At Birthright San Jose, about half the women we initially come into contact with have already had a pregnancy test. For the remaining half, things can be confusing. But there are some pregnancy signs and symptoms you can be on the lookout for early on.
In order to get an accurate assessment of some of these early signs and symptoms, it’s important to consider your baseline. Have you been tracking your periods leading up to this point? How has your appetite been? What’s your normal energy level like? If you think you may be pregnant but aren’t sure, here are some indicators you should look for:
Missed Period
Many of the clients at Birthright San Jose have contacted us because they know they’re late for their next period. Despite missing your period, you may have experienced cramps that are very similar to those during PMS. Mayo clinic staff suggests that a missed period of about one week should be an indication of possible pregnancy. However, remember the point about knowing your baseline. If you’ve had irregular menstrual cycles, this symptom in itself may not be accurate.
Change of Appetite
Change of appetite may go hand-in-hand with feelings of nausea or it may seem quite different. You might be alarmed that the normal salad you enjoy daily just doesn’t seem appealing anymore. Often you will lose your desire for foods that you normally love. Food aversion may be linked to increased sensitivity in your senses due to hormonal changes. New reactions to odors and tastes could be an early indicator of pregnancy.
Mood Swings/Fatigue
Also attributable to hormonal changes are mood swings and fatigue. Early on in pregnancy, your body is producing a hormone called progesterone. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), progesterone “helps maintain the pregnancy and encourages the growth of milk-producing glands in the breasts.” The NIH Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development reports that women may experience fatigue as early as one week after conception. During this time, the body is working harder to pump additional blood. This extra blood flow is carrying nutrients to the new life inside the mother.
Nausea/Vomiting
You may know this as morning sickness, though it can occur at any time of day. It’s a symptom that is common in the first trimester. Nausea can be accompanied by vomiting but not necessarily. This experience can be different from one woman to the next. Hormonal changes are the most likely culprit for this symptom as well, though even the Mayo Clinic states that the cause isn’t totally clear.
Tender/Swollen Breasts
This is another symptom that stems from, you guessed it… hormonal changes! Normally, tingling and aching in the breasts occurs between four and six weeks into pregnancy. During this time, you may also experience swelling/enlargement of the breast tissue. These feelings tend to subside once your body has made the necessary adjustments to the changes in hormones.
Taking the Next Step
Have you experienced any of these pregnancy signs and symptoms and want further information? If you’re in the San Jose area, just give us a call. We can offer you a free, confidential pregnancy test and other services.
Facing the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy can be a scary and confusing time. We don’t believe anyone should have to go through it alone. Birthright San Jose is here to walk beside you through the process and make sure you’re informed.
Disclaimer: The Birthright San Jose website and blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from the Birthright San Jose website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.