Have you been feeling a bit off? Is your body giving you some unusual signs that are making you worried? Do you find yourself thinking, "Wait a second… could I be pregnant?"
The early signs of pregnancy can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you weren't planning on it. Whether you're excited about the possibility of motherhood or feeling apprehensive, it's still important to be aware of what's going on with your body so you can make informed decisions about your health.
First things first… take a deep breath!
Now, let’s see if you’re experiencing any of these early signs of pregnancy:
1. Missed period: This is usually the first and most obvious sign that people notice. It’s like your body putting out the batsignal, but instead of trying to get the attention of Bruce Wayne, it’s trying to tell you there is something new going on inside you. If you've been tracking your menstrual cycle and realized you’re late, it could be a sign that you're pregnant.
2. Nausea and/or Vomiting: Though it can happen at any time of the day or night, “morning sickness” happens to an estimated 3 out of 4 women within their first trimester. The severity can vary - from butterflies in the stomach, to a mild case of seasickness, to feeling like you’ve just contracted food poisoning. If you're feeling queasy or throwing up, it may just be an indicator that you’re expecting.
3. Fatigue: Have you been feeling more tired than usual? Like even the thought of normal, everyday tasks exhausts you? Falling asleep on the couch at 6pm, during your favorite show? Hormonal changes from pregnancy can obliterate your energy and leave you feeling spent.
4. Breast changes: Your breasts might feel like they're on fire, or maybe just tender or swollen. This can happen really early on after conception, sometimes within the first week.
5. An increase in urination: Do you have the need to pee every 5-10 minutes? Well, this could very well be an early pregnancy sign. Caused by the increased blood flow to your bladder and kidneys, this symptom can make you visit the restroom wayyy more often.
6. Mood swings: Feeling increasingly irritable? Do you find yourself bursting out crying one minute, and getting uncontrollable giggles the next? Throughout pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone causes hormones to fluctuate, sometimes making you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster of emotions.
Not everyone’s body is the same. You might be experiencing none, one, some, or all of these symptoms. However, if you’re even questioning what is going on inside of you, it’s important to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you're pregnant. You can grab a test at one of your local drugstores, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, or stop by a medical clinic, like Image Clear Ultrasound - Montgomery, where we offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, referrals, resources, and options counseling.
Whether you’re thrilled, scared, or anything in between, know that there is support out there! So, take another deep breath, reach out for some help, and know that you're not alone.
You got this!