If you are wondering if you might be pregnant, it is important to pay close attention to the early signs your body may be showing. However, remember that only a test or a doctor’s evaluation can confirm pregnancy. Analyse each of the symptoms you are experiencing. However, many early pregnancy signs can also be similar to premenstrual symptoms, making them unreliable on their own. Thus, experts agree that the best way to confirm whether you are pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test.
Read on to learn about the early pregnancy symptoms and what they might tell you about your body.
Experts say there are changes in the body, which are signs that something is happening. Let us see the most common pregnancy symptoms at an early stage, which the majority of women experience:
● Missed Period
A missed period is the first and most common pregnancy sign. At times, though, the menstrual cycle can be irregular and come late. A missed period is often the earliest sign of pregnancy. However, factors like stress, excessive exercise, or hormonal imbalances can also delay your period.
● Craving for Various Types of Food
If you are at an early pregnancy stage, you might suddenly experience cravings and food aversions. Many doctors have even reported that people have a sensitivity to smell and food aversion. Food aversions and cravings usually occur because of the changes in hormones, and cravings come in as early as 5 weeks into your pregnancy.
● Light Spotting
Slight bleeding or spotting takes place when the fertilised egg implants on the uterine wall. This usually happens during your menstrual cycle or sometimes even one week before the cycle begins. This light spotting can easily be mistaken for an early period, which often confuses. Thus, if you see a few spots and your menstrual cycle does not start within the expected timeframe, it might be pregnancy.
● Sore Breasts
Your breasts become tender and sore during pregnancy. This is one of the main parts of your body that changes. If you are pregnant, your breasts will be very tender to touch and can hurt at times. Your nipples also might become darker and sensitive.
● Vomiting/Nausea
Commonly known as morning sickness, vomiting can take place anytime during the day. Morning sickness, which includes nausea and vomiting, is caused by rising pregnancy hormones like hCG and typically begins around the 6th week. Moreover, if you experience a heightened sense of smell and taste, it could mean your pregnancy hormones are on the rise, thereby denoting a pregnancy.
● Mood Swings
Your mood might be affected due to hormonal changes. Being pregnant, the hormonal fluctuations can be heavier, causing drastic changes in mood swings. If you find you are happy now and sad the very next, feel more irritated and angrier than usual, it indicates pregnancy.
● Basal Body Temperature
The body temperature of a woman indicates a lot. It not only tells you the exact time when you are ovulating but also indicates pregnancy. A woman’s body temperature increases during ovulation and makes the body ready for pregnancy. Most importantly, if your body temperature remains the same even after two weeks of ovulation, you can confirm your pregnancy.
● Urinating Frequently
During implantation, there is additional pressure on the uterus, and the rise of hormone levels can increase your urination frequently. You might not urinate much but will visit the toilet frequently.
Pregnancy symptoms vary from person to person, and while some may notice them within a week of conception, others may not experience any symptoms until later. Every pregnancy is different, and so are the symptoms. Some might experience all symptoms, or some none at all, and all at different times.
So, the main question arises: How long does it take to know whether you are pregnant without any pregnancy test? Because many symptoms are not accurate indicators of pregnancy, your best strategy is to find a way to take the pregnancy test.
Pregnancy is different for each individual. Symptoms such as missed periods, tender breasts, nausea, and tiredness are some common symptoms of early pregnancy. These signs suggest pregnancy, but they are not always accurate. They can be caused by other things as well. Thus, if you think you are pregnant, you should consult with a doctor for proper advice and testing.