Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting times in your life or one of the scariest. No matter what your situation, the sooner you know about your pregnancy the better. Everyone’s bodies are different, and many early symptoms of pregnancy are similar to your regular premenstrual cycle. Familiarizing yourself with the early signs will help you recognize changes in your body.
Missed Period
For many women, the most distinct sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Slight fluctuations in your cycle may be common. However, if you’re a week or more beyond the start of your regular period, it may be time to look into free pregnancy testing in Illinois.
Increased Tiredness
Pregnancy can lead to an increase in tiredness. A rise in progesterone, lower blood sugar, and decreased blood pressure can all contribute. Be watchful for unexplained exhaustion and more hours in bed.
Implantation Bleeding
If you are pregnant, you may experience light spotting in lieu of your actual period. The phenomenon is called implantation bleeding and is caused by a fertilized egg attaching to your uterine lining. Implantation bleeding can be accompanied by cramping and may be followed by a milky discharge.
Elevated Urination
Pregnancy comes with an increase in urine volume. As your body elevates the amount of blood in your system, your kidneys go into overdrive. That means more frequent trips to the restroom.
Decreased Bowel Movements
Your urination frequency may not be the only change in your bathroom habits. An increase in progesterone will make your digestive system slower. In turn, you may have issues with constipation.
Sensitive Breasts
Fluctuating hormones affect your breasts. Early in your pregnancy, you may notice that they are more sensitive, swollen, or sore. Thankfully, that is usually a temporary symptom.
Morning Sickness
Pregnant women often face nausea. Your upset stomach may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Despite commonly being called morning sickness, nausea can occur anytime throughout the day.
Food and Smell Aversions
Your nausea may tie in closely with food aversions. If a smell or taste suddenly has your stomach rolling, you just might be pregnant.
Extra Bloating
Many women aren’t strangers to bloating. If you’re experiencing more bloat than what is normal for you, it may not be from your period. Tight clothing and a lingering feeling of fullness can be from pregnancy hormones.
Aches and Pains
Changes in your body can result in some abnormal aches and pains. Some women experience back pain as well as headaches early on in their pregnancies.
Light Headedness
Dizziness and even fainting may occur in pregnant women. Being light-headed results from changes in your circulatory system. As your blood vessels dilate, your blood pressure and sugar may fall.
If you are pregnant, you may have one of these signs or all of them. A pregnancy test will be the only definitive way to determine if you are pregnant. Don’t delay finding out. The sooner you know, the sooner you can plan for your future.
