Every sign can also be explained by another health issue. So it is hard to know early on whether you are actually pregnant or just dealing with an unrelated issue. According to the top gynecologist in Pretoria, Your Pregnancy & Childbirth, Month to Month, women notice these pregnancy symptoms most often:
Missed Period
A blip in your normal cycle is the first thing you are likely to notice. If you are pregnant, you will miss your next period entirely or it will be much lighter than normal. If your period is a week late or more, it may be a sign you are pregnant – however, some women often have irregular periods. Other pregnancy symptoms do not show up until a week or two after you’ve missed your period.
Nausea
Morning sickness is a well-known sign of pregnancy, but it is not exclusive to the a.m. You can feel nauseous at any time of day, even with or without vomiting. Nausea typically shows up 2 weeks to 2 months after conception and can last for a number of weeks. It is generally one of the first signs of pregnancy.
Frequent Urination
Nausea is not the mere thing that will send you to the bathroom in the early weeks of pregnancy. During pregnancy, the volume of blood in your body increases, which eventually leads to extra fluid in the bladder. This is one sign of pregnancy that does not fade after the first few weeks. According to a gynecologist in Pretoria, as your baby grows, it puts more pressure on your bladder & increases your bathroom breaks.
Tender or Swollen Breasts
When you are pregnant, your hormones go into overdrive to prepare your body for a baby. The increment in hormones can make your breasts swollen or tender. Sore breasts are also, however, a common sign of normal menstruation. When it is a much more intense tenderness or swelling, it may be a symptom of pregnancy that typically shows up within the first couple of weeks.
Fatigue
Fatigue is frequently a sign of pregnancy and can last through the 2nd trimester — and pops up again in the last few weeks before childbirth. According to the top gynecologist in Pretoria, your changing hormones are again a contributing factor, causing you to feel sleepy or tired.
Mood Swings
You may notice yourself riding high one minute and in another minute feeling down. You may feel like you cannot control your emotions at all. Mood swings are a normal part of pregnancy, but it is always a good idea to seek help or talk to your OB/GYN if you experience extended downswings or depression.
Bloating
You may already feel bloated every month before you get your period. Those same hormone changes cause bloating in early pregnancy. Your clothes may be fitting a bit tighter as your uterus expands during pregnancy.
