Early Signs That You Are Pregnant

If you’ve been feeling a little “off” lately, more emotional, not really yourself, you might be wondering if you are coming down with the flu, or maybe that nasty cold that has been making the rounds. Have you considered, though, it might be something else? Could you be pregnant? Here are some signs to look for:

If you have had sex since your last period, you could be pregnant. Pregnancies happen every day, despite using contraception. Before you panic, grab a bottle of water, take a seat, relax and get ready to think about these symptoms of pregnancy.

There are quite a few early signs of pregnancy, but many of them can be attributed to other conditions as well. It’s when you recognize several together that it points more strongly toward pregnancy. Keep in mind, you could be pregnant without experiencing or recognizing any of these symptoms.

Most Common Signs of Pregnancy

• Fatigue: This can start as early as one week after conception and is thought to be due to the hormone progesterone together with lowered blood sugar, lower blood pressure and increased blood production.
• Food, cravings or aversions: Another sign you can thank the hormones for. These aversions and cravings can last the entire pregnancy, can change, or might end by the 13th or 14th week. Beware, this is not limited to eating food, but certain smells can also trigger nausea and vomiting.
• Increased urination: Usually begins around the sixth week after conception.
• Missed period: The most common symptom of pregnancy. There can be spotting and cramping when the embryo implants into the uterine wall. This could happen between 6-12 days after the egg is fertilized.
• Nausea and vomiting: Also called morning sickness, although it doesn’t have to happen in the morning. It can be afternoon, evening or constant.
• Tender and/or swollen breasts: As with other signs, this is due mainly to hormones and will ease in a few weeks.

Less Common Signs of Pregnancy

• Backaches: Like so many other signs, this is linked to hormones and stress.
• Bloating: This also is due to hormones and is similar to the feeling at the beginning of your menstrual period.
• Headaches: This might be caused by the increased volume of blood your body is busy producing.
• Mood swings: This is common thanks to hormones, especially during the first three months.
• Dizziness: This could happen as a result of dilating blood vessels, low blood pressure, and/or low blood sugar.
• Constipation: This, too, is due to increased levels of progesterone, although not everyone will experience this.
• Darkening of the areolas: The area around the nipple may get larger and darker in color.

Schedule a Pregnancy Test

If you suspect you could be pregnant, make an appointment to come to Willow Womens Center for a no-cost pregnancy test. If it is positive, we will offer you an ultrasound to determine viability of the pregnancy and how far along the pregnancy is. A positive pregnancy test alone is not conclusive.

At Willow Womens Center, we care about you holistically: physically, emotionally, spiritually and want to support you in all of those areas. We are committed to helping you consider all your options, giving you unbiased information and answering your questions.