Signs of Pregnancy

Are you wondering if you might be pregnant? Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant or would rather not, it can be a tense time while you wait for the answer. Here are some signs you might notice in the early stages of pregnancy.

• Missing your period is an early sign of pregnancy. If you’re more than a week late, you may be pregnant. This may not be a reliable sign, however, especially if your cycles are typically irregular. Missed periods can also happen because of weight fluctuations, exhaustion, a new exercise regimen, stress, a change in birth control, or hormonal imbalance. Delayed menstruation sometimes occurs when you’re breastfeeding, or because of an illness. If the cause is a mystery, talk to your doctor.
• Changes in your breasts can indicate pregnancy. Soon after conception, many women experience swelling, soreness, or tingling in the breasts due to hormonal changes. Your breasts may feel heavier or tender to the touch. It’s important to remember, though, that these things can also be a sign of impending menstruation, new birth control, or another hormonal shift.
• Morning sickness can cause nausea with or without vomiting. Don’t be deceived by the name- it can happen at all times of the day and night. This varies from woman to woman, and some never experience it. Nausea during pregnancy is probably due to hormones, but nausea can also occur if you’re not pregnant, because of stress, anxiety, changes in birth control, or simply a stomach bug.
• If you’re making frequent trips to the bathroom, you may be pregnant. Your blood volume increases when you’re pregnant, leading to excess fluid in your body, which results in more frequent urination. If you’re urinating frequently and you’re not pregnant, ask your doctor to check your kidney function.
• Most women who are pregnant experience fatigue. This is because of a rise in progesterone during the first trimester, and typically goes away by the second. Of course, you may also be fatigued because of stress, illness, lack of sleep, change in exercise routine, or another cause.
• Some pregnancy symptoms are less common, but that doesn’t make them any less real. Some women experience spotting during implantation of the embryo. You might be constantly hungry and crave certain foods, or you might dislike foods you previously liked. Pregnancy can bring all kinds of symptoms, like headaches, dizziness, cramping, mood swings, and even a metallic taste in your mouth.

Because there are so many factors that can cause the same symptoms as pregnancy, the most accurate way to know if you’re pregnant is to take a test. You can take a home test as soon as you’ve missed your period or make an appointment for a blood test with your doctor. Whether you find out at home or in the office, make sure to schedule prenatal care as soon as possible to get your baby off to the best possible start.

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we love helping people start families with healthy pregnancies. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.