If your period is late or you’ve recently had sex and are now experiencing possible signs of early pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to confirm with pregnancy testing and then an ultrasound.
However, knowing what to expect is still helpful, so here are some of the most common signs of early pregnancy.
Absent period
A delayed period can be one of the most apparent signs of a possible pregnancy. For more accurate results, you may want to wait a few days after your period was supposed to start so that there will be more detectable levels of hCG, the pregnancy hormone that tests detect.
If you have irregular periods, this symptom may not be as dependable of a clue.
Extreme Fatigue
Wanting naps in the late afternoon is regular. Still, if you are experiencing heightened levels of exhaustion without any significant changes in lifestyle or activity levels, this could be an indication of early pregnancy.
Acne
Due to fluctuating hormones as the embryo continues to develop, breakouts of acne are another sign of early pregnancy.
Light Spotting
Light bleeding or discharge can be a sign of implantation bleeding, which happens when the embryo implants in the uterine lining (around 10-14 days after conception).
Mood Swings
If you feel you are playing catch-up with your own emotions and are experiencing sharp changes in your mood, like anger or fear, mood swings are a common sign of early pregnancy.
Nausea
Also known as “morning sickness,” women experience differing levels of nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy. Some have severe cases of morning sickness, while others are minimal.
Frequent Urination
Increased hormone levels cause more blood to flow through your body, making your kidneys work harder than usual. As a result, you may feel the need to visit the restroom more often.
Next Steps
The quickest way to confirm pregnancy is through pregnancy testing. You can get these over the counter at your local pharmacy. Our center also offers free, lab-quality pregnancy testing services.
However, ultrasounds provide the most accurate results because pregnancy testing can sometimes give false negatives, especially if they are taken too early.
At The Pregnancy Help Center, we also offer no-cost ultrasounds and free consultations where you can learn more about your various pregnancy options in a safe, supportive environment.
Contact us today!