What Are the Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

regnancy looks different for every woman. You may experience obvious pregnancy symptoms like fatigue or a missed period, or perhaps you’ll have none. Other times, these symptoms are indicative of another medical condition.

Get the facts by learning common pregnancy symptoms and why taking a pregnancy test is your best bet.

Missed Period

The first sign of pregnancy is often a missed period, though this isn’t a surefire indicator. You may have a missed period if your cycles are irregular, you have an underlying condition, have experienced weight changes, or are experiencing stress.

Fatigue

Increased levels of a hormone called progesterone may be why you feel especially tired during pregnancy.

Nausea (With or Without Vomiting)

You may have heard of “morning sickness.” However, pregnancy hormones can cause nausea or vomiting any time of the day or night. For many women, this symptom improves with time.

Tender, Swollen Breasts

Hormonal changes can cause breast discomfort in early pregnancy, but this symptom should improve as the pregnancy progresses.

Increased Urination

More fluid from your kidneys collects in your bladder during pregnancy, so you will likely use the bathroom more frequently.

Moodiness

Fluctuating hormones can make you more emotional than usual. You may find yourself crying often or experiencing mood changes. As uncomfortable as this is, remember that it is normal! Engage in self-care activities and speak to a medical provider if these changes significantly affect your daily life.

Confirming Your Pregnancy

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise offers free, confidential pregnancy tests and limited obstetric ultrasounds. A pregnancy test will detect whether hCG, the pregnancy hormone, is present in your body.

Ultrasound confirms your pregnancy’s viability, gestational age, and location, which protects your health and can alert you to conditions like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Regardless of your pregnancy decision, this service is essential.