Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms
If you’ve been wondering whether or not you are pregnant, it might be because you’ve been experiencing some unusual symptoms. There are quite a few symptoms related to pregnancy, however, there is no one symptom that guarantees you are pregnant. If you’ve experienced two or more of the pregnancy symptoms below, it’s probably time to take a pregnancy test.
Breast Changes
One of the most common symptoms women notice early on in pregnancy is breast tenderness or soreness. Breast changes occur because hormone levels in a woman’s body rapidly shift following conception.
Fatigue
Exhaustion is another common pregnancy symptom, and this can occur as early on as one week after conception. Fatigue is often thought to be related to the heightened levels of progesterone, a hormone produced by pregnant women.
Nausea and Vomiting
While it’s often referred to as “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting can occur during any time of the day throughout pregnancy. This is another commonly noticed early sign of pregnancy that usually doesn’t last beyond the first trimester.
Missed Period
Most commonly associated with pregnancy, a missed period is one of the most often reported early signs of pregnancy.
Other common early pregnancy symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Food cravings and aversions
- Headaches or dizziness
- Spotting and cramping
- Mood swings
Symptoms experienced vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. So, while some experience severe nausea, others don’t get it at all. It’s also important to know there isn’t a way to self-diagnose pregnancy, so if you think you might be pregnant and any of the above symptoms apply to you, it may be time to take a pregnancy test.
You have had a positive pregnancy test.
What should you do now?
Schedule an Ultrasound
After learning that you are pregnant, you may want to have an ultrasound. An ultrasound is a safe diagnostic technique that uses sound waves. Ray of Hope PCM partners with Lifeline Pregnancy Help Clinic and offers a Mobile Ultrasound Clinic every 3rd Tuesday of the month.
When you schedule an ultrasound through the clinic, a registered nurse will perform the scan. A friend or family member may sit in with you if you prefer. The nurse will measure the heartbeat and the size of the baby to determine the stage of pregnancy you are in. Your ultrasound results will be reviewed by Lifeline’s Medical Director, a practicing OB/GYN doctor.
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
- Provide a proof of pregnancy letter from your doctor or the health department
- Call our clinic or contact us online
- Bring a photo ID
- Come with a full bladder. (This makes everything easier to see during the scan. You will be able to use the bathroom immediately after).
Following The Ultrasound
At the end of the ultrasound, we will be available to address any questions or concerns. Lifeline’s nurse will offer to take you (and your partner if you wish so) to a private and confidential room to discuss your options. Our goal is for you to make decisions with confidence and free of fear.