It can be quite an exciting – or scary – time when you think you may be pregnant. Below you’ll find some of the most common pregnancy signs as well as other reasons for them.Please read the following information before drawing the conclusion that you are pregnant, based on symptoms that you are or are not experiencing:
- Only a urine or blood pregnancy test will give you an accurate answer about whether you definitely are or are not pregnant. TTC? Pregnancy and ovulation test sare available to buy in bulk.
- Many pregnancy symptoms can also be symptoms of things such as your menstrual cycle, stress or illness.
- Some women experience only a handful of symptoms or none at all, so if you are not experiencing any symptoms and are trying for a baby, you may still be pregnant. It’s also quite uncommon for most pregnancy symptoms to begin before 5-6 weeks gestation.
List of Pregnancy/Menstrual Symptoms
These symptoms may be signs of either your normal cycle OR pregnancy.
Acne – Hormone increases both at certain times of the month and in early pregnancy can cause severe pimple outbreaks as well as dry or oily skin.
Bleeding – When the embryo implants into the uterus, some women experience implantation bleeding. However this could also be part of your normal cycle changed by stress or illness.
Missed Period – Although this is a common sign and often one of the first, some women DO continue to experience their normal cycle throughout pregnancy. Heightened stress or changes in diet can also stop or change your cycle.
Mood Swings – Anything which raises hormone levels (either pregnancy or your cycle) can result in moods that swing between irritability and tears and a half dozen other moods!
Tender/Swollen/Sensitive Breasts – Another common sign of both pregnancy and normal monthly hormones. Can also include enlarged or more noticeable veins.
List of Pregnancy/Health Symptoms
These symptoms may be signs of either an illness or infection OR pregnancy.
Cramping or Abdominal Pains – Cramping is quite common during the first trimester as your body and uterus adjust and grow. However pains in your abdominal area, especially if severe enough that you cannot complete simple tasks, can also be an indication of a problem such as an ovarian cyst or appendicitis.
Cravings – Cravings can occur at any time throughout the pregnancy and can often be for things you hated before you were pregnant. However they can also occur if you are not pregnant if you change your diet or your body is lacking in certain vitamins and minerals.
Discharge Changes – During pregnancy you’ll often experience heavier discharge. However if it smells strange or is any colour other than white or clear or is accompanied by any pain, it could be a urinary tract infection (UTI) or thrush infection.
Dizziness – As your body prepares to pump enough blood to keep both you and your baby healthy, you’ll often find yourself feeling dizzy as your heart adjusts to the extra work. However if you experience any fainting spells or blackouts, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Headaches – Pregnancy related headaches due to hormones are not uncommon. However if they reach the intensity of migraines or occur for more than a few days, you should see a doctor as they may be a sign of a different issue.
Heartburn – A common symptom both at the start and end of pregnancy. Heartburn and acid reflux can be related to diet, health problems or pregnancy however, so do check with your doctor if it occurs more than a few days in a row.
Increased Urination – As the body adapts and the uterus grows, pressure on the bladder can lead to more frequent toilet breaks. However this can also be an early sign of diabetes.
Nausea and Vomiting – One of the most well known signs of pregnancy, some women experience morning sickness all day long, accompanied by severe vomiting. Others only experience mild nausea or none at all. If you are throwing up make sure to keep up your liquids and also see your doctor in case you have gastro or an infection.
Swollen Feet – Water retention during pregnancy is not uncommon. However if it lasts more than a few days it’s a good idea to see your doctor as it may be a sign of more severe complications.
Tiredness – Many women find themselves sleeping 12 and 14 hour stretches during the first trimester and still feeling tired. However this may also be a sign of too much stress or a problem such as chronic fatigue.
List of Other Strange Symptoms
These are symptoms that cannot be easily explained otherwise and are SOMETIMES related to pregnancy.
Food Aversion – Many women find that foods they once loved suddenly make them nauseous or even, in severe cases, actually thrown up. Smells like smoke, alcohol, deodorant, cooking meat and coffee are quite common food aversions.
Heightened Smells – Many women find that they can notice smells that before were barely perceptible. This can also link to food aversion.
Lowered Fitness Levels – Without any obvious cause, some women will find that they can no longer run as far or list as heavier objects, even if they are used to doing so every day. They suddenly find themselves easily exhausted.
Metallic Taste – Some women experience a metallic taste in their mouths during pregnancy. However this can also be an indication of poor or changed diet.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is general in nature. Before trying anything recommended in this article or on this site you should always talk to your own medical carers and do your own research.
Susannah is a certified Birth Doula through Childbirth International and the founder of Trimester Talk. With a background in journalism and digital strategy, she combines evidence-based research with real-world knowledge to create accessible content about pregnancy and parenting. She’s a mother of two and stepmother of two more, all of them now teenagers.