Am I Pregnant? Symptoms to look out for

Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing experience. Finding out that you’re pregnant can be both exciting as well as stressful. If you are wondering, “Am I pregnant?”, “How do I know if I’m Pregnant?”, then this article is for you. Know about the first symptoms of pregnancy and also understand the pregnancy symptoms as early as 7 days. Recognizing the early signs of pregnancy can help you take timely actions with confidence like confirming it with a test and scheduling your first prenatal visit.

What are the First Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Pregnancy symptoms vary from woman to woman as each and every woman’s body is unique.

However, there are some symptoms that are common and most women experience it.

1. Missed Period - A missed period is often the first clue. If your menstrual cycle is regular and you're late, it could be time to take a pregnancy test. However, stress, hormonal changes, or certain health conditions can also cause delays.

2. Feeling Tired is common - Are you feeling unusually tired? Early pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, can cause fatigue and leave you feeling drained even after a full night’s sleep.

3. Nausea and Morning sickness - Nausea can begin as early as two weeks after conception. While it's often called morning sickness, it can happen at any time of the day or night. Vomiting is also an early sign of pregnancy.

4. Sore or tender breast - One of the first symptoms of pregnancy, hormonal changes can make your breasts feel tender, swollen, or heavier. Some women also notice darkening of the areolas.

5. The constant urge for urination – If you are feeling the need to pee more than usual then it could be a sign of early pregnancy. Hormonal changes increase blood flow to the kidneys, causing more urine production.

6. Change in taste and smell – During early stage of pregnancy you will find the taste and smell of your favourite food disturbing. On the other hand, you might be craving for a particular food more than usual. You also can’t stand the smell of certain food which makes you feel sick. These changes in taste are triggered by pregnancy hormones.

7. Cramping – If you are feeling mild cramps like the one you experience during your periods, then pregnancy can be a cause as your uterus starts adjusting to pregnancy.

8. Mood swings - Hormonal changes during pregnancy may leave you feeling unusually emotional or irritable. This symptom often overlaps with Premenstrual syndrome or PMS, making it tricky to distinguish without a pregnancy test.

Some Less Common symptoms of Pregnancy

1. Backache – Though backache is commonly caused in the middle or later stages of pregnancy some women may begin experiencing it as early as the first trimester.

2. Vaginal discharge – Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common due to the increase in the level of oestrogen.

3. Constipation - Constipation is a common concern during pregnancy and is caused by hormonal changes particularly due to the increase in progesterone levels. Other causes of constipations are iron supplements, dietary changes etc.

4. Acne - Acne during pregnancy is common due to the hormonal changes that occur, especially an increase in androgens, which stimulate the production of sebum (oil) in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores, leading to breakouts.

How to confirm if I’m Pregnant?

The only way to confirm pregnancy is through testing. Here are the steps you can take.

1. Home Pregnancy Kit – This is one of the most commonly used techniques to know if a person is pregnant. Most home tests are reliable as they can detect the hCG levels in urine

from the first day of a missed period. For the most accurate results get the test done first thing in the morning as hCG concentration is highest during the morning.

2. Blood Test – A blood test done at a doctor’s clinic can confirm pregnancy even faster than a home test.

Manage Early Pregnancy Symptoms with these Tips

Pregnancy symptoms disrupt your daily routine as the body undergoes significant changes to support the new life growing in your body. Managing pregnancy symptoms effectively can help you feel more comfortable and help you enjoy this special journey. Here are some tips for common pregnancy symptoms.

1. Have small but frequent meals.

2. Drink ginger tea or lemon water to ease nausea.

3. Stay hydrated throughout the day.

4. Have a balanced diet which includes iron-rich foods like spinach and lentils, and fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid acidic food.

5. Stay active by doing light exercises or going for a walk.

6. Use chairs with good back support and avoid standing for long periods.

7. Stay relaxed by trying mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation.

8. Strengthen your pelvic muscles with Kegel exercise.

Could you be Pregnant?

Answer these quick questions to see if you might be experiencing early pregnancy symptoms.

1. Have you missed a period?

a) Yes

b) No

2. Are you feeling unusually tired?

a) Yes

b) No

3. Have you noticed changes in your Breasts?

a) Yes

b) No

4. Are you experiencing nausea or vomiting?

a) Yes

b) No

If your answer to three or more questions is Yes, then it’s time to take a pregnancy test. Noticing early pregnancy signs can be thrilling, but it's crucial to confirm them with a home pregnancy test or a blood test before getting your hopes up as many early pregnancy symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, and mood swings, are similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).