Pregnancy Symptoms

Not feeling like yourself? If you think there’s a chance you might be pregnant, here’s a quick list of 10 symptoms you may experience if you’re pregnant. Remember every woman’s experience can be unique, so don’t stress if you don’t have these symptoms. If you think you may be pregnant, or if you are experiencing several of these symptoms, it may be time to buy an e.p.t.® Pregnancy Test!

“OUCH! WHY ARE MY BREASTS SO SORE?”

For many women, the first signs of pregnancy show up in the form of tender breasts and nipples. It’s similar to the soreness you feel before a period, but could be much more intense. For most, the soreness doesn’t stick around long. The cause? A surge in pregnancy-related hormones that increase blood flow.

What you can do: Get professionally fitted for a bra with more support to minimize movement. And maybe buy another one you can grow into.

“MY BREASTS LOOK… DIFFERENT.”

It’s very common for women to experience darkening of the areolas due to surging pregnancy hormones. They may grow in size or get darker as pregnancy progresses. Some changes go away, some will stick around.

What you can do: Don’t freak out! It’s entirely normal.

“I’VE BEEN SPOTTING LATELY.”

Some women experience light bleeding or spotting early on. This occurs about five to 10 days after conception. It could be a sign that the embryo has implanted in the uterine wall. In other words, your little one is settling in.

What you can do: Don’t worry, wait it out. But if the bleeding is excessive, consult your doctor.

“I GOTTA GO. AGAIN… AND AGAIN.”

“I’M ABSOLUTELY WIPED OUT.”

Way more tired than usual? First trimester fatigue is common as your body is gearing up to support your baby’s development. And we’re not talking “I need an extra hour of sleep,” tired. If you’re feeling full-blown exhaustion, you may be pregnant.

What you can do: Rest up! Take a nap, sleep in, eat healthy and recharge when you can. When the baby arrives, you’ll remember those daytime naps fondly.

“UH, WHERE’S MY PERIOD?”

If you’ve missed your period, there’s a chance you could be pregnant. However, women’s periods can be delayed for many reasons including sickness, medications and stress.

What you can do: If you’re typically very regular, take an e.p.t.® pregnancy test. If your periods are irregular, look for other symptoms to determine if you should take a test or consult your doctor.

“I FEEL KIND OF QUEASY.”

Morning sickness and nausea are two dreaded pregnancy symptoms experienced by many women. Though these symptoms show up early for some, many women don’t experience them until about six weeks in.

What you can do: Try eating crackers as soon as you get out of bed, having small but frequent meals, or consuming soothing drinks like decaffeinated tea or ginger ale.

“UGH, WHAT IS THAT SMELL?!”

Researchers aren’t sure why, but a super sensitive sniffer is common among pregnant women.

What you can do: Try to avoid smells that have become offensive to you. And, do laundry with unscented detergent to eliminate clinging scents.

“MUST. HAVE. PICKLES. NOW.”

Many pregnant women will experience intense food cravings or aversions during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester.

What you can do: Listen to your body and what it’s craving. Every once in awhile, indulge a bit! There are also many snacks you can eat to get the vitamins and nutrients your body needs like almonds, yogurt and fresh fruit.

“GAS.”

Bloating often starts in the first trimester and slows down. The science behind it? Your body is producing a ton of estrogen and progesterone—a hormone that slows the process in your gut so your body has more time to soak up nutrients for the baby. This can lead to gas.

What you can do: Eat small, regular meals, stay away from foods that typically make you gassy, wear comfy clothes, and be sure to eat and drink slowly.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or a combination, grab an e.p.t.® pregnancy test or call your doctor. You may have a beautiful baby on the way!