Are you wondering if you’re pregnant? Learn what the early signs of pregnancy in the first month for you!
Only a pregnancy test can tell you if you’re definitely pregnant.
But there are lots of common – and some weird – symptoms that moms-to-be experience in early pregnancy. And that’s all due to those huge hormone changes.
The first clue I had that I was pregnant were some period-like pains, that I initially mistook for my period!!
But please remember that everyone is different. Some mamas seemed to ‘just know’ that they’re pregnant.
While some mamas had absolutely no idea they’re pregnant for several weeks – 29% of women say that a missed period was their first sign.
So here’s my list of 24 early symptoms of pregnancy to look out for.
Pssst – If you’re TTC (trying to conceive) with IVF, here’s the inside scoop on my IVF journey.
Very Early Signs of Pregnancy
1. A Cold
While your body is growing a new baby, your immune system is being compromised. This allows for viruses and bacteria to give you more colds during pregnancy than you normally would.
There are some natural remedies to fight off a cold when you’re pregnant like using elderberry syrup, honey, or camu camu powder (mix this with your yogurt).
2. Increase in Cervical Mucus
During ovulation, your body produces thicker cervical mucus to help transport sperm to the egg. If conception doesn’t result, your cervical mucus thins out. However, if you did conceive, your cervical mucus will continue to produce and thicken.
3. Implantation Bleeding
If you notice some spotting or feel like you’re having a very light period, you might be experiencing implantation bleeding.
This happens between 7-12 days after conception as the embryo implants into the lining of your uterus.
And it’s possible that implantation bleeding shows up with some cramps – making it really difficult to tell it apart from a regular period.
So if you’re not sure, go ahead and take a pregnancy test.
However, bleeding and cramps in early pregnancy can be dangerous, so talk to your doctor if you’re concerned.
4. Heartburn
Changes to your digestion can be one of the very early signs of being pregnant. And it’s one that lots of moms could easily miss!
Heartburn is a big one. Look out for the burning sensation in your chest that seems to get worse when you lean over or lie down.
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5. Implantation Cramping
Here’s where early pregnancy can get confusing.
Feeling mild cramps in your lower stomach or back is an early symptom of pregnancy as the egg implants itself on your uterus lining.
And yes, it can feel just like those awful cramps you get just before your period.
If you are TCC, try to rest when you feel these and hang tight until you can do a pregnancy test.
And if you become concerned about the cramps, please don’t hesitate to see your medical professional.
6. Change in Taste
This might be food aversions or cravings – pickles and ice cream, anyone?
Because of those huge hormone changes happening in early pregnancy, you might find yourself unable to face your usual breakfast. Or craving things you don’t normally eat.
As much as you can, try to eat a balanced, healthy diet.
But I know that’s extra tough if you’re struggling with morning sickness! So now would be a great time to start taking a prenatal vitamin.
Pro-tip: Get the gummy version of your prenatal vitamins. For some reason, as soon as I became pregnant the thought of swallowing a hard pill made me gag. I couldn’t swallow my pills anymore and needed to switch everything to the gummy version!
7. Bleeding Gums
There are lots of weird symptoms and side effects of pregnancy – but here’s one I bet you weren’t expecting!!
Yes, tender and even bleeding gums is an early sign that you might be pregnant.
This happens because hormone changes increase the amount of blood flow to your gums – which can make them bleed more.
So if you are TCC, now’s a great time to get into some good oral hygiene habits – and save money on dentist bills!!!
8. Tender Breasts
Are your boobs feeling sore? Or perhaps swollen?
This is a common early symptom – 17% of women reported tender breasts as their first pregnancy symptom.
Again, this is an early sign that might be passed off as a symptom of your periods.
So look out for some of the other signs too.
Your boobs are going to change a lot during pregnancy and during breastfeeding – so this is just the start!
9. Darkened Areola
The areola is the darker bit around your nipples.
And if you suddenly notice that area getting darker or larger, you might be pregnant!
This darkening can happen as early as a week after conception as a change in hormones starts to prepare your body for baby.
10. Skin Breakouts
Even if you don’t normally get pimples, you might find your skin suddenly breaking out. And this is a symptom of early pregnancy.
Yes, pregnancy acne is a thing!!
In fact, break outs have been called a reliable early symptom of early pregnancy .
Just don’t go paint the nursery until you take a pregnancy test (or two…or three)!!
11. Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom that you’ll get to enjoy throughout pregnancy and motherhood! Hahah!
But seriously, being extra tired can be an early symptom of pregnancy – even as early as the first week after conception.
If you are TCC, or think you might be pregnant, be wary of using an extra cup of coffee to get you through the day! Caffeine is not baby friendly!
Rest when you can and put your to-do list on pause.
12. More Sensitive Smell
This one definitely counts as a weird symptom of pregnancy, right?
But some women do often report having an extra sensitive smell when they first fall pregnant.
Early in pregnancy, Gill from A Baby On Board even managed to catch her husband eating a bag of chips on another floor of their house, just by smell!!
So it might be worth writing down all the symptoms that you notice. I love my bullet journal for keeping track of all sorts of important mom stuff.
13. Nausea
Oh yes, that sensitive smell can definitely be a problem if you’re experiencing morning sickness!!
And although it’s called morning sickness, it doesn’t just happen in the mornings.
Nausea and vomiting is another common symptom of pregnancy and typically starts between 2-8 weeks after conception.
To help you battle nausea, I’ve rounded up 30 of the best ways to relieve morning sickness.
But if you find that your morning symptoms are severe – persistent vomiting, weight loss, loss of urination and confusion – please see your doctor as you might have hyperemesis gravidarum.
14. Constipation
Let’s thank the hormone progesterone for this early pregnancy symptom!
As your body changes with this new bundle of joy, progesterone comes in full force to prepare for growing a baby.
This can result in constipation.
It’s important to not drastically change your diet during this time. Instead, opt to include more leafy green vegetables, a well rounded diet and a healthy diet.
If you find constipation still plagues you during pregnancy, check out my guide on safe and natural remedies for constipation.
15. Disturbed Sleep
Sleeping all the time?
Bouts of insomnia?
Vivid dreams?
Yes, they’re all signs of early pregnancy. Thanks to those massive hormone changes.
Now might be the time to put your to-do list away and rest as much as you can.
16. Need to Pee All The Time
I asked a bunch of friends what signs they remember from early pregnancy and two mentioned more trips to the restroom.
And it’s a common symptom of early pregnancy that usually kicks in around 2-3 weeks after conception, thanks to those hormones.
As baby gets bigger and starts to press on your bladder, you’ll be making frequent trips to the restroom – so this is a symptom that’s here to stay.
I know it’s annoying, but don’t skimp on your water intake as being hydrated is vital for good health.
17. Temperature Changes – High Basal Body Temperature
If you’re TCC, you might be tracking your basal body temperature – that’s your morning temperature, before you even get out of bed.
Normally just before your period, your basal body temperature (BBT) will drop.
But if you’re pregnant, your BBT will stay high.
I know!! Unless, you’ve been tracking your BTT, this probably isn’t going to be much help in figuring out if you’re pregnant or not, right?
But if you’re interested here’s how to start tracking your BBT.
A bullet journal is an easy, no-fuss way to keep track of your stats, if you’re TCC.
18. Mood Changes and Mood Swings
Blame it on those hormones again, but being really emotional can be a sign of early pregnancy.
So take note if you catch yourself suddenly crying at commercials, or swinging between crying and then laughing.
Of course, this is one symptom that’s common in early pregnancy and PMS – so it might not be too helpful.
But if you’re noticing other symptoms on this list, it might be time to try a pregnancy test.
6 Early Pregnancy Symptoms Before You’re Missed Period
For some women, they may experience these early pregnancy symptoms:
- Having a metallic taste after eating
- Increase in saliva – this is to prepare you for morning sickness
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Gas – the Analytical Mommy reports that feeling extra gassy was one of her early pregnancy signs – and I’m sorry to say that this can continue right the way through pregnancy.
- Dizziness – I experienced dizziness in the first weeks of pregnancy. If I stood up too fast, I became dizzy. Your body is pumping out more blood and increasing the volume that it takes a bit of time for your body to “catch up” with this increase.
Very Early Signs of Pregnancy You NEED to Know
There ya go!
Some very early pregnancy symptoms you need to know – did any of your symptoms match my list?
If so, you might want to take a pregnancy test.
Maybe you’re TTC and waiting for that BPF (Big Fat Positive). Or maybe you’re completely surprised by some weird change currently happening in your body and want to know if you could be pregnant.
Either way, I truly hope you get the result you want!
Over to you!!
Let me know in the comments what symptoms first gave you the clue that you might be pregnant.
Don’t forget to pin for later!
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