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If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately
By Natalie Locke Milne
Not sure if you're pregnant? We've rounded up some of the most common pregnancy symptoms to see if it's time to pee on that stick
1. Swollen and tender breasts
Soreness or tingling in breasts is one of pregnancy's most common symptoms. Early in pregnancy breasts will fill out and change shape as they prepare to produce milk. Breasts may become very tender and sensitive for a few months as a result. But, Teresa Pitman, doula and lactation expert, notes: “that not all women experience these changes, especially if they have been on birth control pills.”
2. Darkening areolas
For many women, hormones can cause the areolas, the circles around nipples, to widen and darken during pregnancy. This occurs as the body prepares itself for breastfeeding.
3. Spotting
About five to 10 days after conception, some women notice light spotting when the embryo implants in the uterus. So if you’ve had a light period this month, you might still be carrying a little bundle of joy.
4. Urinary frequency or constipation
When you’re pregnant, your uterus presses directly on the bladder leading to more frequent urination. The added pressure and intestinal changes may also cause constipation. Of course, the more a baby grows, the more the uterus presses against the bladder and other organs.
5. Fatigue
Many women feel very tired early in pregnancy (it takes lots of energy to create a baby!). In fact, fatigue is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, chances are you'll start to feel less tired around week 12, when the placenta is fully formed.
6. Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of pregnancy. It’s caused by an increase in hormone levels (about 80 percent of women experience "morning sickness" during the first 3 months of pregnancy). For many, this nausea is not necessarily confined just to the morning – some feel it all day long. Click here for all the facts on morning sickness.
7. Smell Sensitivity
No, the smells on the bus are not in your head: Many women have a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy. This symptom is one of the most common early signs that you could be pregnant. “Some researchers have speculated that it might be to protect women from eating ‘spoiled’ or tainted foods, thus protecting the baby from any harmful toxins,” says Pitman.
8. Elevated basal temperature
If you’ve been tracking your basal temperature, a positive sign of pregnancy is an increase of about one degree that lasts for more than two weeks after the “dip” in temperature that indicates ovulation.
9. Missing period
The most obvious indicator of pregnancy is a missed period, but a missed period doesn’t always mean a baby is on the way. Stress, diet or an irregular schedule can also be the culprits, so it’s best to get tested before making the big announcement.
10. Unusual hunger or cravings
Pregnant bodies are working hard to grow that baby, and need about 300 extra calories a day. Some women find themselves craving food they would never normally dream of eating, while others simply feel hungry all day long.
11. Headaches
The frequency of migraine headaches can increase with pregnancy. Many women who get hormonal migraine headaches find they get more of them during especially early in pregnancy, explains Pitman. However, some people have the opposite experience and actually get a little reprieve from migraines while expecting.
12. Mood swings
Many women experience emotional mood swings throughout pregnancy. It's natural to go through a variety of emotions as hormones are adjusting and the body is changing.
13. Feeling faint or dizzy
Shifting hormones, combined with the heart beating faster to pump more blood through the body can cause blood pressure to gradually decrease early in pregnancy. As a result many women experience periods of dizziness or feeling lightheaded.
14. Metallic taste in your mouth
Some women complain of an odd “metallic” taste in their mouths during pregnancy. While there is no scientific explanation for this symptom, for some it can last throughout their entire pregnancy.
15. Vivid dreams
Dreams during pregnancy often intensify. So if your dreamin’ has become more dramatic this could be a symptom you’re expecting. (Thank your surging hormones for this one!)
Originally published in Today's Parent, August 2008
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lisa | February 17, 2010 at 8:42 pm - §
It's nice to read this info, as I'm always looking for reassurance of what my body is going through. I haven't been able to get preggers for 2 yrs now... even working with a specailist. Every month I just keep my fingers crossed. Frustrating!
Dena | March 30, 2010 at 10:41 pm - §
I had sex 2 days before ovulation can i get pregnant and how do i know if the sperm stayed alive?
Tamara | April 1, 2010 at 6:59 pm - §
Dena...You could be pregnant as the sperm can be alive for up to about 5 days. I ovulated a week early and had sex 4 days prior to ovulating and we are now expecting! (happily)
Trisha | April 29, 2010 at 4:50 pm - §
6 days before my husband and I started sex for child. We did 4 times. Now I,m feeling some heartburn problem. I don't know what happened. Before sometimes I had. Now regular. So how can I sure about that.Please, Say something. Is it pregnancy or another things? One week later my preiod time. Thanks.
Jeannine | July 27, 2010 at 5:58 pm - §
I have not had my period in 2 months now am I pregnant?But i have not been feeling sick at all.
Taylor | September 24, 2010 at 12:11 am - §
iv been ooff the pill for 3-4 months my boyfriend and i have been trying but its jsut not woring any tips?
kate | October 15, 2010 at 4:37 am - §
I have 7/15 of those symptoms. About 5 weeks ago, my boyfriend and I were having sex, and during intercorse I noticed some blood, it wasn't my period because the bleeding stopped hours later. I took a pee test, it was negitive. I'm a little worried and confused!???!
amanda | October 15, 2010 at 10:52 am - §
its october and i havent had my period since july, but the only symptoms ive had is urinating alot more than usual and the skipped period, no head aches or body aches or food cravings or anything and both tests ive taken came out negative, and ive had times before where ive gone 3 months without a period , is there a chance i could be pregnant anyways?
Emily Robinson | October 15, 2010 at 4:59 pm - §
My period started roughly on the 26th of november and it ended october 3rd early in the mornin about 4 or 5ish. I had unprotected sex, drank too much lol. And I cant remember much I know he pulled out and then put it back in.. And after that I have been getting symptoms and the last 2 pregnancies I had I have had early symptoms before my next period I am hopin to get an answer my boobs are tender my nipples are soar sometimes and there leakin not so much.
ally langaker | October 16, 2010 at 12:05 pm - §
It has been 5 weeks, Ive taken 2 urine tests, and a blood test they all have come back negative, I have had some spotting, but I am not sure of what is going on???My last period was Aug27th10...I am not stressed out, but curious on what is going on with my body???could I be prego???I do hope so, I have been trying since Nov.10 What are the chances???
aliya | October 19, 2010 at 10:10 pm - §
i have been having unprotected sex for about 2 and a half years now with my husband and i havent got pregnant at all , do you think we might have some kind of fertility problem or something???
Jessica | November 9, 2010 at 8:28 pm - §
me and my boyfriend have been having unprocted sex, and im still really young.anyways ; im just wondering when is the best time to get pregnant, before or after your period..
mellanie | December 1, 2010 at 8:09 pm - §
My tubes have been tied for 11 yrs and I have had a regular perioud since, now period is 2weeks late and I have a mettelic taste in my mouth and my dreams a so vivid it's amazing! I have also had wicked cravings for lucky charms havent had those in over 20 yrs lol! Is it possible to get prego when ur tubes are tied? I dont want to spend $20 on a test if it's not possible I guess you can say I am cheap
cassie | December 6, 2010 at 4:28 pm - §
hello; i had unprotected sex a day befor my period. am i pregnant. iv been getting cravings like crazy. feeling sick after i eaat. headachs come n go . im surious am i
Terri | December 14, 2010 at 1:41 pm - §
Mellanie, I know some places only cut and tie tubes, therefore they can find their way back together. If they were burned then probably not and if they were clamped there is a slight chance. I'm not sure how old you are exactly but you could be going through "the change" and maybe you should talk to your doctor, if it's not a pregnancy, it could be your body's clock changing with age. C:
salinna | February 9, 2011 at 5:47 pm - §
i have 11 of that 15 symptoms, i had sex 2 day prior my ovulation, and i had my period last month, 8 days from today i will have period for next cycle, hopefully i get it. do you think you can actually feel all that symptoms that early? if i were pregnant, do you think its possible i can feel all the symptoms within the first few days?
Rana Ahmed | February 27, 2011 at 8:52 am - §
Hi Lisa (on the top of the comments)it has been a year im trying to conceive. I did everything like measuring temperature everyday, mucus change etc etc but im not pregnant yet! my parents are specialisTs and they always advise me to TAKE IT EASY if youre having sex 3-5 times aweek youre doing what you can do ! Just relax and it will come :)
steph | April 13, 2011 at 4:46 pm - §
hiii, im 50 days over due of my period
starr | June 1, 2011 at 7:50 am - §
could i be pregnant? me and my boyfriend had sex after i had my period in april. i have regular periods, but it only came one day this month. i mean i know im stressed, but ive been stressed since my october car accident, can it be stress affecting me? ..my breasts hurt, but not ALL the time, i get headaches, but im just getting over a cold, i even have that feeling of being pregnant but its my first, ive got no clue about this.. help?
13 | October 26, 2011 at 7:41 pm - §
hi there.me and my boyfriend hav sex but its either with a condom or pull out. my period is 11 days late and im really freaking out! ive been very constipated and when im not i get diarrhea. i vomited once. am i pregnant?it was a few days before my period was due i was bloated and all and i started working out.. 40mins of excersise on the crosstrainer a day. is that any reason why i missed it? please help
Amanda | October 28, 2011 at 11:43 am - §
Hi there 13,I would recommend posting on our message boards to get some advice, or visit your doctor. Thank you!