Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful things that can happen to a woman and her body. The body goes through many changes during this time. Understanding and knowing the early signs of pregnancy will make you more prepared for the changes to come.

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You can experience these early signs of pregnancy as early as a within a week of conception. Apart from using a pregnancy test, there are early signs that will identify a pregnancy.

Here at Okadoc, we break down the most common early pregnancy symptoms

1. Cramps and Spotting

Cramps and spotting may occur after the egg is fertilized, the fertilized egg will create a blastocyst that will develop into your baby’s organs and body.

This blastocyst will implant on the lining of the uterus, this usually occurs five to six days after the egg is fertilized, and because of that, you might notice implantation bleeding.

You can look for these signs:

  • Time – The bleeding will mostly last for less than three days.
  • Amount of blood – It will be less than that of period bleeding.
  • Colour – Pink, red or brown.
  • Pain – Pain, and cramps that are similar to the menstrual period.

2. Missed Period

As one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, this is a good indicator of pregnancy, supported with a pregnancy test, the test will detect for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels.

You may also have light bleeding during pregnancy, so the pregnancy test will help confirm this. A pregnancy test will also help those who have irregular periods.

3. Fatigue

During conception, you might feel more tired than usual due to the massive increase in your progesterone levels. You will feel more tired and sleepy in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

4. Breast Changes

Breast changes usually occur between weeks four to six of the pregnancy. It may also start between weeks one to two. You may feel things such as tenderness and your breasts may get swollen.

These symptoms occur because of the hormone changes that your body is experiencing during this period. After some weeks, the symptoms will disappear. During this time the breasts will grow, preparing your body to lactate.

5. Mood Swings

Mood swings occur due to the changes in the hormone levels in your body during pregnancy, so the estrogen and progesterone levels will be higher, and as a result, this will affect your mood.

Mood swings vary from person to person and sometimes you may feel different moods such as depression, anxiety, happiness, and sadness, separately or all at once!

6. Frequent Urination

The body will increase the amount of blood flow in your body as you have another person growing inside you and will result in more fluids being produced in the bladder and hence the frequent urination.

7. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting occur as the second most common symptom to appear during early pregnancy. It can happen between weeks four to six of pregnancy but may also occur as early as week two.

Morning sickness is another name most commonly used for this symptom, although called morning sickness, the symptoms can happen at any time during the day. Morning sickness will decrease towards the second trimester of your pregnancy.

8. Bloating and Constipation

Bloating and constipation may occur as your body goes through hormonal changes. This symptom is linked with digestive system slowdown. Eating vegetables can assist in decreasing your bloating and constipation symptoms.

When to see a doctor?

If you experience any of these symptoms, you may likely be pregnant. These symptoms differ from person to person so make sure to see a doctor to make sure.

Go to Okadoc.com or download our mobile app, and choose your preferred method of meeting your Obstetrics & Gynaecology doctor.