Whether you are suspecting a planned or unplanned pregnancy, your body often sends subtle, and not so subtle, signs, that something is changing. Before there is a missed period, many women experience early signs that make them suspect a pregnancy during those first couple of weeks.
One of the pregnancy hormones, progesterone, rises sharply with pregnancy. As the progesterone levels rise, this triggers breast changes and an overwhelming feeling of fatigue.
Breast changes: Swollen and tender breasts and tender or painful nipples result from the hormonal changes that occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy. These changes are preparing your body to eventually provide breastmilk for your baby.
Fatigue/exhaustion: As the progesterone levels continue to rise, this also causes a sleepy feeling or exhaustion. In addition to the hormonal changes, blood, oxygen and nutrients are being pumped by the mother’s heart and circulatory system to the growing baby, using more of the mother’s calories and energy.
Frequent trips to the bathroom: Expectant mothers begin to make frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate because the growing baby is putting pressure on mom’s bladder. This frequency eases during the second trimester as the baby and uterus lift more out of the pelvis into the abdominal area. The increasing size and weight of the baby cause the frequent bathroom trips to increase again in the third trimester. (If you experience any burning with urination, this should be reported to your healthcare provider.)
Morning sickness or aversion to certain foods: Nausea, with or without vomiting, is very common during pregnancy. Unfortunately, for some expectant mothers, this nausea can occur all day, or any time, and not just limited to the morning. The rapid rise in hormones can lead to the nausea and vomiting. This change in your hormones can also increase your sensitivity to smells, including food. As the sensitivity increases to certain smells or odors during pregnancy, this may cause expectant mothers to avoid certain foods or odors to prevent nausea.
Mood Swings: During the first trimester, as your body is being bombarded with higher levels of hormones, this can cause some mothers to become unusually emotional and have crying outbursts over what seems like minor issues. These mood swings are very normal during the many changes that are occurring. However, if you are concerned about possible depression, please speak with your health care provider.
Cramping or slight bleeding: Implantation bleeding may occur about 10 – 14 days after the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. It is usually earlier than a regular period and lighter in amount and color than a normal period. If you suspect a pregnancy and experience bright red vaginal bleeding at any time, contact your healthcare provider.
Missed period: A missed period may be the first sign that is noticed by some women, indicating a possible pregnancy.
Positive home pregnancy test: Once a woman misses her normal period, she can purchase and use a home pregnancy test. If this is positive, an appointment should be scheduled with a healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy and provide early prenatal guidance.
Whether your pregnancy is planned or unplanned, it is very important to contact a healthcare provider (family practitioner, obstetrician or midwife) for further support and guidance.