7 Top Pregnancy Symptoms

Because every woman is unique, so is her pregnancy. The symptoms can even be different for the same woman from one pregnancy to another.

Although another health issue could cause each symptom, the seven most common signs are a missed period, tender breasts, nausea, increased urination, fatigue, constipation, and moodiness.

The best way to determine pregnancy is a pregnancy test. Women’s Resource Centers of Southern Nevada offer free pregnancy testing. Schedule your appointment today.

The Most Common Pregnancy Symptoms

Experts agree these are the symptoms you can expect if you’re pregnant.

1. A Missed Period

Skipping your period is usually the first sign indicating pregnancy. If your menstrual cycle is pretty regular, you’ll know that something is different a day or two after your missed period. An irregular cycle means you may have to wait another couple of days to take a pregnancy test.

A body’s response to pregnancy can cause some confusing symptoms. Implantation occurs anywhere from day six to day twelve after an egg is fertilized. When the embryo attaches to the uterine wall, you can experience light spotting and cramping. Many women mistake this sign as a lighter than normal period.

2. Tender Breasts

Early in pregnancy, hormonal changes might make your breasts feel heavier, fuller, tender, and sore. Once your body adjusts to hormonal changes, the discomfort will likely decrease.

Another breast change that might occur in early pregnancy is a darkening of the areolas. The skin around the nipples is called the areola, which grows in size until giving birth.

3. Nausea

Are you familiar with the term morning sickness?  Although it occurs at any time of the day or night, it often begins one to two months after becoming pregnant. However, some women never experience it. 

Pregnancy hormones likely play a role in causing nausea. Vomiting can also accompany morning sickness. Be aware of the possibility of food cravings or food aversions at the same time.

4. Increased Urination

Most likely, it’s the level of hormones in your body that causes you to urinate more often than usual. Increased urination begins around the sixth or eighth week for many women. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, “The amount of blood in your body increases during pregnancy, causing your kidneys to process extra fluid that ends up in your bladder.”

5. Fatigue

Feeling tired is normal during pregnancy. Once again, hormones could cause fatigue in your body. Lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, or a boost in blood production can cause fatigue too.

Get enough rest whenever possible and fight fatigue by eating lots of protein.

6. Constipation

If hormones aren’t already causing enough problems, they are also responsible for constipation. A higher level of the hormone progesterone can make you constipated. Progesterone is vital for the growth of the fetus but slows the passage of food through your intestines.

The solution is to drink a lot of water, exercise, and eat high-fiber foods.

7. Moodiness

Mood swings are common. You can be laughing loudly one minute and sobbing the next. In early pregnancy, the flood of hormones in your body can make you unusually emotional and weepy.

Free Pregnancy Testing

If any or all of these symptoms seem familiar, it’s time for free and confidential pregnancy testing. Schedule an appointment by calling, texting, or signing up online.

We’re here for you. One of our team members would love to chat with you to provide pregnancy testing and a pre-ultrasound screening. If your pregnancy test is positive, we can talk about your options too.