Many mums claim to know they were pregnant long before they ever tried a home pregnancy test. How? Early sings of pregnancy.
While you can’t solely depend on these physical queues to answer the question of whether or not you’re pregnant, there’s no denying that they are usually indicative of something.
So to which physical changes and queues are we referring, and for which ones 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!
11 early signs of pregnancy that you may not have heard of before
1. Acne flare-ups
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 be pointing to something more than you think.
3. Bleeding
“People think that if you have bleeding you cannot be pregnant,” says Serena H. Chen, MD, the Director of Reproductive Medicine at IRMS at Saint Barnabas, in New Jersey. “However, when a patient has bleeding that is not completely normal, the first thing doctors think is, ‘Could she be pregnant?’”
Heavy bleeding or light spotting could be pointing to pregnancy, as these bleeding patterns typically indicate 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, diarrhea, and even irritable bowel syndrome in pregnant women. If you’re experiencing bowel movement issues and dietary changes when you typically don’t, do your research.
5. Menstrual cramps
Image source: iStock
You’re no stranger to menstrual cramps, sure, but it could be something else entirely. Your uterus may not be contracting to shed. It could be expanding to make more room for your baby.
6. Migraine relief
Did you know pregnancy can actually alleviate migraines? It’s all in the hormones. While that deal sounds pretty awesome, it’s actually 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), and it can begin before a missed period. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting that causes rapid weight loss, confusion, dehydration, waxy skin, ketosis, and extreme fatigue. If you suspect you are suffering from HG, call your doctor right away.
8. Frequent urination
If you’ve noticed, among other things, a dramatic increase in the frequency of which you have to pee, you may want to invest in a home pregnancy test. Your blood circulation may have already started to increase, 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. An increase in 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 maybe the indication you needed to test your pregnancy.
10. An acute sense of smell
Pregnancy isn’t all bad. In fact, it can make some women into superhuman sniffers! Amy Picklesimer, MD, a Greenville, South Carolina, maternal-fetal medicine specialist in private practice, claims that your “olfactory system can get knocked into overdrive very quickly after you get pregnant”.
11. No signs (wait – what?)
thinking woman with question mark on gray wall background
Surprisingly, showing no signs at all can actually be a symptom of pregnancy. Weird, right? Dr. Picklesimer claims, “Some women don’t feel any different at all.” Still, if you’re doubtful or curious, just buy a pregnancy test and resolve your curiosity.
[H/T] Momtastic
