Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

June 29, 2023

Think you might be pregnant? You’re likely feeling overwhelmed by many different emotions and wondering what early signs to watch out for. While taking a pregnancy test and receiving an ultrasound are the only two surefire ways to know if you’re pregnant, there are common early pregnancy symptoms that many women experience.

When you become pregnant, your body produces hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), and levels of other hormones, like progesterone, are increased. This hormone increase can cause physical symptoms, which may be the first clue that you’re pregnant. 

The most common symptoms of early pregnancy include: 

• A missed menstrual period. This may be the first sign of pregnancy. Once you become pregnant, your changing hormones alert your body to stop menstruating and instead thicken the uterine lining to nourish the pregnancy. However, a missed menstrual period can also signify other conditions. If you’ve missed a menstrual period, it’s essential to follow up with an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy.
• Feeling nausea and/or vomiting. That increase in hormones can cause you to feel sick to your stomach and occasionally vomit. While you’re more likely to feel this way in the morning, these symptoms can last all day, especially in early pregnancy. 
• Tender, swollen breasts. You may notice that your breasts seem larger and more sensitive or painful. Your areolas (the circular skin around your nipple) might also darken. 
• Feeling exhausted. If you’re feeling more tired than normal, this can be a sign of early pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Testing

If you’re experiencing any of these early signs of pregnancy, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test. At-home pregnancy tests detect hCG in your urine. If hCG is detected, you’ll receive a positive result. However, you may receive a false negative result if you take the test too early (this can happen if hCG levels aren’t yet detectable by a test). 

Ultrasound

If you received a positive result on a pregnancy test, or if you’re experiencing pregnancy symptoms but haven’t tested positive yet, it’s essential to follow up with an ultrasound. This harmless scan will confirm your pregnancy and reveal the key information you need to know to stay healthy and safe.

Next Steps

Stressing over whether you might be pregnant can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. We understand what you’re going through. At Colorado Springs Pregnancy Center, we offer free pregnancy testing and first-trimester ultrasounds, as well as information about different pregnancy options. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. We’re here for you.