Most women experience symptoms during the early stages of pregnancy, although the severity and frequency of these symptoms vary from woman to woman. Many women report feeling fatigued, experiencing nausea and vomiting (especially in the morning), increased urination, breast tenderness, and mood swings. These symptoms typically improve as the pregnancy progresses.
Some of the most common early pregnancy symptoms include:
Missing a Period: If you’re missing a period, it’s usually the first indication of pregnancy. Although some pregnant women may still experience bleeding, it typically starts 1–2 weeks after conception and is caused by the fertilized egg attaching itself to the uterus or uterine wall. This phenomenon is called implantation bleeding.
There are a few reasons why you might miss a period, other than pregnancy. Emotional stress and other physical causes can disrupt your body’s normal hormonal cycle, resulting in a missed period. If you’re concerned about pregnancy, the best thing to do is take a pregnancy test.
Frequent Urination: A pregnant woman frequently needs to urinate due to physical changes and hormonal imbalances. This usually occurs 2–3 weeks after conception and continues throughout the gestational period. Frequent urination may cause discomfort and may interfere with a woman’s daily activities.
Swollen Breasts and Sensitive Nipples: Areola and nipple changes are common symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy. The areolas (the circles around the nipples) may become darker and the nipples more sensitive. These changes usually occur 1–2 weeks after conception.
Fatigue: If you’re feeling tired and exhausted, it’s probably due to changes in hormone levels in your body. Fortunately, this usually goes away after the first few months.
Increased Body Temperature: Did you know that your basal body temperature increases in the weeks following ovulation? This increase usually persists throughout pregnancy.
Bloating: During the first trimester, you may experience a bloated abdomen and an increase in weight of about one pound per month. This is due to hormonal changes rather than baby formation. By the end of the trimester, you will notice that your waistline is disappearing.
Cramping: When you’re pregnant, you may notice more frequent abdominal cramps as your uterus starts to contract more regularly. Even small exercises, like walking, can cause cramps. If you’re concerned about cramping, talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if what you’re experiencing is normal or something to be worried about.
Nausea and vomiting: One of the most common symptoms of early pregnancy is nausea and vomiting, often called “morning sickness.” It can occur at any time of day, typically starting in the 6th week after conception. However, in some cases it may occur earlier.
Pregnant women are more sensitive to smell than non-pregnant women, and certain smells can trigger nausea and vomiting. Pregnant women may also find that their sense of smell changes throughout pregnancy.
