Am I Pregnant? 10 Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs

By Stephanie Larson

Are you experiencing some curious changes in your body and wondering, "Am I pregnant?" Whether you've been hoping to be pregnant, or wishing the opposite, finding out as soon as possible is likely to be topmost on your mind.

The early signs and symptoms of pregnancy may vary from person to person. While they're not definitive proof of pregnancy, they can indicate that a pregnancy test is warranted. Here, we'll delve into some common and not-so-common early pregnancy signs to help you proceed with a bit more clarity.

Ten Early Pregnancy Symptoms and Signs: 

1. Late Period: One of the most telltale signs of pregnancy is a late period. If your menstrual cycle is typically regular, and you suddenly find yourself overdue, it might be time to consider taking a pregnancy test. What is considered overdue? A period is late if it's more than five days past the expected start date. It is considered missed if it has been more than six weeks since the start date of your last period.

Bear in mind that there are other factors which can cause your period to be late. These include stress, poor nutrition, weight loss, extreme exercise, illness, hormone changes, and medications. 

2. Nausea and Morning Sickness: Ah, morning sickness – a classic indicator of pregnancy that can strike at any time of day! While not all pregnant individuals experience this, nausea or vomiting, particularly in the morning, is a common symptom of early pregnancy. Though it’s not pleasant to experience, the bright side of morning sickness is that it is often correlated with a healthy pregnancy. 

Nausea could also be caused by medications, contaminated food, overeating, illness, anxiety, or stress. 

3. Fatigue: Growing a tiny human and a whole new organ (the placenta) is hard work! The placenta starts developing seven to ten days after conception. If you are feeling unusually tired even after having several full nights of sleep in a row, it could be your body's way of telling you there's a baby on board. A surge of the hormone progesterone in early pregnancy helps you to relax and sleep more.  

Fatigue could also be caused by lifestyle changes, mental health conditions, medical conditions, alcohol or drug use, electrolyte imbalances, and sleep disorders. 

4. Tender Breasts: This might be the first sign you notice. Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can lead to breast and nipple tenderness or sensitivity as early as one to two weeks after conception. If your breasts feel sore or swollen, or if your nipples are extra sensitive, it could be a sign that you're pregnant. To prepare for lactation (breastfeeding) the body increases the number of milk ducts in the breasts and changes their structure. You may also notice that your areolas have become darker and larger. This occurs during pregnancy to make it easier for the baby to see and locate them for breastfeeding.

Breast tenderness could also mean your period is about to begin, or you may be sore from a reaction to a new product such as soap, or clothing. 

5. Frequent Urination: Are you making more trips to the bathroom than usual? Increased urination can be an early sign of pregnancy, due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the kidneys. Frequent urination is likely to persist throughout pregnancy due to increased pressure on the bladder as the baby grows.

Having to urinate more often could instead be a sign of a urinary tract infection, especially if it is also accompanied by discomfort.

6. Changes in Appetite: Cravings, aversions, or just a general shift in your appetite—these can all be early signs of pregnancy. If you find yourself suddenly craving weird food combinations or new foods, are extra hungry, or are feelingrepulsed by seasonings or foods you used to love, it might be a sign of pregnancy. 

Changes in appetite can also be caused by new medications, health conditions, stress, or mental health conditions. 

7. Mood Swings: Hormonal fluctuations during early pregnancy can wreak havoc on your emotions, affecting your serotonin and dopamine levels, and leading to mood swings or heightened sensitivity. If you're feeling more emotional than usual, or if a sentimental commercial suddenly brings you to tears, it could be due to those pregnancy hormones kicking in. 

Mood swings could also be caused by life changes, new medications, stressors, and current events.

8. Light Spotting: Some people experience light spotting in the early stage of pregnancy from implantation bleeding. It occurs slightly before or at the time of their expected period. To differentiate it from period spotting, look for a lighter color, with less flow, and a shorter duration than your period, with no clots. While not every pregnancy will have implantation bleeding, it can be an early clue that pregnancy has occurred. Implantation bleeding is not harmful to the embryo.

Spotting can also be caused by hormone changes, irregular use of birth control, medications, stress, injury, illness, or medical conditions. 

9. Heightened Sense of Smell: Have certain scents suddenly become overpowering or nauseating? A heightened sense of smell is another common early pregnancy symptom, due to a rise in estrogen and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). This may serve to protect the baby from being exposed to smoke and chemicals or to prevent you from consuming things that might not be safe for the baby.

Your sense of smell can also heighten during your menstrual cycle, or due to certain health conditions or medications.

10. Bloating and Cramping: You might notice some bloating or mild abdominal cramping, similar to period cramps. The hormone progesterone relaxes the muscles in the intestines, which can lead to bloating and gas. Cramping may occur due to implantation of the embryo in the uterus.

Bloating and cramping can also be caused by gas, digestive issues, and other factors. 

When to Take a Pregnancy Test: If you're experiencing one or more of these early pregnancy symptoms and suspect you might be pregnant, it's time to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which rapidly increases during pregnancy.  At-home urine tests are sold over the counter and are the most common type of pregnancy test. They are often used in doctors' offices and hospitals. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate. Some sensitive home pregnancy tests can detect pregnancy as early as 8 to 10 days after conception. However, taking a test too early can result in a false negative. For a more accurate result, wait until one week after your period is late. 

If you receive a positive result, scheduling a visit with your healthcare provider is your next step to determine if you are pregnant. Your provider can perform a blood test as early as 6 to 8 days after ovulation. Blood tests are about 99% accurate and can detect lower amounts of hCG than urine pregnancy tests.

Keep in mind that drugs that contain HCG can alter the results of a pregnancy test. Urine tests can produce a false negative if your urine is diluted from drinking too much water. Testing early in the morning, upon waking, can help with this. 

Final Thoughts:

As you navigate the early signs of pregnancy and determine your next steps, you’re sure to be feeling many emotions. Remember the importance of nurturing yourself and prioritizing your well-being. 

If you’ve been having ‘baby fever’ and are overjoyed at the possibility that you’re pregnant, congratulations! Now is the time to maximize your physical and mental health. 

Dancing For Birth™ Class provides specialized prenatal fitness, designed by a birth professional, which alleviates discomforts associated with pregnancy and promotes healthy pregnancy. It's a safe, supportive, and welcoming community of other pregnant and new parents. Your Certified Dancing For Birth™ Instructor is a weekly mentor throughout pregnancy and postpartum. You'll learn about pregnancy and birth, celebrate, and prepare for birth and parenting. Experience empowerment and connection with your body and baby.