When It’s Too Soon to Urinate on a Stick. These are 13 Early Pregnancy Signs

The fear of pregnancy is undoubtedly one of my greatest concerns. While I do want children, the thought of having them right now is absolutely terrifying. I’ve reached a stage in my life where even the slightest possibility of pregnancy makes me overly anxious. Consequently, I’ve become adept at recognizing the early indications of being pregnant.

This heightened awareness stems from entering the phase of life where people constantly ask, “When are you having babies?” Let me assure you, it’s a truly frightening experience. I recall moments when I would purchase multiple pregnancy tests, take all of them, receive negative results, and yet still entertain the possibility of being pregnant.

To most men, this might sound ludicrous, but if you’re a woman, you can probably empathize with my sentiments. I blame TLC’s show “I Didn’t Know I was Pregnant” for subtly planting this nightmare in my mind. However, if you were genuinely pregnant, you would observe the genuine signs—not the ones that merely indicate bloating after drinking a Pepsi.

Here are thirteen early signs of pregnancy that you should keep an eye out for:

1. Missed period: While this is typically the first noticeable change for women, various factors can contribute to a missed period. If you recently had unprotected sex, your suspicions are not unfounded. Pregnancy would indeed cause a missed period. However, it’s crucial to consider other factors like stress, fatigue, traveling, or dietary changes before panicking.
2. Breast tenderness: This symptom is often experienced by pregnant women, but it is also common before menstruation. So, if your breasts feel sensitive, wait a couple of days to see if your period arrives. What you would notice if pregnant is breast soreness and darkened areolas.
3. Nausea: Morning sickness is a well-known early sign of pregnancy, but the feeling of nausea can occur at any time of the day. So, if you constantly feel the need to vomit throughout the day, it’s advisable to take a pregnancy test.
4. Bloating: This symptom can be misleading since many of us experience bloating after eating certain foods or before our period. Hormonal changes in the body slow down the digestive system, leading to bloating before menstruation. It’s important to be aware of this distinction.
5. Increased body temperature: No, this isn’t the opening line of a Nelly song. If you suddenly feel your core body temperature rising, it may be an early sign of pregnancy. However, this temperature increase could also be due to exercise or hot weather. If neither of these factors is the cause, taking a pregnancy test would be a prudent step.
6. Mood swings: Moody? Me? Never. Well, unfortunately, mood swings are indeed an actual symptom caused by hormonal shifts in the body. These shifts affect neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in mood fluctuations. One moment, you might feel happy, and the next, it seems like your life is falling apart. It’s worth noting that mood swings can also occur before your period.
7. Frequent urination: If you find yourself urinating more often than usual, it could be a potential sign. Increased urination is common among pregnant women between six to eight weeks of pregnancy. The growing baby puts pressure on the bladder, leading to more frequent bathroom visits.
8. Fatigue: If you suddenly feel excessively tired, it could be one of the early signs of pregnancy, possibly occurring as early as one week after conception. If there haven’t been any changes in your daily routine that would explain the fatigue, taking a pregnancy test would be wise.
9. Light spotting or bleeding: You may assume that having a light period means you’re not pregnant. However, it’s possible to still be pregnant even if you experience light spotting or bleeding instead of a normal period. This is known as implantation bleeding and is a common sign of early pregnancy, usually occurring between 6 to 12 days after conception. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get tested.
10. Skin changes: Women often experience breakouts before their period, and the same can happen during pregnancy. It’s either the “pregnancy glow” or an unexpected acne flare-up. While the latter is certainly less desirable, both are caused by hormonal shifts in the body. If you don’t typically experience acne even before your period, it could indicate a more significant transition happening in your body.
11. Headaches: Pregnancy triggers a significant shift in hormone levels, which can lead to headaches. Additionally, the increased blood flow during pregnancy can contribute to headaches as well. If you’re not prone to headaches but suddenly experience them, it’s a notable sign to consider.
12. Food cravings: As a self-proclaimed foodie, I can’t be entirely upset about this symptom. Suddenly having a strong desire to indulge in chocolate or specific foods can be a sign of pregnancy. While the exact reason behind cravings remains unclear, they often occur during pregnancy or before menstruation.
13. Positive pregnancy test: If the test confirms that you’re pregnant, there’s a high likelihood that you are. However, it’s important to note that home pregnancy tests are typically not sensitive enough to detect pregnancy before one week after your scheduled period.

Now that you’re familiar with the early signs of pregnancy, if you experience a combination of these symptoms, it may be wise to take a pregnancy test—or even two—to alleviate any concerns. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that these signs could simply be a product of your imagination.

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