Early pregnancy symptoms

Early pregnancy symptoms

There are various pregnancy symptoms that can indicate you might be pregnant. They differ from woman to woman, and from pregnancy to pregnancy. If you're pregnant, you may notice one or more of these symptoms. Don't worry; you're unlikely to get them all at once. Equally, you shouldn't worry if you don't experience any of them. It's perfectly possible to be pregnant without noticing any of the 'classic' signs of pregnancy listed below.

Classic Symptoms of Pregnancy

Missed period. This is the earliest and most reliable sign if you have a regular monthly cycle. Though it is possible to have a little light bleeding or spotting around the time you expected your period, even if you're pregnant.

If you don't have a regular cycle, you may notice some of the other pregnancy symptoms before you notice a missed period.

Feeling tired. You may feel unusually tired in the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is probably due to rising levels of the hormone progesterone.

Feeling sick. You may start feeling sick, and even vomit, between about the 2nd and 8th week of pregnancy. Although this is often called 'morning sickness' it can happen to you at any time of the day or night.

Changes in your breasts. You may notice your breasts getting larger, feeling tender, or tingling (the way some women's breasts do just before they get their period) in the early weeks of pregnancy. In addition, the veins on your breasts may show up more and your nipples may get darker.

Going to the loo more often. About 6-8 weeks after conception you may find that you have to get up in the night to go to the loo. Some pregnant women also find that they 'leak' a bit when they cough, laugh or sneeze.

Mood swings and stress. You may feel rapid changes in mood in the early stages of pregnancy, and even start to cry sometimes, without knowing why. This is probably because of the changes in hormone levels taking place in your body.

Changing tastes in food. You may find you go off certain things like tea, coffee or fatty food. Some women also feel cravings for types of food they don't usually like.