Healthcare
Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

There are many signs and symptoms that your body shows if you are pregnant. Interpreting these signals might be a little tricky. Each woman’s case is different, some may not even notice any signs or pregnancy symptoms until a few weeks and some may detect it within a week of conception.
If you are trying to get pregnant then you should keep an eye for early pregnancy signs. Some symptoms of pregnancy that might help you guess whether you have conceived or not include:
- Missed Menstrual Period
Missing a period is the earliest sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is regular then missing your period may be an early indicator. Though it is possible to have spotting or light bleeding even if you are pregnant.
- Feeling Nauseated or Morning Sickness
Another classic and early pregnancy sign is nausea. You might feel nauseous in the morning or at any time of the day. Difficulty keeping food down and throwing up every few hours might be signaling pregnancy. This morning sickness tends to stick around throughout the first trimester.
- Frequent Urination
The urge to pee more frequently than regular is also one of the symptoms of pregnancy. Increased urination starts when you are 6-8 weeks in. This symptom follows throughout the pregnancy and increases as the pregnancy progresses.
The fetus grows and puts pressure on the bladder which results in frequent visits to the bathroom. Another reason for an increase in urine is the elevated blood level in your body which in turn causes the kidneys to process more fluid and it ends up in the bladder.
- Tender and Swollen Breasts
Hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy cause swelling, sensitivity, soreness, and tenderness in breasts. They become larger in the early days of the pregnancy.
- Fatigue
Experiencing fatigue and feeling tired all the time is also cited as an early sign of pregnancy.
- Bloating
Bloating is also caused by the changes in your hormone levels. You will feel similar kind of bloating in your early pregnancy days as experienced at the start of a menstrual period.
- Mood Swings
You may feel extra emotional and sentimental when you are pregnant. You may want to cry and weep unusually. Varying mood swings are also a sign of pregnancy.
- Food Cravings
Food cravings are a very common symptom of pregnancy. Changes in taste are also reported during pregnancy. A pregnant woman may become more sensitive to certain smells and odors.
- Constipation
During pregnancy, the digestive system slows down due to the hormonal changes in the body leading to constipation.
- Spotting and Cramping
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is light bleeding or spotting. This is most likely because of the implantation of the embryo. The embryo is implanted into the uterine wall which causes cramps as well.
- Back pain
Lower back pain during pregnancy can be associated with weight gain, hormonal changes and changes in posture. This is also a common symptom of pregnancy.
- Headaches
A sudden rise in the hormone levels induces headaches. Headaches start early on in the pregnancy as hormonal changes and blood flow increases in the body.
- Shortness of Breath
Your breathing pattern might change as a sign of pregnancy hormones. You tend to get more tired and out of breath frequently. The weight gain puts extra pressure on your lungs leaving you gasping for air.
- Stretch Marks
As the baby grows, stretch marks start to appear around your abdomen and breasts. It may also cause your skin to itch.
- Dizziness
Feeling dizziness and light headed might be because you are pregnant. Low blood pressure and dilated blood vessels cause you to feel dizzy or faint.