Pregnancy Symptoms

Delay/Difference in Menstruation

Delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.

Other explanations: excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

Implantation Bleeding

Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6-12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as some cramping.

Other explanations: actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill (switching brands), infection, or abrasion from intercourse.

Swollen or Tender Breasts

Swollen or tender breasts are a pregnancy symptom which may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they may be tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.

Other explanations: hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation (PMS).

Fatigue or Tiredness

Feeling fatigued or more tired is a pregnancy symptom which can start as early as the first week after conception.

Other explanations: stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses.

Nausea/Morning Sickness

This well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of their pregnancy.

Other explanations: food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders.

Backache

Lower backache may be a symptom that occurs early in pregnancy. It is common to experience a dull backache throughout an entire pregnancy.

Other explanations: impending menstruation (PMS), stress, physical or mental strains, or other back problems.

Headaches

The sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you to have headaches early in pregnancy.

Other explanations: dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation (PMS), eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches.

Frequent Urination

Around 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.

Other explanations: urinary tract infection, diabetes, increased liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics.

Darkening of Areolas

If you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.

Other explanations: hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy, or possibly a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

Food Cravings

While you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.

Other explanations: poor diet, lack of a certain nutrients, stress, depression, or impending menstruation (PMS).

Next Steps

If you are faced with an unexpected pregancy, we will connect you with one of our trained coaches who will answer your questions about your pregnancy and your options so you can make your best choice. Please get in touch by calling us now at (406) 535-3511. Partners welcome!

Thanks to Echoz of Great Falls for providing the content on this page.