While many women have no idea they are pregnant until the test turns positive, others experience some very early signs of pregnancy. Like other pregnancy symptoms, these vary from woman to woman; however, there are some common first trimester pregnancy signs to look for.
Shortness of Breath
As your baby grows, he or she will need oxygen, leaving you a little short of breath when you climb a long flight of stairs. This symptom is mild early on, but may exacerbate as your pregnancy progresses.
Breast Tenderness
Your breasts may feel heavy, achy and larger than usual, similar to how they might feel when you have PMS. You might also notice that your nipples are larger and darker.
Nausea and Vomiting
This is one of the most recognizable early signs of pregnancy. You’ve heard it called “morning sickness,” but this unpleasant symptom can strike at any time of day. Nausea and vomiting can begin as early as three weeks after conception. According to a survey by the American Pregnancy Association, about 25 percent of women first knew they were pregnant because of this symptom.
Mood Swings
Some women experience emotional turmoil shortly after they conceive, ranging from irritation and anger to sadness and crying jags. It’s often described as an amplified form of PMS.
Fatigue
Not only does the extra blood pumping through your veins make you tired, but the progesterone that helps your body prepare for your growing baby lowers your basal body temperature, leaving you drained of energy.
Frequent Urination
While this symptom is often associated with later pregnancy, when the growing baby begins to press on the bladder, the fact is that frequent urination can hit within the first few weeks. That’s because your body creates extra fluids during pregnancy, leaving you unable to sleep through the night without a trip to the bathroom.
Headaches
The change in hormones can lead to headaches, especially if you are prone to headaches around the time of menstruation. If you think you may be pregnant, reach for acetaminophen instead of ibuprofen if you need over-the-counter pain relief.
Lightheadedness
If you find yourself feeling dizzy or faint, early pregnancy hormones could be the culprit. Some women experience a drop in blood pressure during pregnancy, which can also lead to this symptom.
Bloating, Cramps and Backache
While these early signs of pregnancy are often chalked up to PMS, they can also be caused by the loosening and stretching of ligaments to accommodate your growing baby.
Learn More About Pregnancy
If you think you may be pregnant, or if you are interested in becoming pregnant in the near future, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at South Lake OB/GYN in Clermont. Our gynecological professional can tell you all there is to know about the early signs of pregnancy. Contact our office today to book your consultation.