To confirm a pregnancy, you will need to visit your OB-GYN or primary care physician for a blood test or ultrasound. Though these tests can give you 100% confirmation, there are other symptoms you can look for. In this article, we discuss some early signs that may indicate you’re pregnant.
Tender & Swollen Breasts
One of the first changes you may experience in early pregnancy involves your breasts: Fluctuating hormones can cause breast tissue to become sensitive and sore. Don’t worry; this won’t last forever. After a few weeks, your body should naturally adjust, and the pain associated with inflammation should dissipate.
Spotting & Cramping
When the sperm fertilizes an egg, the egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, which can cause spotting and cramping. It’s often subtle, and some women don’t notice any changes. Still, others may mistake the process for the beginning of their period.
Fatigue
Fatigue is common throughout pregnancy – you are growing a whole human inside you, after all! But, the fatigue may be more intense during the first few weeks. At the beginning of a pregnancy, your body produces extra progesterone, which causes your basal body temperature to rise. This can quickly deprive you of energy. Additionally, your heart is pumping faster to ensure the right amount of oxygen gets to the uterus.
Areola Color Change
Another early pregnancy change due to hormones is the darkening and widening of the skin around your nipples. This is common during the first month of pregnancy and may persist for the remaining months. Your nipples should return to their normal color and size post-pregnancy (unless you plan on breastfeeding, which is a topic for another day!).
Food Cravings & Aversions
Some women say that cravings are the best part of pregnancy, while aversions are the worst. One can make you love a strange new food, while the other can make you nauseous at the slight scent of your favorite snack. You may be pregnant if you crave weird combinations (like a tortilla pizza with crushed Oreos and caramel syrup). Likewise, if you open a jar of mayo and immediately feel sick to your stomach, you may be pregnant. Be on the lookout for these strange reactions to foods.
Additional Early-Pregnancy Symptoms
Additional signs that may indicate you’re pregnant include:
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Bloating in the belly
- Excessive gas
- Mood swings
- Metallic taste in the mouth