Early Signs Of Pregnancy: 8 Of The Most Common Symptoms

8 Of The Early Signs You Might Be Pregnant

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There are a number of signs that you might be pregnant, many of which can occur quickly after conception. Some women experience them all and some won't notice a single one.

Here are eight of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy.

1. Missed period

This pregnancy symptom is probably the most well known – a MIA period. But don't count on being in baby-free if you've noticed light bleeding, spotting in the first trimester can occur when the fertilised egg is implanted into the lining of the uterus.

2. Fatigue

Feeling tired and run down frequently is associated with a number of medical conditions, but if you can't put your finger on the underlying cause it could be pregnancy. This is due to a change in hormones, with a rise in progesterone to maintain the lining of your womb.

3. Frequent urination

Yep, this common pregnancy complaint starts early. The frequent need to wee usually kicks in around two to three weeks after conception thanks to an increase in the hCG hormone. This hormone is what's tested to determine pregnancy and what causes the full bladder sensation.

4. Morning sickness

Feeling nauseous, with or without vomiting, can also be an indication that you're pregnant. While the label suggests the sensation only occurs in the morning, morning sickness can strike at any time of day and can last all day.

Around 50 to 90 percent of pregnant women suffer from some form of morning sickness but it usually subsides after the first trimester.

5. Food cravings

It's not a myth – intense food cravings are a common sign of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Bizarre combinations of sweet, salty, spicy and sour can be blamed on raging pregnancy hormones interfering with senses of taste and smell.

6. Food aversions

On the other hand, if the mere sight or smell of certain foods are making you retch, it could also be a sign of pregnancy.

7. Bloating and constipation

Feeling blocked up or bloated might also be a sign you're expecting. The pregnancy hormone progesterone relaxes muscle tissue in the gastrointestinal tract, slowing the work of the gut resulting in gas and constipation.

8. Breast changes

While it's normal to have tender and swollen breasts during menstruation, sore boobs are also a sign of pregnancy. The key difference between pregnancy boob pain and period boob pain is that the former doesn't go away, usually getting worse until the end of the first trimester. Some women also notice a tingling sensation around their breasts.

Also keep an eye on your areolas – the area around your nipple can darken in colour as early as one to two weeks after conception. The veins around your boobs might also be more noticeable.

Frances Magiera

Brunch enthusiast and Instagram addict, Frances Magiera loves nothing more than a good book, a glass of rosé and when her online shopping arrives on time. When she’s not hitting the books completing her journalism degree, you’ll find her at the beach, procrastinating from all responsibilities, attempting to exercise and patting other people’s dogs.