The first sign ofpregnancyis usually amissed period, but there may also be other possible changes.
The only way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
This article will provide an overview of early pregnancy signs and when to take a pregnancy test.
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The only way to truly know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
Spotting
Light bleeding or spotting may be an early sign of pregnancy.
Its estimated that about 15% to 25% of pregnant people experience bleeding in the first trimester.
Bleeding may occur when the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus, known asimplantation bleeding.
This usually happens about six to 12 days after conception.
Safe or benign bleeding is usually light in both color and amount.
Its important to contact a healthcare provider if you experience any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy.
This happens because of changes in your hormone levels.
When you become pregnant, yourestrogenlevels rise dramatically, and this can lead to swelling.
Nausea and Vomiting
Many pregnant people experiencemorning sickness(nausea and vomiting) during pregnancy.
This can begin as early as two to eight weeks after conception.
This is likely due to the production of the pregnancy hormonehuman chorionic gonadotropin (hCG).
You may also experience food cravings or aversions during this time.
Headaches
The sudden rise in hormones during early pregnancy may also cause headaches.
They can occur at any time of day.
Bloating
Bloating andconstipationmay be signs of early pregnancy.
It also slows down your digestive tract, leading to problems with constipation and bloating.
This can occur in the first month of pregnancy when progesterone rises.
However, early pregnancy is a common time as well.
Can You Tell Youre Pregnant Based on Early Pregnancy Symptoms?
It is not possible to know that you are pregnant from symptoms alone.
The only way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
Other factors may cause many common symptoms of early pregnancy.
Its important to remember that many early pregnancy signs are similar topremenstrual syndrome (PMS)symptoms.
These tests measure the amount of the hormone hCG.
This hormone level increases each day of early pregnancy.
It starts producing when the fertilized egg implants into the uterus wall about 10 days after conception.
The level of hCG doubles every 48 hours in the first couple weeks of pregnancy.
Non-Pregnancy Causes of Missed Period
Experiencing a missed period does not always mean that you are pregnant.
There are several reasons why your period changes or stops temporarily.
Its estimated that 1 in 25 people who menstruate experience missed periods that are not related to pregnancy orbreastfeeding.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are common causes of missed periods.
Waiting to find out if you are pregnant is anxiety-provoking, especially if you were not expecting it.
Know that it is normal to experience various emotions right now.
See a healthcare provider for blood and urine tests to determine if you are pregnant.
Summary
Its natural to want to know if you are pregnant before your missed period.
Many people experience bodily changes early in their pregnancies.
However, many of these symptoms could be brought on by PMS as well.
The only way to know if you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.
The best time to take a test is the first day of your missed period.
If you believe you may be pregnant, make an appointment to see a healthcare provider.
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