Early signs of pregnancy: what to look for

The journey to motherhood begins with a whisper, a subtle shift in your body that hints at the incredible transformation underway. For many, the "two-week wait" after ovulation is a period of intense anticipation, filled with meticulous symptom tracking and hopeful speculation. While a positive pregnancy test is the definitive confirmation, early pregnancy symptoms can offer tantalizing clues.

When do pregnancy symptoms start?

The time at which you will begin to experience pregnancy symptoms will vary from woman to woman. Some may know they are pregnant within a few days of conception. On the other hand, some women do not feel pregnant for weeks after they have taken a positive pregnancy test.  In my case, I was unaware I was pregnant with my second child until a separate visit to the hospital for a scan confirmed that I was in fact 6 weeks pregnant with a strong heartbeat to be heard!

Whenever you start experiencing symptoms, there are some common tell-tale signs that you’ve got a bundle of joy on their way. 

Hormonal changes during early pregnancy

The root of most early pregnancy symptoms lies in the dramatic hormonal changes orchestrated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone, produced by the developing placenta, surges in the initial weeks of pregnancy, influencing various bodily systems. Progesterone, another key player, also rises significantly, contributing to many of the common symptoms.

Missed Period – Early pregnancy symptom

A missed period is often the most noticeable and reliable early sign of pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is typically regular, a missed period can be a strong indicator of pregnancy. However, irregular cycles can complicate matters. Therefore, it may be a good idea to wait at least a couple of weeks after your period due day to take a pregnancy test. Also, it is important to note that you may be pregnancy and experience a very light bleed. This is known as “implantation bleeding” and may happen when a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. So, as you can see, even this most common indicator of pregnancy is not a guarantee!

Breast Tenderness and Soreness – Early pregnancy symptom  

Increased blood flow and hormonal changes can cause your breasts to feel swollen, tender, or sensitive. The areolas may also darken. On a positive, if you have always craved having bigger boobs…you may be in luck as typically breasts do increase in size during pregnancy! 

Fatigue – Early pregnancy symptom

Feeling unusually tired, even after a full night's sleep, is a hallmark of early pregnancy especially during those initial 12 weeks. The body is working hard to support the developing embryo, which can drain your energy reserves. So, do try to carve out time to rest and if possible, enjoy the odd cat nap or two. Growing a tiny human can be an exhausting job.

Nausea (Morning Sickness) – Early pregnancy symptom

Despite its name, nausea or morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night so those images of women throwing up in the morning often depicted on screen may not be entirely accurate. It's thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations and heightened sensitivity to smells. Some women experience mild nausea, while others endure severe vomiting. Personally, I did not experience any nausea when pregnant with my first but it was an entirely different matter with my second. Proof that every pregnancy is different.

Frequent Urination – Early pregnancy symptom

The growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, leading to increased urination. Your kidneys are also in overdrive as the body is pumping more blood around the body. This means, your kidneys are producing more fluid unfortunately resulting in more trips to the toilet. Hormonal changes also contribute to this symptom.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Elevation – Early pregnancy symptom

 If you've been tracking your BBT for fertility purposes, a sustained elevation above your usual post-ovulation temperature can be a sign of pregnancy.

Cramping – Early pregnancy symptom 

Mild cramping, like menstrual cramps, can occur in early pregnancy as the uterus prepares for implantation. A trip to the toilet or even certain yoga moves and positions may help so do not panic if you do experience or be alarmed if you do feel stomach pain during these early weeks and months.

Food Cravings and Aversions – Early pregnancy symptom

Hormonal shifts can alter your sense of taste and smell, leading to sudden cravings for specific foods or strong aversions to others. While pregnant with my second child, my stomach would turn at the sight of anything green including asparagus which was previously my favourite food. I found myself craving beige food including copious amounts of bread! You may also notice a strange metallic taste in your mouth during those early months of pregnancy.

Mood Swings – Early pregnancy symptom

The hormonal rollercoaster can cause emotional fluctuations, ranging from irritability to tearfulness. The “swings” can raise their ugly head at any given moment so it may be a good idea to warn your other half!

Headaches – Early pregnancy symptom

 Increased blood volume and hormonal changes can trigger headaches in early pregnancy.

Dizziness and Light-headedness – Early pregnancy symptom

Hormonal changes and fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause dizziness or light-headedness. For me, this was the strongest of my early pregnancy symptoms. If experiencing light-headedness, it is important to slowly transition from seated to standing to allow your blood levels to regulate and to avoid fainting.

The Variability of Pregnancy Symptoms:

It is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique. Some women experience a multitude of symptoms, while others have minimal or no noticeable changes. The intensity and timing of symptoms can also vary significantly.

Symptoms can appear as early as a few days after conception or may not manifest until several weeks later.

The severity of symptoms can range from mild discomfort to debilitating nausea. Some symptoms, like fatigue, may persist throughout the first trimester, while others, like implantation bleeding, are short-lived.

The Importance of a Pregnancy Test:

While early symptoms can be suggestive, a home pregnancy test or a blood test at a doctor's office is the only way to confirm pregnancy. Home pregnancy tests detect hCG in urine and are most accurate when taken a week or more after a missed period. Blood tests, performed by a healthcare professional, can detect hCG earlier.

Embracing the Unknown:

The early stages of pregnancy can be a whirlwind of emotions and physical changes. Be patient with your body, prioritize self-care, and seek support from loved ones and healthcare professionals. Remember that this is a remarkable journey, and each experience is unique.