Both for moms who have already had their babies and for those trying to conceive, pregnancy symptoms are one of the most talked-about topics. Symptoms are there to alert you that something different is happening in your body1. In this case, not only is your body ready to become pregnant, but it is already generating a being inside it. After confirmation, the mom should see her doctor as soon as possible to start prenatal care. Learn more about the signs your body gives, what they are, when they appear and what is normal to feel during pregnancy. Throughout this article, we will highlight the 20 main pregnancy symptoms!
Normally, some of these 20 pregnancy symptoms appear after 3 weeks from fertilization, but in some cases may be noticed from the sixth day after conception. It’s rare for symptoms to show up so early, but it can happen. Many doubts such as “does pain when pressing the belly mean pregnancy?” are normal among readers.
Importance of discovering pregnancy early
Finding out about pregnancy very early is essential so that the mom can take precautions that are crucial not only for the development of the fetus, but also for her health. Using folic acid,
Pregnancy symptoms also serve to alert women so that they can avoid using substances that could harm their baby’s development2. So find out what the 20 most evident pregnancy symptoms are.
The 20 pregnancy symptoms
1 – Late period
Late period is one of the most common and most relevant pregnancy symptoms. Most women use this as a basis to suspect a possible pregnancy and to take a pharmacy test or see a doctor. But this pregnancy symptom doesn’t always occur, as some women do not have regular menstrual cycles. There are also cases of women who suffer from anovulation, where there may be intervals of 2 months or more between one period and another. There are also cases where women experience bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy, something common, but which should still be monitored by a doctor. In any case, if you are in a hurry and want to know the result the same day, an option is high sensitivity pharmacy pregnancy tests.
2 – Breast tenderness and enlargement
This is usually another pregnancy symptom that alerts women. That’s because when you’re pregnant, the hormonal increase stimulates the mammary glands, which are preparing for future breastfeeding. This causes the breasts to become swollen and more sensitive to touch.
3 – Vomiting and nausea
What woman has never felt nausea and heard the question: “Aren’t you pregnant?” This is a clear pregnancy symptom and happens to 95% of women. Usually, nausea and vomiting occur in the morning and during the first trimester of pregnancy, but there are cases where women suffer from nausea and vomiting until the end of pregnancy. Some have such severe and constant nausea that it becomes a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.
4 – Feeling very sleepy and tired
Abnormal physical tiredness begins to occur3. Fatigue and excessive sleep appear due to increased progesterone in the body, which causes changes in the woman’s nervous, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. This is a natural pregnancy symptom in the first and also in the last trimester, when pregnancy is already coming to an end.
5 – Needing to urinate frequently
Having to go to the bathroom more is natural and happens with every pregnant woman, following her throughout pregnancy. This is due to the uterus getting bigger, which compresses the bladder and prevents it from fully emptying with each trip to the bathroom. At the end of pregnancy, the number of times you pee increases even more4.
6 – Food cravings
This symptom happens to some women. Usually, these are cravings for foods they don’t normally eat. Some have strange cravings for hard-to-find foods, and there are even cases of craving things that are not considered food. Bricks, soap, laundry powder, and an endless list of odd cravings.
7 – Constipation
One pregnancy symptom that’s not always linked to pregnancy is constipation. Constipation is caused by the increase of hormones in the body that slow down the intestine more than usual.
8 – Darkening of the nipples
The increase in hormones also changes skin pigmentation, causing darkening in some regions. The most affected areas are the nipples and areolas, and, in some cases, even the armpits.
9 – Increased gas
During pregnancy, digestion is affected and its efficiency decreases. Therefore, with digestion not working as usual, gas production increases considerably and can be noticed as a pregnancy symptom. For some women, their bellies can make a lot of noise, and that’s normal.
10 – Dizziness
A common pregnancy symptom that occurs mainly in the first trimester, dizziness happens due to low blood pressure, decreased glucose levels, and even effects from severe and excessive nausea and vomiting that alter the mother’s eating.
11 – Headache
Another pregnancy symptom that happens due to increased hormones and changes in blood vessel function is headache. It is caused by changes in blood flow to the brain, causing discomfort that appears mainly in the first trimester. It is possible for women to have daily headaches or even migraines5.
12 – Mood swings
Mood swings affect all pregnant women, from laughing to crying in minutes and for no apparent reason. Hormones have a big influence on this symptom.
13 – Pimples
The hormonal increase causes changes in the skin and the vast majority of pregnant women suffer from pimples and acne during this period. The skin may become oilier, clogging pores and causing pimples and blackheads.
14 – Vaginal discharge
This is a normal pregnancy symptom throughout gestation. If you already have this condition, it may become more noticeable during pregnancy. Usually, it is clear and odorless. In reality, it is not a discharge but a natural secretion caused by hormones. It shouldn’t have a strong smell or be greenish.
15 – Change in sense of smell
Due to all the changes in a woman’s body at this stage, she will become more sensitive and her senses may become sharper, especially smells. Odors that previously went unnoticed may now be bothersome, even causing nausea. There are cases where women feel sick from their husband’s smell. At this time, it’s recommended to avoid strong perfumes and highly scented cleaning products.
16 – Changes in taste
Like with smell, it is normal for a woman to experience changes in taste during pregnancy. Flavors that were previously enjoyable in this phase may feel too strong or sour, with odd tastes never experienced before.
17 – Increased appetite
Appetite usually changes during pregnancy. You might eat a simple pasta dish as if it was a delicacy of the gods, and soon after, feel hungry again. The best approach is to eat small meals several times a day. This way, you’ll satisfy your hunger and better control weight gain.
18 – Back pain
This pregnancy symptom usually occurs in the final trimester, due to the weight of the belly and changes in the mother’s posture. But it can start earlier, due to relaxation of muscles and ligaments during this phase.
19 – Linea nigra
This pregnancy symptom is not common to all women, but is normal when it appears. It is caused by increased skin pigmentation and the hormone estrogen, which increases the production of melanin in the body. This linea nigra may last for several months after birth.
20 – Chloasma
Similar to the linea nigra, chloasma occurs due to increased pigmentation during pregnancy and causes spots on the cheekbones. Although it can appear even when using sunscreen, it’s best to use it to avoid spots after childbirth.
See also: Does pregnancy without symptoms exist?
