Early Pregnancy Symptoms: Is it Time to Pee on a Stick?

“Am I pregnant?!” 

Glad you asked! While the answer lies in a pregnancy test, there are some signs (that you might not have known about) to look out for that might indicate it’s time to go pee on that stick! So, what are they? Well… we thought you’d never ask :)

The Classic Signs: 

A Missed Period

“When was my last period?”🤔 Most likely this will be your first question. It’s the ‘classic sign’ that people tell you to look out for, but with irregular periods becoming more and more regular these days, answering this question can be difficult. When in doubt, if you think it’s been a minute since you’ve had a visit from Aunt Flow, it might be time to pee on a stick. 

Sore AF Boobs

If you think you might be pregnant, sore AF boobs are among THE signs to look out for. Your breasts may feel swollen, sore, tingly, and unusually sensitive to touch. All the good things - right? If this is you, and you also think you may have missed a period, definitely time to take a pregnancy test.

Nauseous for No Reason 

If you’re feeling nauseous for no reason, for multiple days in a row (and like you haven’t eaten day old sushi…), it might be time to pee on a stick. 

Feeling sick and/or vomiting (AKA morning sickness, or really all day and night nausea) is one of the ‘tell tail’ signs. It typically starts around one to two months after conception and can last for several weeks. While the exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, hormonal changes are believed to play a role. 

Constantly Needing to Pee 

If you find yourself making more frequent trips to the bathroom, it might be time to check for that double line. 

During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body increases, which leads to increased fluid processing by your kidneys. This extra fluid ends up in your bladder, causing you to urinate more often than usual.

Unreal Fatigue

When we say ‘unreal fatigue’, we mean it. Like you’re sooooooo tired you can’t get through taking a nap without needing a nap. If you’re feeling a weird, super intense fatigue… it might be time to confirm what’s on your mind. 

Feeling unusually tired and fatigued is a common symptom in early pregnancy. The exact cause of this fatigue is still unknown, but it’s generally thought that because your body is working extra hard to support the growth and development of your baby, it can leave you feeling extra exhausted. It's important to listen to your body and get plenty of rest during this time. Don't hesitate to take naps or go to bed early if needed.

The Signs You Never Knew About: 

The Roller Coaster of Emotions

Is it just you or is everyone more annoying than usual? The flood of hormones in your body during early pregnancy can lead to mood swings and emotional changes. If you find yourself feeling unusually emotional, weepy, or irritable – it may be time to grab that pregnancy test.

Bloating

Why are all the symptoms of pregnancy the same as your period? Hormonal changes during early pregnancy can cause bloating, similar to the feeling you might experience at the start of your menstrual period. This bloating is due to the hormonal effects on digestion and can be uncomfortable. So if you feel like your getting your period… and then don’t (?), it might be time to pee on a stick! 

Light Spotting

Okay, this one is interesting… In fact, it often causes women to think that they aren’t pregnant, when in fact they are! 

Some women may experience light spotting, known as implantation bleeding, during the early stages of pregnancy. This occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus, usually around 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding is different from a regular menstrual period and is usually lighter and shorter in duration. However, not all women experience implantation bleeding, which means it's not a definitive sign of pregnancy. 

Cramping

Another period symptom that’s not for your period… Mild uterine cramping can occur in the early stages of pregnancy. These cramps are often similar to menstrual cramps and are caused by the changes happening in your uterus as it prepares to support the growth of your baby. 

Being Backed Upppp (I.e Constipation)

Haven’t taken a sh*t in a while? Then it might be time to pee on a stick. The hormonal changes during early pregnancy can slow down your digestive system, leading to constipation. 

Getting the Ick from Everything 

Early pregnancy can bring about changes in your sense of smell and taste, leading to a range of food aversions. This is believed to be a result of hormonal changes in your body (but no one knows for sure). If particular foods/smells are consistently making you want to throw up, it might be time to consider taking a test!  

Being Stuffed Up 

If you’re stuffed up for no reason, it might be time to pee on a stick! 

Increasing hormone levels during pregnancy can cause the mucous membranes in your nose to swell, leading to nasal congestion. This can make it difficult to breathe through your nose and may cause a stuffy or runny nose. Using a humidifier, saline drops, or a saline rinse can help alleviate nasal congestion. 

At the end of the day, every pregnancy is totally unique, and the early signs and symptoms can definitely vary from person to person. While a missed period and tender breasts are commonly known indicators of pregnancy, there are soooo many random little symptoms that you may have never known about, which also indicate it’s time to pee on a stick! 

And, before we sign off, note that some women may experience no symptoms at all. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it's always best to take an a pregnancy test or consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure a great pregnancy journey awaits you! 

Sending hugs,

rumbly