When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start and What to Look For

Having a baby is a dream for many parents around the world. Making that dream into a reality, though, is more challenging than anticipated.

 

Getting pregnant consists of getting many things done correctly. Mothers have to consider when they are ovulating. Couples need to try multiple times before finding success. And even then, many things can happen before the egg cell transforms into a fetus.

 

Thanks to modern technology, it is easier to tell whether your attempt at getting pregnant is successful. But there are other ways to see if conception occurred.

 

Many moms notice their bodies changing once they become pregnant. Are you also someone who is experiencing one or more symptoms? Learn more below!

 

When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?

The experience of pregnancy varies from mother to mother. Some moms start experiencing changes days after conception. Other moms have to wait several weeks before seeing any symptoms of pregnancy. Some mothers might even go through almost their whole pregnancy experiencing mild to no symptoms!

 

One key sign of pregnancy is missed or light period. However, some moms already feel pregnancy symptoms before missing their period. It goes to show how sudden and unplanned period symptoms can be.

 

Pregnancy symptoms are also hard to tell apart from other medical conditions, such as PMS. Women can experience the telltale signs of pregnancy, such as missing periods, weight gain, or morning sickness, but are not carrying a baby. 

 

What Symptoms Should I Look Out For?

As mentioned above, pregnancy looks and feels different for many mothers. Some might experience milder symptoms and less discomfort, while others have all the signs coming at them left and right. However, written below are the most common signs and symptoms of pregnancy that many moms experience. See how many of these symptoms match your own:

 

Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle

The first and most common symptom of pregnancy is missed period. This is especially true if you have regular monthly periods.

 

Moms may experience spotting or light bleeding, called implantation bleeding. While it sounds worrying, it is a sign that your embryo has been implanted into the lining of your uterus and that your pregnancy is going smoothly.

 

Morning Sickness

Another common sign is feeling sick and vomiting. But morning sickness can happen at other times, not just in the morning. Expect going to the bathroom at 4 to 6 weeks into pregnancy.

 

Feeling Tired and Fatigued

Your hormones are constantly changing while you are pregnant, so expect that there are days when you want to lie in bed or on the couch. Fatigue usually sets in during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. It can leave you feeling sick and tired all day.

 

Bloating

Besides your morning sickness, you might feel more bloated at the start of your pregnancy. The increase in progesterone and estrogen surging through your body can make your stomach feel upset and gassy. Unfortunately, you might have to deal with this symptom throughout your pregnancy.

 

Frequent Mood Swings

Your physical well-being is not the only thing affected during pregnancy. You might experience other emotional and psychological changes, such as mood swings. Like many things on this list, you have your hormones to blame. 

 

Your progesterone and estrogen are causing hormonal imbalances that can lead to mood swings similar to PMS. While changes in your emotions are expected, anxiety, depression, and self-harming thoughts must be taken seriously and will require medical assistance.

 

Changes in Your Appetite

Have you been craving something new lately? Likewise, have you been trying to avoid eating something that you used to love? It’s not you; it’s just your pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause changes in your appetite, such as making you crave specific food or losing interest in meals you used to love. Besides taste, you might find your nose is more sensitive to certain smells.

 

A Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

Some people claim to have a metallic taste in their tongues during pregnancy. It can be described as having a pile of coins in their mouth. This can happen at random times throughout the day, whether you are eating or not. Again, this is the work of changing hormones.

 

Headaches and Lightheadedness

If you have ever experienced headaches while menstruating, you might experience the same thing while pregnant. Besides your hormones going out of balance, the increase in blood volume can also cause your head to feel like exploding. 

 

Darker Areolas

Your breasts are crucial in caring for your future baby, so expect them to change during pregnancy. You might notice that your areolas are becoming darker and more pronounced. You might also see visible veins and bumps around your breasts. These changes are meant to help you and your child once it is time for breastfeeding.

 

Cramping

Finally, you might experience mild cramps around your lower abdomen at the start of your pregnancy. The pain is similar to PMS, and it should go away eventually. This is just your uterus preparing itself for the new baby.

 

How Will I Know If My Symptoms Are Signs of Pregnancy?

Some mothers might experience a missed period or unexplained cramping but have no pregnancy. Relying on symptoms alone is not enough. That is why it is still better to get a pregnancy test.

 

Fortunately, most pharmacies have over-the-counter urine pregnancy test kits at a low cost. Alternatively, you can get a blood test, but it will be more expensive. Either way, a pregnancy test is a more reliable way of knowing if you are pregnant instead of relying on what signs and symptoms you are experiencing.

 

FAQ

Are at-home pregnancy tests accurate?

Most at-home pregnancy tests are 99% accurate. Granted, it will be if you follow the directions correctly. 

 

Can I show no symptoms but still be pregnant?

Yes. There are cases of pregnant mothers who do not know they are carrying because they have no symptoms. There have even been cases of moms going into labor and not knowing they are pregnant!

 

I am experiencing symptoms, but my test says I am not pregnant. What should I do?

Pregnancy tests can sometimes show wrong results. You can try again with another strip and see if you get a different result.