6 early signs you might be pregnant
Many people go for a long time wondering "Could I be pregnant?", after even small changes in their body. If you have experienced this yourself, you are not alone. Thousands of women undergo these hopes and doubts every year, and it can be a relief to get answers when you have none.
Below, we will explore six of the early signs you might be pregnant. If you experience any of them, look into at-home tests or book an appointment with a specialist. So, read on and get the information you need to guide your next steps.
1. Missed Period
This is often the earliest sign of pregnancy. It often becomes a source of worry, prompting people to seek healthcare support. In the case of women with a more regular cycle, this can be even more troublesome. Some people may even hear about other reasons someone may miss their period and attribute it to that.
Why it is easy to miss
Many women experience various stresses in their lives. From busy careers to missing sleep, it is possible to not realize that you have not experienced a period. In some cases, such stress may even cause people to miss a period or be a few days late.
While many women use sleep-tracking methods such as apps or diaries, these are not universal solutions. If you do remember you have missed your period, make sure to perform your due diligence and confirm whether you are pregnant or not.
2. Spotting or light bleeding
Early in pregnancy, light bleeding, or "spotting", from the vagina is common. This will be lighter than a regular period and continue for a shorter time. It is due to the egg implanting into the uterine lining.
If this occurs at the same time as abdominal pain, it is sensible to discuss it with a healthcare provider. In many other cases, though, there is no need to worry unless it continues for a long time.
Differences from regular periods
If you have not had your period, seeing blood may initially be a relief. You should be aware of the differences, though.
Spotting blood is different from a period in the following ways. It is:
- Possibly a light pink color
- Potentially a dark brown color
- Only 1-2 days of blood
- Lower volume than a period
- Accompanying vaginal discharge
- Itching or redness
Avoid missing the signs by ensuring you know how to recognize when you have had a period and when you have experienced spotting instead.
3. Abdominal pain as a pregnancy indicator
Mild pain in the gut, or cramping, can often be an early sign of pregnancy. This can feel similar to premenstrual symptoms, albeit usually milder and more specific in location.
Gastrointestinal concerns
Many women mistake these cramps for late menstrual symptoms. While they may be similar, this is not always the case. If they feel lighter than usual or are otherwise different from your usual symptoms, make sure to investigate further.
In general, if you feel such pains but have still not experienced a period, this could be another sign of pregnancy. If these pains escalate, though, seek out medical attention. They could be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which often requires immediate surgery.
4. Sustained high basal body temperature
When a body starts to prepare for pregnancy, it will increase in temperature by around 0.5° Fahrenheit. If the person becomes pregnant, this increase will continue for longer. If the increase lasts eighteen days or more, you can often consider it a sign of pregnancy.
The limitations of BBT
Unless someone is attempting to get pregnant, they are rarely monitoring their temperature. It is entirely possible not to realize it has changed at all. In many cases, people even assume the raised temperatures are due to an illness instead.
5. Emotional and psychological Changes
During the first trimester, pregnancy can have a significant impact on the brain. Hormonal changes are common and can lead to very noticeable mood swings and feelings of irritability.
If you notice changes in your behavior, it may be worth discussing it with friends or loved ones. They can both confirm whether you have seemed different. If they confirm a change in your mood, they may also be able to help support you while you seek out a pregnancy test.
6. Morning sickness or ongoing tiredness
Early-morning nausea and vomiting, along with feelings of lethargy, are very common pregnancy signs. They can often vary in when they occur, as well as how strong they are. As such, do not dismiss sickness because it occurs in the evening.
If you continue to experience these symptoms, try eating smaller and more frequent meals. Also, ensure you get enough hydration, as vomiting will reduce your fluid intake.
Seeking out healthcare support
Once you recognize that you are pregnant, make sure to book an appointment with your healthcare provider or take an at-home test. These can confirm your pregnancy, though, be aware that over-the-counter tests only have around a 99% accuracy rate. If you are worried about that 1%, speak to a doctor about your situation instead.
Every pregnancy is different, and you may need a little extra help. As such, remember that there are also several resources available for those who are either pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Make sure to research your situation to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy during the pregnancy.
Don't ignore the early signs you might be pregnant
Pregnancy scares can be difficult, but there is some comfort in the fact people all across the country share them. If you think you are experiencing the early signs you might be pregnant, it would be a good idea to seek out a professional.
