Signs Of Pregnancy:
Think You Might Be Pregnant?

Showing signs of pregnancy? There are definitely some tell-tale pregnancy symptoms that can be a big giveaway!

Unfortunately though, the symptoms of pregnancy don't usually start until your first missed period, so if you are in what is referred to in 'trying to conceive forums' in the 'two week wait' period, it can be an agonizing wait wondering if you could be pregnant!See, all symptoms and signs of pregnancy come as a result of your bodies hormones changing. Things like sore breasts, nausea, and vomiting are all a result of hormonal changes in your body.
So let's break it down for you, the following are symptoms and signs that could indicate to you that you are pregnant. You might already know you are pregnant and have come here only to reassure yourself that what you are experiencing is normal.

Here is a short video of some of the most popular and common signs of pregnancy:

Early Signs Of Pregnancy

Any symptoms signs of pregnancy may begin anywhere between 7 to 10 days after your date of ovulation. This is when implantation begins.
Besides being able to confirm pregnancy with a pregnancy test - which tests levels of hCG produced from the embryo after implantation.
There are some other signs of pregnancy that may reveal if you might be pregnant.
Usually your levels of hCG increase as the embryo grows, so that's why sometimes women can do a pregnancy test that shows up negative, producing a false result. They might find a few days later it shows up positive, and it's because the level of hCG weren't detectable on the test yet.
When women are pregnant you may hear one person talk about it being horrible because they were sick all the time, while another might say they weren't sick but they were just tired all the time.
Another might complain of sore breasts, whilst someone else may say they didn't even realise they were pregnant until three months into their pregnancy and totally skipped any symptoms of breast pain!
The point is, everyone experiences different signs of pregnancy, so you may experience some of the symptoms, or none of them!

Here are the most common early signs of pregnancy shared by pregnant women.

Missed Period

This is one of the most obvious signs you could be pregnant. Especially if your cycle is quite regular. Some women have thought they are pregnant before when a period has come late, but sometimes this can also happen if you have had a very stressful month too.
Find out what the most common reasons for having a missed period are.

High Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

Your body temperature elevates after ovulation each month as your progesterone levels rise in a bid to make your uterus a comfortable and inviting place for an embryo to grow.
If you don't get your period, and are indeed pregnant, your temperature will remain elevated, and maybe even peak at a third elevated level. You can learn more about using a Basal Body Thermometer (BBT) to monitor your cycle here.

Morning Sickness

Funnily enough, morning sickness doesn't just happen in the morning, you can be sick at any time of the day.
Basically the hormones in your body are changing, so your body is trying to adapt and it can really send your body into a bit of shock, so... you get sick!
It's normal, so don't worry about it, but if you are violently ill and can't even keep food or fluids down, it would be a good idea to visit your doctor.

Breast Changes

Your breasts can be one of the first signs that show you may be pregnant. There can be changes in the appearance of your nipples and aureola (surrounding the nipples).
You might get little white goose bumps on the aureola, and your skin pigment may darken over time as pregnancy hormones take over your body! Also, your breasts may become very tender and sore.

Fatigue

You may feel that you can never get enough sleep, and when you are awake, everything might be an effort! Your body is working overtime to create and grow a baby, so it can be quite a tiring process!

Increased Cervical Mucus

You may not notice any change, but for some women the pure surge of progesterone can result in an increase in your cervical mucus. Find out more about Cervical Mucus here.

Frequently Urinating

As your growing embryo starts secreting hCG it sends blood to the pelvis area which can irritate your bladder making you go for more regular pitstops!
Unfortunately, you'll probably notice you only have to go for a little bit each time, as your bladder won't be full! It's very annoying, but another early tell-tale sign of pregnancy.

Cramps And Pains

Early on you may get cramps and pains. It can be very worrying for some mothers-to-be, with the worry of miscarriage in the back of their minds, but alot of the time cramping can be normal.
It's just all the changes happening in your uterus. Sometimes you may have a little bit of bleeding, and this can be associated with the embryo burrowing into the side of your uterus. If you have significant bleeding, or if you are unsure and concerned, see your doctor.

Constipation Or Gas

Constipation is another annoying part of being pregnant, this is because your body is trying to make as much room for the baby as possible so your intestines will relax so they can flatten out more. You may be alot more gassy too.
There's so much to look forward to!! If you are experiencing constipation that has become really uncomfortable, don't panic, there are things you can take while you're pregnant, just discuss which ones are right for you with your pharmacist.

Sense of Smell

Your sense of smell will be heightened when pregnant, so you might notice everything! and for some, it's enough to literally make them feel sick! Alot of women will find there are just some things they can't be around without feeling nauseous, again, welcome to pregnancy!

Changes In Taste/Onset of Cravings

Got a craving for chalk, dirt or clay? You could be pregnant! Your desire for certain foods can change as hormones will alter your saliva perhaps even leaving you with a metallic taste in your mouth.
Some women will even find the food they loved before pregnancy just won't taste the same now. It won't give them the same satisfaction! Cravings whilst pregnant are normal, just try to make good nutritional choices where possible.

Spotting

If you are in the two week wait stage of pregnancy (that is from ovulation to when your next period typically comes), you may find from about 7 to 10 days after ovulation that you have some very light pinkish bleeding.
This is usually a result of the embryo implanting itself in your uterus and is normal. The embryo is just trying to burrow into the lining (that normally sheds each month in your period) to get comfortable for developing into a baby!

Acne or Breakouts

Just when you thought pregnancy symptoms couldn't be any worse along comes outbreaks and acne to add to the mix!
Unfortunately for some women in the early stages of pregnancy you may get some pimples or a flare up acne. Your body is raging with pregnancy hormones, so it's just a side-effect of your body adjusting.
Once your body settles into a pattern any break-outs should die down. Just try not to pick or pop them, you don't want scarring left behind as a permanent reminder!

Colds And Sickness

One of the other fun signs of pregnancy can be getting a cold. Yes, you read right! Because of all the hormonal changes going on in your body, you are more susceptible to colds and flu.

Vaginal Colour

Your vagina might look purplish. This is because there is alot more blood flow going into your pelvic region to nourish the pregnancy.


So if you aren't pregnant yet, you now know what signs of pregnancy to look out for! And if you are, goodluck! I hope you only experience mild symptoms and that pregnancy is an enjoyable and wonderful experience for you.
I'm sure everything else will far outweigh some of the less desirable signs of pregnancy you may experience.