Whether a pregnancy is expected or not, many women who think they may be pregnant will be anxious to know for sure. At-home pregnancy tests are a convenient go-to, but most require that women wait for a certain length of time before a test can be considered an accurate determination of pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests that promise “early detection” tend to work best five days before your period is expected. For these reasons, your PGOMG provider will perform an in-office ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, but until this appointment, there are some early signs of pregnancy women can look for.
Fatigue – Tiredness can be an indicator of changing hormones in a woman’s body due to pregnancy. This fatigue is typically noticeable: it won’t just feel like you need an extra hour of sleep. You’ll probably note a distinct increase in how tired you feel compared to normal.
Breast tenderness – Are your breasts sore? Tender breasts are a common PMS symptom, but it is also an early sign of pregnancy. Wearing a supportive bra can help ease breast discomfort due to pregnancy or PMS.
Back pain – For those who are new to lower back pain — meaning it’s not something you typically experience — a sudden feeling of pressure or soreness can be an early sign of pregnancy.
Frequent urination – When you’re pregnant, your body produces more fluids so the bladder suddenly needs to work more than it would. If you find that you’re urinating more frequently, especially if you’re waking up to use the bathroom, then you could be pregnant. Patients should note that an increase in urination could also be symptomatic of other health concerns like a urinary tract infection (UTI). These concerns should be discussed with your provider.
New cravings or sudden food aversions – Sudden cravings and aversions are a well-known symptom of pregnancy. Maybe you find that you cannot get enough fruit, or conversely, your daily omelet for breakfast may turn your stomach.
Heightened sense of smell – Pregnant woman are well known for experiencing an enhanced sense of smell. This contributes to new food aversions mentioned above, when scents of foods that you normally enjoy suddenly turn your stomach.
Nausea – Typically described as “morning sickness,” nausea may be the most well-known early pregnancy symptom. Nausea is most common during the first trimester of pregnancy, but usually settles down by the second trimester.
