Have you been feeling unusually tired or sick lately? These are some common symptoms of pregnancy.
Although every woman’s experience is unique, there are certain symptoms that many women share during pregnancy. Let’s explore some of these typical signs you might have noticed.
Signs & Symptoms
It’s important to note that many of these are not unique to pregnancy and could indicate something else. Some women may not have these signs at all.
The following are early symptoms of pregnancy and how to manage them:
Missed Period
Perhaps the most clear indication you might be pregnant is missing your period. This can be a tricky one as well if your cycles are irregular.
Tender, Sore Breasts
In the early stages of pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can cause your breasts to feel sensitive and tender.
This discomfort often diminishes after a few weeks as your body begins to adjust to these hormonal changes. Talk to your doctor before taking pain relievers and notify them if the pain does not get better.
Feeling Tired
The exact cause of sleepiness during the first trimester of pregnancy isn’t fully understood. However, the rapid increase in progesterone levels during early pregnancy may significantly contribute to fatigue.
For a good night’s rest, ensure you’re practicing good sleep hygiene—avoiding digital devices just before or while in bed, avoiding artificial light, and allowing 30 minutes to clear your mind before bed.
“Morning Sickness”
Feeling nauseous during pregnancy is called morning sickness, but it can actually occur at any time of the day. Again, pregnancy hormones likely contribute to this symptom.
Treating nausea may be more about prevention. Choose “bland” foods that are easier to digest (cereal, crackers, toast, bananas, rice, applesauce) and avoid spicy, greasy, or fried foods that are harder to digest. Even if you don’t have an appetite, an empty stomach could make nausea worse—so try to snack throughout the day.
Frequent Urination
You may notice the need to go to the bathroom more than usual. During pregnancy, your body produces more blood, leading your kidneys to handle extra fluid, which ultimately results in increased bladder activity.
You should also drink plenty of fluids such as water, Gatorade, and ginger ale. Keep a bottle or tumbler near you to make sure you’re getting at least six to eight cups of fluids daily.
Get Answers
This is not an exhaustive list of signs and symptoms; you may also notice bloating, moodiness, spotting, cramping, food aversions, and more.
However, you don’t have to rely on ambiguous signs to determine if you’re pregnant.
Visit Birthright Counseling, St. Louis for a free medical-grade pregnancy test. Contact us to make a confidential appointment today.