The most common symptoms or signs that you might be pregnant

Pregnancy is one of the most important times in a woman’s life. Its first symptoms may be different types of changes occurring in the body. These symptoms are not the same for every woman and may differ in intensity and duration.

Here are some of the most common first symptoms of pregnancy:

Delayed menstruation

Delayed menstruation is often one of the first and most noticeable symptoms of pregnancy, especially in women with a regular menstrual cycle. If you usually have regular menstruation, and you’re running late, this can be a strong indicator of pregnancy. However, delayed menstruation doesn’t always mean pregnancy. It may be caused by other factors, such as stress, hormonal disorders, excess physical activity, sudden weight changes or health problems, such as the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or even menopause.

Changes in breasts

Changes in breasts are one of the first and most common symptoms of pregnancy. These changes can be due to hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. Here are some typical breast changes that women may experience: Enlargement and tension: Breasts may become bigger and tense as a result of elevated levels of such hormones as estrogen and progesterone. Sensitivity and soreness: Plenty of women report increased sensitivity and soreness of breasts, which may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. This soreness may be similar to that which women experience before menstruation, but it is often more intense. Changes in nipples: The nipples may be more sensitive, bigger, darker, or more pronounced. Darkened areolas, the areas around the nipples, are also a common symptom.  Visible veins: Due to the increased blood flow during pregnancy there may be visible veins on the breasts. Darkened and enlarged Montgomery glands: Small protrusions on the areolas, known as Montgomery glands, may become enlarged and darkened. These glands play a vital role in preparing breasts for breastfeeding. Feeling full or heavy: Your breasts may feel full or heavier than usual.

Fatigue and exhaustion

Fatigue and exhaustion are common first symptoms of pregnancy that plenty of women experience during the early stages. The sensation of excess fatigue may be surprisingly intense and caused by a variety of pregnancy-related factors, which are:  Increased production of hormones, especially of progesterone: These may result in a calming effect, causing the sensation of fatigue. Your body works harder to support the growth and development of the fetus: This includes increased production of blood, increased heart rate, and other metabolic changes, which may lead to running out of energy. Your emotional balance may get disturbed during early stage pregnancy: This also contributes to the sensation of fatigue. Plenty of women also experience increased anxiety or stress after discovering they are pregnant. Hormonal changes may cause changes in sleep patterns: Some women have trouble falling or staying asleep, whereas others may experience an increased need for sleep. During the early stage of pregnancy there may also be other physical changes, such as more frequent urination, which may keep you up at night, causing fatigue. The orthopedic insoles Medicovi Sport100 can be helpful for women during pregnancy who often experience changes in body posture and increased pressure on their legs and spine. During pregnancy, there is an increase in body weight and changes in the center of gravity, which can lead to back, leg, and joint pain.

Nausea and changes in taste

Morning sickness is not just in the movies. Plenty of women start experiencing nausea and changes in their taste preferences during the early weeks of pregnancy. Nausea usually starts around the sixth week of pregnancy, but it may start earlier. In some women these changes remain for the entire first trimester, whereas others may experience it throughout their entire pregnancy. The exact cause of nausea during pregnancy isn’t entirely known, but it is likely caused by a combination of hormonal changes, especially an increased level of the hCG hormone (human chorionic gonadotropin). Possible solutions for alleviating nausea may be the frequent consumption of small portions of food, avoiding dishes with high fat content and a strong aroma, as well as the consumption of ginger, which is known for its anti-emetic properties. Changes in taste may be caused by increased sensitivity to certain flavors and aromas, changes in food preferences, or aversion to certain dishes that you used to like.

Changes in urination

An increased sense of having to urinate is common during the early stage of pregnancy. This symptom is caused by hormonal changes and an enlarging uterus, which causes pressure on the urinary bladder.

Mood changes

Hormonal changes may also cause mood swings. You may notice that you are more emotionally reactive or prone to mood changes.

Pain in the lower abdomen and cramps

Pains in the lower abdomen are a common and often early symptom of pregnancy. These pains may differ from mild to pretty intense and may be caused by different pregnancy processes. Plenty of women describe these pains as similar to the pain of menstruation. It may be accompanied by a sensation of tension or pressure in the lower abdomen. The pains may be related to the egg implantation in the wall of the uterus, which usually occurs 6 to 12 days after impregnation. These cramps are usually mild and short-lasting. If the pains are accompanied by other symptoms, such as bleeding, dizziness, or severe nausea, you should immediately seek medical help.

Increased basal body temperature (BBT)

Increased basal body temperature may be one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. Basal body temperature is the lowest temperature of the body at rest, and is usually measured right after waking up, even before getting out of bed. Plenty of women who monitor their BBT as part of their pregnancy planning or while trying to conceive may have noticed that it increases after ovulation and is one of the early indicators of pregnancy.  After ovulation the progesterone level increases, which leads to increased basal body temperature. This increase is usually 0.4 to 1.0 degree Fahrenheit (0.2 to 0.5 degree Celsius). If you are pregnant, your BBT will remain higher for at least 18 days after ovulation, which is longer than the normal luteal phase of your cycle. Accurate BBT measurements require a sensitive thermometer and regular measurements every morning at the same time, before getting out of bed. In order to confirm pregnancy, it is always recommended that you take a pregnancy test or consult a doctor.

Conclusion

If you notice some of these symptoms and believe that you may be pregnant, it is recommend that you take a pregnancy test or visit your ObGyn doctor for more information and to start preparing for this exciting stage of your life. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and that the symptoms may differ. A healthy lifestyle, adequate rest and proper diet are the keys to maintaining good health for you and your future baby.