Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Skip to main content

Women's Health Blog

10 Pregnancy Signs You Should Know

 

Pregnancy is one of the most extraordinary experiences a woman will go through in her lifetime. A missed period is the clearest indication that you’re pregnant, but there are also other signs to help you determine if you’re expecting.

Symptoms of pregnancy can start to appear in the first few weeks after conception. In addition to a missed period, here are some other signs that may point to pregnancy:

  1. Breast changes. Hormone levels change drastically after conception. The change can cause your breasts to be tender, sensitive, sore, or tingly. They may also feel fuller and heavier.
     
  2. Nausea. Morning sickness, or nausea, begins about three weeks after conception. It can occur during the day or night and can be triggered by certain smells.
  3. Frequent urination. You may experience increased urination beginning in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes.
     
  4. Fatigue. Because of the surge in the hormone progesterone, you may feel tired around one week after conception. Fatigue may also be a result of reduced blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, or a boost in blood production.
     
  5. Food cravings. During pregnancy, you might find that some foods make you sick and some you crave. Food cravings and aversions can last for the entire pregnancy.
     
  6. Spotting. When the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, a small amount of vaginal bleeding or spotting may occur about 10 to 14 days after conception. It’s known as implantation bleeding and usually lasts for a short time. 
     
  7. Cramping. Pregnancy cramps are often equated to menstrual cramps. Uterine cramps can occur early in pregnancy.
     
  8. Mood swings. The surge of hormones during pregnancy can make you feel more emotional than normal.
     
  9. Dizziness. During pregnancy your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops. Because of that you may feel lightheaded.
     
  10. Constipation. Due to high levels of progesterone, a hormone that causes food to digest slowly, you may experience constipation.

Many of these symptoms may be signs of other more serious conditions, changing birth control methods, or stress. Visit your healthcare provider if you think you’re pregnant to begin prenatal care, or if you’re not pregnant, to rule out any other underlying conditions.

Ready to plan your labor and delivery? See what Beebe Healthcare offers for women’s health services.