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Pregnancy Symptoms: 10 Early Signs That You Might Be Pregnant

You and your partner have made the decision to bring a baby into your family and you deserve a big congratulation for making this big and bold decision. The idea of having a baby is exciting and it is also life-changing. Before getting pregnant you may be having visions of your baby wearing those adorable vintage baby clothes as well as taking your baby out for walks in the park or at the mall. But remember again, your life will change forever once that baby is here. And if you have been trying to conceive for one month or for a while, there are symptoms to look for if you suspect that you may be pregnant other than having a positive test. Let's take a look at the 10 pregnancy symptoms to look out for if you suspect that you have a bun in the oven:

1. Missed Period

This pregnancy symptom is the obvious one as the first thing you would think as soon as you miss a period is that you are pregnant. The reason for that is because once the embryo implants into the uterine wall, the lining stays intact whereas the lack of the embryo is what brings on a period otherwise. That means if you have regular cycles, and you have not been sick, or had changes in your weight or lifestyle over the past month - and you are late, there is a good chance that you are pregnant.

2. Light Spotting Of Pink Or Brown Blood

You were just told that the telltale sign of a pregnancy is a missed period. However, if you ended up spotting instead which would consist of light pink blood or brown blood which would be old, then that could be a sign as well. The reason for that spotting to happen would be implantation spotting as the embryo attaching itself to the uterine wall can cause light spotting to occur. Many women mistake implantation bleeding as an extremely light and unusual period and as a result, they do not find out that they are pregnant until they are 8 weeks along.

3. Fatigue

If you have been sleeping well for the most part and your stress levels and health has not changed, and you find yourself extremely fatigued - then that is a sign that you could be pregnant. The hormones are going into overdrive which is draining your energy which is why the fatigue happens in early pregnancy (as well as in the last trimester for other reasons). If you are having a hard time getting off the sofa or getting out of bed, then you may be pregnant.

4. Frequent Urination

If you are having to do #1 a lot more often than usual, even during the time of your period, and you are having some of the other symptoms of pregnancy present, then that could be a sign that there is a bun in the oven. The hormones that are surging are the cause for the excessive urination, and even though the embryo is still very small, your body is already stretching out in order to make the accommodation for the growing baby to be.

5. Nausea

If you are due for your period and you are experiencing nausea with or without vomiting, then that can be a sign that you are pregnant as well because you could be dealing with morning sickness. That is a result of the surging hormones and low blood sugar levels. More often than not, this pregnancy-related nausea starts around 6 weeks but some women experience it right when they are due for their period or even slightly before that.

6. Swollen And Very Tender Breasts

It is common to have tender and swollen breasts right before your period is due. However, another telltale sign of pregnancy is when the breasts are even more tender and swollen than usual. The difference between swollen and tender breast due to anticipating the period and pregnancy is there because with pregnancy it is more noticeable.

7. Food Cravings And Aversions

You may have food cravings when it comes to anticipating your period. However, when it comes to early pregnancy, the cravings are more pronounced and you also have aversions as well which is not typical during or right before menstruation. If you all of a sudden are turned off by beef but you are having a strong craving for salty foods, then that may be a sign that you are pregnant.

8. A Strong Sense Of Smell

In addition to the food cravings and aversions, you will notice that your nose is working as well as the nose of a Bloodhound. And this is not typical either during or right before menstruation. The smells can be so strong that it can put you off. That is most definitely a sure sign that you are pregnant.

9. Tingling Nipples 

The hormones that are surging are affecting how your breasts feel as it was already said that they will be more tender and swollen. The nipples will also be tingly and prickly which is also not something that is often experienced during or right before menstruation. In fact, this may be the earliest sign of pregnancy which can be noticed even a week after conception.

10. Mood Swings

Mood swings can happen during menstruation or right before it. However, the mood swings that happen during early pregnancy are more pronounced. That means you may be crying at the drop of a hat and may even cry after seeing a commercial about the newest cat food or an infomercial about the newest weight loss product. And if you do discover that you are pregnant while you are doing these mood swings, you will likely think about the baby and cry out of happiness while imagining him or her wearing cute punk baby clothes. The list goes on.

 

However, if you have at least 3 of these 10 signs in addition to being late for your period (or having light spotting), then it is time to go and pick up a home pregnancy test because this all points to you being pregnant! If so, congratulations!