If you have been trying to conceive, it can be hard to wait to take an in-home pregnancy test or await results from a blood test at your doctor’s office. The same hormones that are measured in both of these tests are also responsible for some early pregnancy symptoms in some women. Though not all new moms-to-be will experience every symptom, and some moms may not experience any, here are a list of some early pregnancy symptoms to watch for:
Sore Breasts
Some moms swear they knew they were pregnant based on the soreness of their breasts. You may notice tenderness when dressing. You may also notice a heavy feeling, or even a darkening of some areas of the breasts. Some women even notice the veins in their breasts are more apparent during this time and throughout the remainder of the pregnancy.
Fatigue
Sudden and severe exhaustion can happen in response to increasing hormones in the pregnant woman’s body. Some moms find they need a lot more sleep or simply physically tire more quickly. This fatigue can last through the first trimester and is very normal.
Morning Sickness
Though not only confined to mornings, as the term suggests, morning sickness is a common early indicator of pregnancy. Around six weeks is the most common time for the nausea to start. For some it will taper off at the end of the first trimester, and for others it may last longer. In rare cases, it can last throughout the entire pregnancy.
Frequent Bathroom Breaks
Pregnancy causes the body to produce, and therefore need to, eliminate extra fluids. In early pregnancy, frequent urination is common. It is not uncommon for the newly pregnant woman to be up several times during the night to empty her bladder.
Headaches
Extra fluids and shifting hormones can cause headaches early on in pregnancy. If pregnancy is suspected, but not yet confirmed, be sure to take acetaminophen, not ibuprofen for the pain.
Uterine Cramping
Before you convince yourself that you are not pregnant and your period is about to arrive, know that cramping can be a normal part of early pregnancy. The uterus must stretch and grow to accommodate a growing baby, and even implantation of a brand new pregnancy can cause cramping.
Food Aversions and Cravings
If you suddenly cannot eat enough hard boiled eggs, or out of the blue find even the thought of hamburger repulsive, it could be an early pregnancy symptom. These cravings and aversions can change over the course of the pregnancy and with each pregnancy.
Mood Swings
Much like PMS, early pregnancy can cause mood swings. If you suddenly find yourself very angry, or even tears over something small, your mood could be trying to tell you something.
Increased Sense of Smell
If taking out the trash or cleaning up after Fido has always been your chore, and now your nose can’t take it anymore, you could be pregnant. Many women notice a heightened scent of smell during pregnancy.
If you think you may be experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, it might be time to call the best obstetrician The Woodlands has to offer. Make an appointment with a doctor at The Woodlands OBGYN Associates today.
