Common early pregnancy symptoms include:
- A missed period
- Sore or tender breasts
- Nausea (often called morning sickness)
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
If you’re experiencing any or all of these symptoms, you could be pregnant! Keep reading to learn more.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
While each woman’s experience with pregnancy is different, there are a number of symptoms most women experience. Here are the most common symptoms and how you might experience them.
A Missed Period
If a week or more has passed since your menstrual cycle should have started, you might be pregnant. This is especially true if your cycle is typically very regular. If your cycle isn’t regular, this can be a false alarm, which is why you should evaluate if you’re experiencing other symptoms.
Sore or Tender Breasts
Hormonal changes early in pregnancy produce new tissue in your breasts which can make them feel sore. The discomfort typically decreases as the pregnancy progresses and your body adjusts.
Nausea/Morning Sickness
Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at any point during the day or night. This symptom often starts after you’ve been pregnant for a month or two, and the cause of morning sickness isn’t entirely clear to experts. Most believe pregnancy hormones play a role.
Increased Urination
Did you know the amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy? This causes your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder, resulting in the need to urinate more frequently.
Fatigue
A rapid rise in the levels of progesterone, a hormone necessary for your pregnancy to continue, is likely the cause of fatigue in the early weeks and months of pregnancy. It can cause sleepiness and sluggishness.
When Should I Take a Pregnancy Test?
It’s possible to experience symptoms in the list above but not be pregnant. That’s why it’s important to take a pregnancy test.
The best time to take a pregnancy test is one week after your missed period. After receiving a positive at-home pregnancy test, it’s best to confirm the results with a healthcare professional because sometimes the result can be wrong.
Schedule a No-Cost Pregnancy Test
We offer pregnancy testing and ultrasounds at AscentCare so you don’t have to wonder. We can confirm the results of your at-home test and also offer educational resources on all your pregnancy options.
Contact us to schedule your no-cost appointment today!