimester and eased a little in the last trimester.
Fatigue:
One of the most common signs of pregnancy is feeling tired throughout the day. Especially while waking up in the morning hours from bed. And when you get back home in the evening time.
While having a long working schedule in the office and you feel exhausted completely and feel like lying all day in bed. This is due to the changes that are happening in our bodies.
Increase in body temperature:
Yes, you heard me right, you may feel the temperature rise. Making you feel warmer to the touch.
And sometimes you may even feel hotter and sweaty at night time.
According to gynaecologists, the rise in body temperature from baseline would be up to 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
The changes occur due to an increase in blood production for a growing baby. About 50% of blood volume increases for the accommodation of baby growth. The metabolism changes also lead to a rise in temperature.
Lower back pain:
According to some research, about two-thirds of pregnant women may experience low back pain.
Generally, it occurs due to the growing abdomen placing strain on the back muscles and changes in posture.
Mainly the low back pain symptoms are as follows,
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- Stiffness in back
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- Extension of pain while bending forward
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- Achy or dull pain in the back
If you’re facing immense pain in your lower back please seek a doctor’s advice.
Implantation bleeding :
About 6-12 days after conception, some may experience vaginal spotting with or without mild cramps. Which most women might think is that time of the month.
Implementation bleeding is normal in most conditions and you need not worry if there is any problem with you and your baby.
This symptom occurs only in 25% of women as per research. Many might not experience implantation bleeding or spotting.
Bloating:
This is the most common symptom that occurs even before missed first periods.
This symptom is most similar to periods of bloating.
In early pregnancy, the progesterone hormones increase for the preparation of the uterus. Which causes the digestion process due to a trap of gas in the intestines that may cause abdominal bloating.
Insomnia or unusual sleeping pattern:
Now you may find yourself in the usual sleeping pattern from your schedule. Whereas if you’re usually an energetic person then you would feel like taking a nap for some time and then the next moment you would be awakened after long hours of sleep.
On some days you would be found wide awake at night and trying hard to sleep. All the credit goes to hormonal changes in the body.
Due to these changes in the sleeping pattern, your body might get easily exhausted at the office or in your routine.
Nasal stuffiness or bleeding from the nose:
Some pregnant women might feel more congested during early pregnancy. This condition according to gynaecologists is known as non-allergic rhinitis.
If you have underlying conditions like asthma or allergies before pregnancy then you might have the symptom, even more, worse during pregnancy.
This symptom can last up to a week or so. If you have severe conditions then it is advised to meet a doctor for consultation.
Furthermore, some might get a nosebleed during early pregnancy due to an increase in blood volume and hormonal changes
Excessive passing of gas:
When you’re pregnant, you might feel like burping all the time.
Due to the secretion of high levels of progesterone hormones, your body experiences muscle relaxation which leads to changes in the intestine.
Therefore, excessive gas passage takes place which is normal during pregnancy.
Increased vaginal discharge :
You might experience increased vaginal discharge like clear, thin and white with a mild odour. This discharge protects the uterus from any infections.
It is normal to get more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This symptom occurs about 10 to 12 days after your conception. You might be mistaken for ovulation discharge.
Changed bowel movement:
This sign will last until the third trimester when muscles in the intestine might happen to contract and lead to difficulty in bowel movement.
Difficulty in digestion and feeling fullness which might lead to constipation.
And even some might have diarrhoea or loose stool in the first trimester. This is due to hormonal changes in our bodies.
Metal taste in the mouth:
Changes in your sense of taste are commonly called dyspepsia during pregnancy. It causes some bitter or metallic senses of taste due to estrogen.
Due to this, you might lose your appetite or have tasteless sensations. This can occur during the initial stage of pregnancy.
This sensation may appear from 9 weeks of pregnancy and can change the food preferences in day-to-day activities.
For some, it can disappear within the 15th week of pregnancy.
Heartburn :
Occurrence of acid reflux in the body due to the growth of uterus which tends to press on stomach portion.
In most pregnant women this symptom may show up in the second or third trimester only.
Certain foods can trigger heartburn during pregnancy such as,
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- Highly seasoned or spicy food
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- Fried or fatty foods
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- Processed meats
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- Chocolate
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- Caffeine
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- Carbonated beverages
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- Mint
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- Citrus
You might find the differences while consuming these foods with more acid reflux.
Bleeding gums :
During pregnancy in some conditions due to plaque bacteria (gingivitis) bleeding gums occurs.
In recent times, according to research, nearly 12% of pregnant ladies are affected by this symptom due to changes in hormones.
If you have severe gum bleeding then it is advisable to get a doctor’s concern for this condition.
Headache and dizziness:
Headache is one of the most common during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters. It appears sometime throughout the day.
And also kindly discuss with your doctor if you have a headache predominantly.
I hope these listed signs of pregnancy could help you to predict the early pregnancy before or after missed periods.
If you have more of these kinds of symptoms then it is recommended to do a pregnancy test for confirmation.
If you want to contact me for any clarifications
Then please contact me.