Early Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

While a missed period is one of the most classic early pregnancy symptoms, there are actually a ton of other signs that a positive pregnancy test may be in your future. We asked our readers what some of their signs and symptoms of early pregnancy were, and some of the answers may surprise you.

Here are some signs and symptoms of early pregnancy that our readers reported:

Nausea and vomiting

While “morning sickness” is most commonly associated with early pregnancy, nausea and vomiting can actually happen at any time of day. If you’re feeling nauseous, try drinking a ginger tea or nibbling on some ginger snaps.

Fatigue

Feeling exhausted all the time is another one of those early pregnancy symptoms that can be confusing. After all, don’t we all feel tired sometimes? But if you’re noticing that you’re extra fatigued and you can’t seem to get rid of it no matter how much rest you get, it could be an early sign of pregnancy.

Bloating

Many women report feeling bloated early on in their pregnancy. This is likely due to the hormone progesterone, which relaxes smooth muscle tissue throughout your body, including in your digestive tract. This can lead to constipation and gas, both of which can contribute to bloating.

Food cravings or aversions

Hormones can also cause food cravings or aversions. If you find yourself suddenly wanting (or not wanting) certain foods, it could be an early sign of pregnancy.

Breast changes

Another early symptom of pregnancy is changes in your breasts. Many women report feeling their breasts become more tender or sensitive. You may also notice that your nipples are darker or that your breasts are larger. These changes are due to the increased levels of hormones in your body.

Mood swings

If you find yourself feeling inexplicably sad or angry, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. Hormones can wreak havoc on your emotions, and you may find yourself crying for no reason or feeling more irritable than usual.

Frequent urination

If you find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more often than usual, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. This is due to the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is produced in large quantities during early pregnancy.

Headaches

Many women report headaches as an early pregnancy symptom. These can be due to the increased levels of hormones in your body or from the extra stress of being pregnant. If you’re struggling with headaches, try drinking plenty of fluids and getting some rest.

Constipation or diarrhea

Changes in your digestive system are another common early symptom of pregnancy. Hormones can slow down your digestion, which can lead to constipation. Alternatively, you may find yourself dealing with diarrhea. If you’re struggling with either of these, try to eat nutritious foods and drink plenty of fluids.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, it’s possible that you could be pregnant. The best way to confirm a pregnancy is with a test from your doctor or a home pregnancy test.

These are just a few of the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, the best thing to do is take a home pregnancy test or make an appointment with your doctor.

Pregnancy can be a very exciting time, but it can also be confusing and overwhelming. If you’re feeling lost or need some help navigating this new stage in your life, we’re here for you.

Have you already seen our pregnancy due date calculator? If you are pregnant and need to find out your due date, you can use it!.