Whether a person is hoping or planning to get pregnant or not, it’s important to undergo pregnancy testing soon after you notice signs that point towards pregnancy. Knowing for sure whether you are pregnant or not can help you take proper precautions to keep the fetus healthy if you plan to keep it or take other steps if you don’t.
Some common early symptoms of pregnancy include the following:
1. Missed Periods
One of the first ways women know they are pregnant is from missing a period, especially if their periods are usually right on schedule. At the same time, a missed period doesn’t automatically indicate pregnancy, as excessive exercise, diet changes, and stress can also a woman’s cycle.
If you have missed your period, it’s always helpful to take a pregnancy test. Most pregnancy tests provide accurate results when used after a missed period, but your hormone levels may still not be high enough for it to detect. After a negative result, try a test again a few days later to confirm that you are not pregnant. If you get a positive result, make an appointment to see your doctor.
Regularly missing periods when not pregnant can indicate other health issues, so it’s best to speak with your doctor if your periods are constantly missed or highly irregular.
2. Fatigue
One easily overlooked symptom of pregnancy is fatigue. Increased fatigue is usually due to fluctuations in progesterone, and it can make it difficult to carry out daily activities. Excessive fatigue may also make women reach for another cup of coffee, but high doses of caffeine can be harmful to a fetus if you are indeed pregnant.
If you notice that you have much lower energy levels than usual, it might be time to take a pregnancy test.
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Most people have heard of morning sickness, which is associated with women early in their pregnancy. There are dozens of reasons you may feel nauseous or vomit, but pregnancy can be one of them. When nausea is accompanied by other pregnancy symptoms, it’s always a good idea to take a pregnancy test.
4. New Food Aversions or Cravings
Another common symptom of pregnancy is new food aversions or unusual cravings. These are also likely due to hormone changes, and food aversions can also bring on unbearable waves of nausea, especially super spicy or sweet foods. Many women find that sticking to a bland diet and avoiding strong odors can help with food aversions.
Unusual cravings are also a hallmark of pregnancy, as some women begin to crave different foods or odd food pairings.
Whether you are trying to get pregnant or not, noticing these symptoms of pregnancy can be a nerve-wracking time full of uncertainty and doubts. Many women put off getting a pregnancy test, especially if they weren’t trying to get pregnant in the first place, but it’s better for you to know for sure as early in the pregnancy as possible. This will allow you to make decisions and take steps that will be best for you in the long run.
