Without being medically tested, there are early signs that may indicate that you are pregnant. These signs, you might notice as early as one week after conception or a few weeks after your last menstrual period.
For some, they do not experience any symptoms while some have only temporary symptoms that are mistaken for their menstrual cycle. See the common early signs:
Early pregnancy symptoms
I missed my monthlies
This is one of the commonest ways to suspect pregnancy especially if you have had sexual intercourse without using ‘protection’. However, pregnancy isn’t always the reason for a missed period.
There are other reasons for a missed period. This is rare though, but some women may continue to cycle throughout their pregnancy.
Frequent visits to the bathroom
A constant visit than usual to the bathroom could be an indicator that you’re pregnant. Frequent urination is quite common early in the first trimester, and then again in the third trimester because of the growing uterus.
There isn’t a lot that you can do about this except to know where all the bathrooms are. You’ll also want to stay hydrated.
Morning sicknesses visit
Many pregnant women experience morning sickness and the severity differs from person to person. For some, morning sickness occurs all day, some are at night, others come on and off unique patterns.
Vomiting may or may not be present. Some women may have a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum.
The ill-feeling occurs with the rapid rise of estrogen, which is produced by the foetus and placenta. Since a woman’s sense of smell also becomes tuned, the odours from foods, fragrances, and smoke can trigger morning sickness.
Most women begin to experience this between four and eight weeks of pregnancy, but it can occur as early as two weeks after conception.
Breast Soreness
This is quite an obvious sign. Once again, it’s a symptom caused by hormones. As the breasts prepare for breastfeeding, estrogen and progesterone rise.
Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge, without itching or burning, may be a sign of pregnancy and can occur in the very beginning.
The cervix is building a mucous plug to block the opening of the cervix and help protect your baby from infections. During this transition, you might notice a slight increase in vaginal secretions.
Tiredness/Fatigue
Not being able to keep your eyes open or needing a nap regularly is a pregnancy symptom as well. Fatigue sets in very early for some women, as their bodies undergo multiple changes in preparation for carrying a baby.
Additionally, extra progesterone, which is a central nervous system depressant, contributes to sleepiness.
Craving
Cravings during pregnancy are a lot more strange. You may have cravings or aversions to certain foods, particularly stronger smelling or unhealthier ones, early on and throughout your pregnancy
So ladies, Valentine’s week just passed, are you checking for these signs. Though, for those that had sex. Lolz.
