Early signs of pregnancy named as NHS experts urge women to take a test if they spot these symptoms
When it comes to early signs of pregnancy, experiences can vary and not everyone will recognize all the potential symptoms. If you find any symptoms concerning, it's always a good plan to have a chat with your GP or midwife.
One of the foremost indicators if you're on a regular monthly cycle is missing your period. While the absence of your period is a key hint, some people may still have period-like bleeding, which can be confusing.
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Luckily, experts from the NHS have named the early signs of pregnancy to watch out for.
Missing period or lighter 'period'
As well as missing your period, some may encounter what is known as implantation bleeding, which can manifest as light spotting or a minor bleed, quite akin to a scanty period. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around a quarter of people experience implantation bleeding and it usually only lasts for a few hours to a couple of days. Implantation bleeding doesn't always mean you are pregnant.
Nausea
Feeling queasy? It could extend beyond just the morning. The term "morning sickness" is a bit misleading because bouts of morning nausea can actually happen at any time.
Generally kicking in around 4 to 6 weeks into the pregnancy, it should be noted that if the vomiting becomes relentless and nothing stays down, it might be time for a trip to the GP; this could signify hyperemesis gravidaruma severe condition requiring medical attention.
You should speak to a midwife, GP or call 111 if you are vomiting and have very dark urine or not peed in more than 8 hours, can't keep food or fluids down for 24 hours, feel dizzy or faint, have stomach pain, have high temperature, vomit blood or lose weight.
If it is less severe, you should eat lots of dry, plain foods such as toast, rice, crackers and pasta. Cold foods may be better than hot foods and ginger can help reduce nausea.
Fatigue
Tiredness during these initial stages is pretty common too. With the flurry of hormonal activity in your body, you might feel absolutely drained, emotional, or even under the weather during those first three months.
Tender breasts
An early pregnancy sign where breasts might grow, feel sensitive, or tingle, much like they do before your menstrual cycle. You might notice nipples becoming darker and more pronounced.
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Peeing more
Lastly, if you're finding yourself heading to the loo more often than usual, this could also hint at pregnancy.
You might find yourself needing to use the loo more frequently, even during the night.
Other early signs of pregnancy could include:
Constipation
An increase in vaginal discharge (without any discomfort or irritation)
Odd tastes, smells and cravings
In the early stages of pregnancy, you may suddenly dislike foods or drinks you previously enjoyed. You might experience:.
A peculiar taste in your mouth, often described as metallic
New food cravings
A loss of interest in certain foods or drinks you used to like, such as tea, coffee or fatty food
A decreased desire to smoke
Heightened sensitivity to certain smells, particularly food or cooking smells