While we hear stories of pregnancies carrying on for weeks or even months unnoticed, these cases are pretty rare. In fact, on average, most women discover they are pregnant around the 4-6 week mark.
But how do these women know that they are carrying the tiny cluster of cells that will soon become their little bundle of baby joy? While it would be fun to believe that a women's intuition kicks in the moment she falls pregnant, the truth is that early pregnancy symptoms are usually pretty hard to ignore.
Of course, every woman has a different experience and pregnancy symptoms come and go with no warning or explanation.
If you believe you may be pregnant, there are a number of early pregnancy symptoms that can confirm your suspicions. Keep reading to discover the very early symptoms of pregnancy, when you can expect to 'feel pregnant', and what infrequent symptoms mean.
What Are the Very Early Signs of Pregnancy?
One of the most common questions expecting moms ask is 'how soon can you get symptoms of pregnancy?'. Because your pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last period, you likely won't feel any symptoms or signs until around 4 weeks pregnant or 2 weeks after conception/ovulation.
The pregnancy symptoms week by week can change and evolve. While that may sound confusing now, there will come a point where saying goodbye to an unpleasant symptom feels like a saving grace.
Here are a few symptoms of pregnancy that you can pop up as early as 4 weeks in.
Missed Period
A missed period is the most common early pregnancy symptom that women notice. This is especially true if your cycle is very consistent and always "on time."
If your menstruation days do vary a little, it may be a week or two before you notice that your expected period never arrived. In addition, you may experience symptoms that feel much like a period but are never preceded by the regular flow.
Sensations like lower abdominal pains and cramps and light spotting can be an indication of implantation. If you feel any of these symptoms and don't experience a normal period within a day or two, you could very well be with child!
Tender and Swollen Breasts
Another common symptom of early pregnancy is tender or even swollen breasts. If your breasts feel sensitive to the touch or wearing a bra is as good as torture, your body may already making the vital changes required to carry and eventually feed a baby.
Couple this symptom with a missed period and it's time to pick up a home pregnancy test.
Nausea
About 70% of women experience the unpleasant pregnancy symptom known as "morning sickness." However, the sensation of nausea, with or without vomiting, can happen at any time of the day.
Nausea is caused by an influx of hormones pumping through your body to support the tiny little cell cluster forming in your womb.
Nauseous feelings can come and go frequently and may be made worse by an empty stomach. If your nausea is preventing you from keeping any food down, you may need to see a doctor to ensure your body is getting enough nutrients to support you and your growing bub.
Increased Urination
This is one of those pregnancy symptoms that tend to stick around throughout your entire pregnancy. While further on in your pregnancy this symptom is due to a baby sitting, or even jumping, on your bladder, there's not much there to take up space in the very early stages.
Instead, the increased need to pee is usually due to those increased hormones we mentioned earlier.
Fatigue
If you wake up feeling tired or can't seem to make it through the day without a nap, it may be an early sign of pregnancy in hiding.
Your body has to work incredibly hard to support that little bean that will become your baby. What's more, is those pesky hormones can do a number on your energy levels.
Mood Swings
Feeling extra emotional or even irritable? If you're experiencing PMS-like mood swings without the following period, these mood changes could be due to - you guessed it - hormones.
Again, this symptom may come and go and can even leave you feeling a bit "out of control" of your emotional state for a while.
What Are Some Uncommon Signs of Early Pregnancy?
While most of the symptoms of early pregnancy are much more subtle, there are a few uncommon signs that may pop up. Most of these symptoms come into play later on in your pregnancy, however, every experience is unique and some women may notice these even before their missed period.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, your best course of action is to take a pregnancy test or visit your doctor for confirmation:
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Sensitivity to smell
- Headaches and dizziness
- Nasal congestion
- Changes in body hair
- Brain fog
- Food cravings and aversions
- Bloating and constipation
Of course, if you don't experience any of these symptoms at any point in your pregnancy, there's no need to worry. You may just be one of the lucky ones!
Should I Be Worried if Pregnancy Symptoms Come and Go?
So what happens if pregnancy symptoms come and go? Believe it or not, it's very common for symptoms to fluctuate from week to week, day to day, or even hour to hour.
Perhaps your energy picks up for a day or you have a break from nausea and vomiting. This is nothing to worry about and can often be a welcome change, if only for a day or two. Of course, if you have concerns, you can always see your doctor and ask about irregularities.
On the other hand, if all of your symptoms come to an abrupt end, this may be a sign that something is off. If you no longer 'feel' pregnant or you have a significant increase in spotting and abdominal pain, see your doctor as soon as possible to rule out the signs of miscarriage.
Symptoms of Pregnancy and Their Ever-Changing Nature
Now that you know the early symptoms of pregnancy, you can be on the lookout for these signs of new life. Whether your pregnancy symptoms come and go or stick around from conception to birth, rest assured knowing that every experience is unique and special in its own way!
Are you actively looking to conceive or newly pregnant? At Insurdinary, we can help. Get your free quote for health insurance today to ensure your entire pregnancy is free from financial stress and concerns!
