7 Top Pregnancy Symptoms

Early pregnancy can cause a variety of symptoms, but since they are often similar to symptoms you might experience on or right before your period, they can be easily confused.

If you are wondering what possible early pregnancy symptoms you should be aware of, here is a list of some of the most common, although you should always follow up on symptoms with a properly-timed pregnancy test. 

Acne

As with most pregnancy symptoms, acne is caused by the fluctuating hormones of your first  trimester. It’s not just reserved for high school - many women of all ages experience acne in early pregnancy. 

Missed Period

A missed period can be the most telling, so if your periods are usually regular, give it a few more  days before you start to be concerned. Periods can be up to a week late. 

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common sign of early pregnancy. If you feel like you can’t make it through the day without napping, the best solution is to rest as much as possible if it’s pregnancy related.

Frequent Urination

If you are visiting the bathroom more often than normal, this is another telling sign of pregnancy. This symptom is due to the rapid rise of blood in your body which causes your kidneys to work extra hard to process the fluids. 

Nausea

Although it is called “morning sickness,” this symptom can occur at any time of day. Not every woman experiences nausea and the degree of severity can differ from person to person, but it usually occurs in the mid to late part of the first trimester. 

Light Spotting

Light bleeding or spotting may occur up to 10-14 days after conception while the embryo is implanted in the uterine lining.

Moodiness

Mood swings or feeling weepy and unusually irritable are not uncommon. These mood-changing symptoms are also attributed to your fluctuating hormones.

How Do I Confirm If I'm Pregnant?

There is no way to know you are pregnant unless you take a test. You should wait up to a week after your missed period so that your body can produce detectable levels of hCG, the hormone that pregnancy tests are designed to detect with its reactive strip.

At Zoe, A Women’s Center, we offer free services such as medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds. 

If you think you might be pregnant and would like to discuss your options in a safe, confidential (according to Maine state law) environment, please call us with questions or schedule a no-cost appointment!