Not Sure if You're Pregnant? Look for These Signs

Aside from the most obvious sign—a missed period—a woman’s body provides plenty of other signs of pregnancy. Immediately after conception the body begins preparing for development of a new baby. The body undergoes countless changes that create outward signs and symptoms. Some perceptive women are able to gather enough evidence to suspect a pregnancy within a few days of conception. If you are tired of wasting money on home pregnancy tests, pay attention to the signs your body may be sending to determine if a baby is on the way.

Breast Tenderness

For many women, breast tenderness is a common pregnancy symptom which tends to be the first hint they are pregnant. Breast tenderness can affect some women outside of pregnancy, particularly around the menstrual cycle. However, for many, it is a clear sign their body is undergoing change. They are experiencing very early preparations for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is an essential part of natural survival and the body begins to prepare for this task by releasing hormones.

Nausea

Once food poisoning is ruled out, there is no mistaking those waves of nausea for anything else. The ongoing feeling of queasiness following a missed period can only mean one thing . . . you’re pregnant! Nausea affects the majority of pregnant women at some point, leaving most wondering where their “glow” went.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another common sign of pregnancy. If you have started to feel as though getting out of bed is tantamount to running a marathon, you may want to consider doing a home pregnancy test. Fatigue results from the body spending considerable energy performing thousands of new responsibilities related to growing a baby such as: increasing blood volume, increasing hormonal activity and creating new tissue, to name a few.

Sensitivity to Smells

It is believed the increased sensitivity pregnant women have to smells is a survival mechanism. The body instinctively works to protect the health of a developing baby by avoiding potentially dangerous substances through an enhanced sense of smell. A pregnant woman’s nose is able to pick out odors from sources that may have negative effects on a fragile fetus. Often, newly pregnant women are repulsed by what they smell so they naturally want to avoid certain foods and environments. This is why so many coffee lovers, once pregnant, instantly lose their desire for a morning cup of java.

Change in Urine Frequency or Appearance

Many pregnant women notice an intensified need to urinate. A pregnant woman’s blood supply almost doubles in her body. This increased volume of blood and other fluids needs to be processed by the kidneys which creates a greater need to urinate. In addition, the kidneys become more efficient during pregnancy and work to eliminate waste from the body more rapidly causing more frequent bathroom trips.

A change in urine color or appearance is another possible clue, although not a formal pregnancy sign. Many pregnant women report noticeable changes in their urine color and some have even noticed their urine begins to be somewhat cloudy.

Mood Swings

Due to the rapid fluctuation of hormones during pregnancy, many women may experience mood swings early on. Since hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, help regulate serotonin levels (serotonin is your “feel good” neurotransmitter) the rapid rise in these hormones may causes an imbalance in serotonin levels.

Mood swings can also be exacerbated by the fatigue and physical stress women experience during pregnancy. If you are feeling unusually emotional or teary, you may want to check if you are pregnant.

Pregnancy signs are often there, even early on. It is important to know what you are looking for in order to detect pregnancy, and you need good self-awareness regarding your body to observe these subtle changes. Of course, when in doubt, you can always take a home pregnancy test!