What Are the Most Common Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

Bringing a new life into the world is an exciting journey for many women in Denton and Collin Counties. But during those early days, it can be difficult to know whether or not a baby is actually on the way. This informative guide dives into common early pregnancy symptoms and explains what they mean for you.

Pregnancy can bring a lot of confusing changes to the body. Some are subtle, and others are not so easy to miss. To confirm a pregnancy, we encourage you to book an appointment with the Health Services of North Texas. Our Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX, offices offer comprehensive prenatal care for expecting mothers.

When does pregnancy start?

The first day of your last menstrual period marks the beginning of your pregnancy. This may seem odd since pregnancy actually starts during conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg). However, it is standard medical practice to calculate the start of pregnancy from the first day of the last period.

The entire pregnancy timeline lasts 40 weeks or about nine months. Women may experience symptoms as early as one or two weeks after conception.

What are the most common early pregnancy symptoms?

Surprisingly, there are numerous signs that could indicate an early pregnancy. These include:

• Missed period: If your menstrual cycles are standard or regular, then missing a period is often the first sign of pregnancy. This is because your body stops ovulating once you conceive.
• Nausea and vomiting: Morning sickness is a well-known sign of pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day and tends to subside after the first trimester.
• Tender breasts: Changes in hormone levels can cause soreness and tenderness in the breasts. Your breasts may also feel heavier and fuller as the pregnancy progresses.
• Mood swings: Hormone changes can also affect your mood and emotions. It is not uncommon to experience sudden outbursts of emotion or feel more irritable.
• Food cravings or aversions: Many women report having strong cravings for certain foods or an aversion to previously enjoyed foods.
• Fatigue: The body is working hard to support a growing baby, which can lead to feelings of extreme tiredness and fatigue. This is especially common during the first trimester.

It's important to know that every woman and every pregnancy is different. Some people may experience all of these signs, while others only have a few or none at all. It's also possible for symptoms to be caused by factors such as stress or illness.

What should you do if you think you might be pregnant?

If you suspect that you may be pregnant, it's best to seek professional medical advice in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX. Health Services of North Texas can provide a pregnancy test and help you understand your options moving forward. Prenatal care is also crucial for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Understand your pregnancy symptoms

Remember, pregnancy symptoms are not always easy to recognize or distinguish from other conditions. While the above list may indicate pregnancy, they can also be caused by other factors. Consult with a healthcare provider in Denton and Collin Counties for further information and support during this exciting time in your life.

To schedule a prenatal care appointment with Health Services of North Texas, click here. Our offices in Denton, Plano, and Wylie, TX, are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for all expecting mothers.