Written by Candace Inge

Many women are super attuned to their bodies while others may not be as attuned. Either way, don’t feel like there is something supernatural or wrong with you. Some women have every pregnancy symptom imaginable while some women have none. Bottom line, every person’s’ body is different, but there are some common signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Some pregnancy symptoms, however, are similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is important if you are pregnant, or think you are pregnant to see your doctor or midwife.

Good nutrition and a balanced diet should be started before you start trying to conceive but if it has not, talk to your doctor or midwife about changes you may need to make. Before beginning any new diet or exercise routines, always consult your doctor or midwife.

Early Pregnancy Signs and Symptoms:

1.Missing your period- This is usually the most obvious symptom. This is not being late, this means the entire period all 5, 6, or 7 days your period normally lasts has come and gone. Some spotting and cramping during early pregnancy is still normal so if you think you are pregnant, you should take a home pregnancy test and/or call your doctor or midwife for a blood test. Spotting and cramping often throws women for a loop because they just attribute it to PMS. If you notice that this is not in following with your normal cycle symptoms in any way, it may be worth taking a home pregnancy test just to be sure.

2.Tender, tingly, or swollen breasts- Often this is one of the first symptoms detected in pregnancy, as early as 2 weeks. Some women say their breasts are so sore that they could hardly stand it while others may just seem more aware of their breasts. They may seem fuller to you or your partner.

3.Fatigue- As your progesterone level rises you become increasingly more tired. You may find yourself going to bed unusually early or napping from time to time and that is ok. Listen to your body when it is telling you that you need rest.

4.Morning sickness- This is not just something than can affect women just in the morning. Some women experience their nausea in the evenings, some have it all day. This can be accompanied with vomiting in some cases.

Nausea Tips: Be sure you are staying well hydrated, try eating some ginger or drinking ginger tea. Start your day with food that is easy on your stomach like oatmeal, saltines, or toast. There are also wrist bands such as Sea Band Mama and PSI Bands that can be worn to combat nausea. If your nausea and/or vomiting is severe, it is best to contact your doctor or midwife for help.

5. Constipation- As your increasing progesterone not only makes you tired, it can also slow your digestion, thus causing constipation. If you feel your constipation is severe you may want to contact your doctor or midwife. They may suggest foods like prunes or other dried fruits but they may also want to see you for a quick check up.

6. Food aversions or cravings- this is also caused by your ever fluctuating hormones. Your favorite food may become your worst enemy during early pregnancy. You may also find yourself craving some things you never liked before.

7. Mood swings- Hello hormones! Your body is changing a lot and very quickly in order to grow your little miracle so don’t stress if a commercial makes you cry. You are not alone.

8. Fainting or dizziness- In addition to your fluctuating hormones, your blood pressure may lower as well as your blood sugar. It is not uncommon to feel light headed in early pregnancy but if you do faint, contact your doctor or midwife immediately as they may want to do some routine monitoring.

9. Headache- With the hormonal changes and potential blood sugar and blood pressure changes you may find yourself having headaches. For a lot of women these go away as their pregnancy progresses. It is not proven safe to take most headache medications during pregnancy so be sure to ask your doctor or midwife what is safe if your headache it severe enough with a need to take something for it.

10. Increased Basal Body Temperature (BBT)- many of you reading this may have been monitoring your BBT while trying to conceive. Typically, your BBT stays slightly elevated if you did conceive but the only way of truly knowing, is to take a pregnancy test.

11. I feel pregnant- This goes back to how attuned you are with your body. Some women just have the feeling that they are pregnant while other women may not think they are. Maybe you  just ever so slightly, have one or more of the symptoms above? Listen to your body and take a pregnancy test if you have any inkling that you may be pregnant.

If you started by taking a home pregnancy test, your doctor or midwife will likely want to do either a urine or blood test in their office. Once pregnancy is confirmed, you will be set up for your first ultrasound which typically takes place around 6-8 weeks. Congratulations! Now go share the news with your partner!