10 Early Signs of Pregnancy You May Notice

What are some early signs of pregnancy?

Pregnancy marks a significant and transformative journey, a time filled with anticipation, excitement, and countless changes.

But here’s the thing: the journey can look different for everyone.

While a missed period is often the first clue, there are several other early signs that may indicate you’re expecting.

By that we mean, some having a late onset of symptoms, and for some, pregnancy nausea makes an earlier visit at the door.

In this blog, we'll explore the top 10 early signs of pregnancy you may notice and what they mean.🤰

10 early signs of pregnancy: Which ones to look out for

Here’s our take on some early signs of pregnancy that one may notice:

1. Missed Period

One of the most reliable early signs of pregnancy is a missed period. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you suddenly miss a period, it could be an indication that you are pregnant. However, a missed period can also be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions.

2. Nausea and Morning Sickness

Nausea, often referred to as morning sickness, can occur at any time of the day and is a common early symptom of pregnancy. This queasiness typically begins around the sixth week of pregnancy but can start as early as the fourth week. According to studies, up to 70-80% of pregnant women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

3. Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired? Fatigue is a common early sign of pregnancy due to the increased levels of the hormone progesterone. Your body is also working harder to support the growing embryo, which can leave you feeling exhausted. This fatigue can start as early as one week after conception.

4. Breast Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause your breasts to become swollen, tender, or sore. Your nipples might also darken and enlarge. These changes can occur as early as one to two weeks after conception and are often one of the first signs of pregnancy.

5. Frequent Urination

If you find yourself making more trips to the bathroom than usual, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. The increase in blood flow and hormonal changes cause your kidneys to process more fluid, leading to more frequent urination. This symptom typically begins around the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy.

6. Food Cravings or Aversions

Sudden changes in your sense of taste or smell, as well as cravings for certain foods, can be early signs of pregnancy. You might also develop aversions to certain foods or smells that you previously enjoyed. These changes are influenced by hormonal shifts and can start soon after conception.

7. Mood Swings

Hormonal fluctuations during early pregnancy can affect your mood, leading to mood swings. You might feel unusually emotional or weepy, or experience rapid changes in mood. These mood swings are similar to those experienced during PMS but can be more intense during pregnancy.

8. Bloating and Constipation

Increased progesterone levels can slow down your digestive system, causing bloating and constipation. These symptoms are similar to those experienced before your period but can be more pronounced during early pregnancy.

9. Light Spotting or Cramping

Some women experience light spotting or cramping as an early sign of pregnancy. This is known as implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. Implantation bleeding is usually lighter and shorter than a regular period and occurs around 6-12 days after conception.

10. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

Tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) can help you detect early signs of pregnancy. If your BBT remains elevated for 18 days or more after ovulation, it could be a sign that you are pregnant. A sustained rise in BBT is due to the increased production of progesterone after conception.

How Arva can support you

At Arva, we understand the journey to parenthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. Our comprehensive fertility and pregnancy support services are designed to help you at every step of your journey.

• Preconception Health Assessment: Optimise your health before conception with our thorough health assessments.

• Fertility Education: Access evidence-based information on various aspects of fertility and pregnancy.

• Lifestyle Optimisation: Receive guidance on nutrition, exercise, and stress management to support a healthy pregnancy.

• Emotional Support: Our support group and doctor network provide the emotional and medical assistance you need during this transformative time.

Take our fertility test today to get a sneak peek at your hormonal profile or contact us to understand how our team and network of doctors can help you better.

Remember, we’re by your side!❤️