Many mums claim to know they were pregnant long before they ever tried a home pregnancy test. How? Early signs of pregnancy.
While you can’t solely depend on these physical cues to answer whether you’re pregnant, there’s no denying that they are usually indicative of something.
So to which physical changes and cues are we referring, and for which should women be on the lookout?
As it turns out – a lot. Thankfully, we’re here to share 11 early pregnancy signs that you should be mindful of because, frankly, not many women think much of these signs!
Early and Unexpected Signs of Pregnancy
The early signs of pregnancy can be hard to spot. If you think you might be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test as soon as possible is important. The sooner you know for sure, the better!
You’ll probably notice some of these early signs within a week or two after conception. But if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while and still haven’t gotten your period yet, don’t panic! Some women don’t experience any symptoms until later in the first trimester. And if you’re not used to being very regular with your periods, it can also be difficult to determine when exactly you conceived.
If you do experience any of these early signs of pregnancy and have questions or concerns, talk with your healthcare provider.
Here are some of the unexpected signs to watch out for:
1. Acne flare-ups
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Typically, pregnant women are thought to have radiant, glowing skin with a beautiful complexion. However, the initial hormone changes may cause a flare-up of acne and some blemishes. If you’re inexplicably dealing with breakouts on your face, chest, or back, you may want to look further into things.
2. Bladder infections
Another victim of the change of hormones in pregnant women is the urinary tract. As a result, you’re more susceptible to bladder infections. Constant occurrences of these could point to something more than you think.
3. Bleeding
Bleeding is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Bleeding can happen at any time during your cycle, but it’s especially common in the first few weeks after conception.
Bleeding during early pregnancy is usually light and pink or brownish. It can be a bit heavier than your period and last longer. The blood may be mixed with mucus or tissue from the lining of your uterus.
If you are experiencing bleeding early in your pregnancy, do not panic—it’s not uncommon for this to happen. If you’re worried about what’s happening, call your doctor or midwife immediately so they can help ease your mind!
Heavy bleeding or light spotting could be pointing to pregnancy, as these bleeding patterns typically indicate the implantation of fertilised eggs in the uterus.
4. Bowel problems
Hormone changes may cause problems with your diet as well. This can cause bowel problems like constipation, diarrhoea, and even irritable bowel syndrome in pregnant women. Do your research if you’re experiencing bowel movement issues and dietary changes when you typically don’t.
5. Menstrual cramps
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Sure, you’re no stranger to menstrual cramps, but it could be something else entirely. Your uterus may not be contracting to shed. It could be expanded to make more room for your baby. However, if you’re peeling severe abdominal pain with bleeding during your pregnancy or even before you think you’re pregnant, contact your gynae without delay.
6. Migraine relief
Did you know pregnancy can alleviate migraines? It’s all in the hormones. While that deal sounds pretty awesome, it’s rather surprising for women who frequently suffer from migraines and could be a big indication of a baby on the way.
7. Frequent nausea/vomiting
Around 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy, women tend to start dealing with morning sickness; this typically peaks at 9 to 13 weeks. However, further down the road, if you experience distinct changes in appetite and the ability to keep food down, you may want to do some testing.
Some women experience extreme morning sickness called Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG), which can begin before a missed period. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting that causes rapid weight loss, confusion, dehydration, waxy skin, ketosis, and extreme fatigue. Call your doctor immediately if you suspect you are suffering from HG.
8. Frequent urination
If you’ve noticed, among other things, a dramatic increase in the frequency at which you have to pee, you may want to invest in a home pregnancy test. Your blood circulation may have already increased, your uterus may be growing, and your hormones are changing!
9. Purplish vulva
If you’re curious, you may have taken a personal look for further research. Increased blood flow to your pelvis can give your vagina, labia, and cervix a bluish, almost purple, hue called Chadwick’s Sign. It’s nothing to worry about, but it may indicate you need to test for pregnancy.
10. An acute sense of smell
It’s not uncommon to develop an acute sense of smell during pregnancy.
Some pregnant women report that they can smell things they’ve never noticed before or that they can pick up on the faintest trace of a scent.
It’s thought this is due to changes in estrogen levels, which can make it more difficult for pregnant women to recognise normally familiar smells.
No Signs (Wait – what?)
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Surprisingly, showing no signs at all can actually be a symptom of pregnancy. Weird, right?
Well, yes and no. The fact is that every woman’s body is different — if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while, you may already be familiar with the wide range of strange symptoms some women experience as soon as they conceive.
But for those who have never been pregnant before, it can be hard to tell whether or not you’re actually pregnant without any clear indication that a baby is growing inside of you. This is why many women wait until they miss their period before they take a pregnancy test.
When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start
It’s a question that every woman asks. And the answer is… it depends on your body.
But, in general, you’ll start to notice pregnancy symptoms around two weeks after conception (when the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall). This is also when many women will miss their first period—the one they’re supposed to get during ovulation and before they conceive.
So how do you know if your symptoms are from pregnancy? The first thing to look for is a missed period. If that doesn’t happen within three weeks of conception, then it’s time to visit your doctor for an at-home pregnancy test or take those four steps towards getting pregnant again!
Is It Possible to Have Early Signs of Pregnancy and Not Be Pregnant
Yes, it is possible to have the symptoms mentioned above and not be pregnant.
A hormone surge is the most common reason for experiencing early signs of pregnancy. For example, you might experience heightened emotions or mood swings that are not related to anything else in your life, but simply because of the changes in your body.
This can also happen if you take oral contraceptives or other medication that can cause hormonal changes in your body.
Another reason you might experience early signs of pregnancy is if you have recently become pregnant but have not yet had a period, so the hormones are still at their peak levels early on in the cycle.
Weird Pregnancy Symptoms
There’s no shortage of weird pregnancy symptoms out there. Some are fun, some are totally weird, and some are just plain gross. Here are some of the weird ones:
- Swollen tongue
- Sensitive nose
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Extra dreams
- Extreme fatigue
- Itchiness
- Hating favourite food
- Nosebleeding
- Dry feet
- Hair loss
If you have missed your period and experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, do not hesitate to take a pregnancy test. It can save you a lot of anxiety and also help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
