Pregnancy is a beautiful experience but identifying the first few symptoms might be challenging sometimes. Each woman’s experience of pregnancy varies, but there are signs that suggest you may be pregnant. Such signs, therefore, can assist you take further action to help establish your pregnancy and commence with prenatal services. Below are the 10 early signs of pregnancy that should encourage you to consult your doctor.

Missed Period

The first and probably the most apparent symptom of pregnancy is the failure to observe the menstrual cycle. If you are on a fixed schedule and you have not had your period in a while, then don’t rule out pregnancy yet. But stress, hormones, or even some changes in your life can lead to the irregular periods as well, so it’s important to pay attention to other signs as well.

Tender or Swollen Breasts

During the early phase of pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations in the body causes the breasts to become tender, hard or lumpy. You may also find that your nipples are more pigmented than usual or that they become sensitive to touch than before. This symptom starts from the first week after conception particularly one to two weeks hence and is usually one of the first signs of pregnancy.

Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired? Tiredness is one of the first pregnancy symptoms that is caused by raised levels of progesterone in the body. Although this hormone is helpful in maintaining your pregnancy it makes you feel very tired at most times. If you are stomped in tired without any reason, it may be time for a pregnancy test.

Nausea and Vomiting

This maybe called ‘morning sickness’ even though it may happen at any time of the day. This symptom commonly starts at the sixth week of pregnancy but may start earlier, at the fourth week. This one is brought about by increase in hCG and Estrogen in your body which makes your stomach overstretched and sensitive to smell and certain foods.

Frequent Urination

Frequency to the wash room is a good sign of pregnancy especially if the frequency is more than your normal pace. Water retention in the body due to enhanced blood flow to the kidneys and change in hormonal levels often make a women frequent the bathroom even in the initial trimester.

Food Cravings or Aversions

Some tastes and smells change during pregnancy due to pregnancy hormones that affect you in repulsion or attraction to certain foods. You may wake up one day carry a desire to take pickles while others, chocolate or experience a distaste for what once was your favorite coffee. It will be pertinent to note that many of these changes begin at about two weeks after conception.

Mood Swings

Hormonal changes are also a common reason behind mood swings, and that’s why pregnant women experience them in their early stages. It can get to a time when you might feel so emotional or rather angry for no good reason. These mood swings can be somewhat difficult, but like most symptoms of early pregnancy, are completely normal.

Spotting and Cramping

The phenomenon called light spotting or implantation bleeding arises when the fertilized egg buries itself in the uterine wall which typically happens 6-12 days after conception. This spotting is generally fainter than the typical bleeding and may come handy with some level of pinching. Incase of serious bleeding or severe pain, a doctor should be contacted for further treatment.

Increased Basal Body Temperature

If you have been charting your basal body temperature for ovulation you will observe that it goes up and stays high even after missing your period. Teening a BBT can be useful, as your basal body temperature will rise slightly once you become pregnant as your body processes begins to prepare for the new life growing within you.

Bloating and Constipation

Menstruation is a common cause of hormonal changes that will affect your digestive system and cause you to bloat and constipate. Though such symptoms may look like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in nature, the fact that they last could be early pregnancy sign.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any of these changes and you feel you might be pregnant, go for a home pregnancy test. This should be followed by a visit to your doctor for the purpose of kick starting your pregnancy. Getting prenatal care during the early stages of pregnancy is very important regardless of the age of the mother, to both her and her unborn baby.

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Conclusion

When you are expecting the first baby – it can be easy to detect and at the same time confusing to decipher the early pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms are normally present, yet each woman’s situation is not the same. It is therefore advisable to seek a-doctor’s advice if you are in doubt, or have any concerns.