Early Signs of Pregnancy

So, you’ve been experiencing a few mood swings, breast changes, tiredness, nausea and now you’ve missed a period. Does this mean you could be pregnant?

Changes to the body doesn’t always point to pregnancy, with lifestyle, medication and diet all causing imbalances within your body’s chemistry. That said, pregnancy is certainly one of the major causes of a change in hormone levels.

To be safe, your suspected pregnancy should be confirmed with a urine test or blood test and by seeking advice from your healthcare professional.

The early signs of pregnancy can include:

• Missed period

Missing a period is often the time when people first suspect they might be pregnant. But don’t rely on a missed period to tell you whether or not you are carrying a baby. Some women may experience an ‘implantation bleed’, light bleeding around the time of their expected period. This occurs when the embryo first attaches itself to the lining of the uterus.

• Nausea and vomiting

It’s estimated that nearly 70% pregnant women experience some level of nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy, and it can start as early as four weeks in. Often referred to as ‘morning sickness’, it can actually strike at any time of the day. A loss of appetite commonly comes hand-in-hand with nausea, as an increase in progesterone causes your digestive processes to slow down. The good news is that your nausea should subside by week 12.

• Breast tenderness and enlargement

Breast tenderness can often be put down to an approaching period, but when that period doesn’t come, it’s a good indication of pregnancy. From as early as four weeks into the pregnancy breasts can appear fuller, swollen and sensitive to touch. You may also notice some darkening of the skin around the nipple, and more obvious veins in the breast.

Tingling in the breasts can be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.

• Tiredness

Fatigue is common in early pregnancy as your body adjusts to the new fetus. Pregnancy causes a massive surge in the hormone production of progesterone, which will help a baby grow and lower the mother’s metabolism, but it takes time for you body to get used to these new levels. Energy levels usually return to normal following the first trimester.

Should tiredness continue, it may be a sign of anaemia, and an increase in iron may be required.

• Mood swings

Suddenly finding yourself weeping over an episode of “Neighbours” or the fact you forgot to put the bin out on garbage night may be an indication of pregnancy. Pregnancy causes an influx of hormones, which can result in your jumping from sad to angry and back to happy in the space of an hour.

• Frequent urination

Pregnancy causes an increase in body fluids and greater kidney efficiency. On top of this, the swelling uterus presses against the bladder, making urination a lot more frequent. Increased urination can start as early as three weeks into pregnancy, and can often strike at night.

• Cravings for certain foods

Many women experience cravings during pregnancy, with some being quite peculiar. Most will crave foods that provide energy and calcium, but for some, pregnancy can bring on a diet disorder called pica, characterised by a desire for non-nutritional goods like paper, coal, dirt or chalk.

• Distaste for foods you normally love

A pregnant woman’s relationship with food isn’t just about what she wants – it’s also about the foods she can’t stand to eat and smell. According to research, between 50-90% of pregnant women report some kind of food aversion, most often in the first trimester. Common aversions include eggs, chicken and red meat.

• Bloating, cramps and backache

Many women mistake bloating, cramps and lower back ache with PMS, when it could actually be a sign of pregnancy. This is mostly caused by hormonal changes.

• Dizziness and fainting

Progesterone can contribute to lightheadedness by making your body run hotter and causing blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure. In addition, it takes longer than normal for the blood that’s been directed to your uterus to make its way back to the brain upon standing. Dizziness can also stem from not eating the right foods, with low blood sugar often causing lightheadedness.

• Headaches

A lack of fluids in the early stages of pregnancy can cause headaches, largely in part to increased progesterone levels. Headaches may be a sign of anaemia should they continue after 12 weeks.

• Vaginal discharge

The vulva and vagina are usually pink in colour, but this changes to a dark purplish-red as pregnancy progresses. This is due to the increased amount of blood being supplied to the tissues in this area, and can cause some vaginal discharge.

What to do if the symptoms point to pregnancy

Every woman and pregnancy is different, and the early signs of pregnancy can vary. Some women know from the moment of conception, while others use these clues above to tell them something is different within their body. And then there are those who don’t discover they are pregnant until a little bump starts forming and they finally miss a period.

If you suspect you are pregnant, take a test. The best time to do this is in the morning, but don’t do it right before you run out the door to work. Find a moment when you’ll have time to celebrate or think about what a positive result means.

If your test is positive, make an appointment to see your doctor. It’s important to get started on your prenatal care as soon as possible, and this will give you an opportunity to talk to your doctor about any medications you might be taking and what to expect over the 9 months. Your doctor is also likely to ask about your family’s medical history, and explain your options for the recommended prenatal genetic testing.

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