10 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Are you feeling like you just can NOT bear the thought of waiting to take a pregnancy test?! Does your (potential) first doctor’s appointment feel like a lifetime away? Have you caught yourself being hyper-aware of your own body as you eagerly await ANY possible sign of pregnancy?!

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you are in the right place! In this article, we will be discussing 10 of the most common early signs of pregnancy. We will also talk about when in your menstrual cycle you are most likely to get pregnant, the only way to know for sure, and all of the tools you will need to survive the first couple weeks of pregnancy symptoms!

SPOILER ALERT! Whether you are pregnant, bloated, or even just PMSing- COMFORT is key! Keep reading to learn why the Cozy Soft Touch Lounge Set is the tool to bring you both peace and comfort during this anticipatory time!

When is the most common time for a woman to become pregnant?

During the menstrual cycle, the most likely time to get pregnant is during the ovulation period. Ovulation is when the egg is released from the ovaries.

Ovulation typically occurs 12-14 days before your period begins. Having sex during this time will increase your chances of getting pregnant!

How can I know for sure if I am pregnant?

There is only one sure way to know whether or not you are pregnant. Some people believe that that way is through a positive pregnancy test… but that is not the case! Although rare, there is such a thing as a “false positive”. 

The only way to confirm pregnancy is through confirmation directly from your doctor. If you suspect you are pregnant or have received a positive pregnancy test, make an appointment as soon as possible! 

10 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Even though you won’t know for sure, speculating about whether or not you are pregnant is part of the fun and excitement of this journey!

The more symptoms you experience, the more likely it is that your body is experiencing something… but remember, these symptoms do NOT confirm that you are pregnant!

Let’s look at 10 early signs of pregnancy to look for while you anxiously await the possible big news!

1. Fatigue

If you have been pregnant before, you are probably familiar with the exhaustion that accompanies the first trimester. 

Exhaustion and fatigue will look different for everyone. Some women may just have trouble waking up in the morning, while others will feel that their entire day is impacted.

If you are experiencing this, allow your body to rest and rejuvenate as often as possible. If you are growing a baby, your body is working harder than ever before! While it will be tempting to “push through”, it is important to prioritize rest… for the sake of you and your baby!

2. Tender breasts

Some women experience sensitive, swollen breasts and nipples 1-2 weeks after conceiving their baby. The breast can feel heavy, achy, and generally uncomfortable. 

Unfortunately, breast pain typically continues to be a struggle throughout pregnancy, as progesterone levels continue to rise.

One way to help ease the discomfort of tender breast pain is to ensure that you are wearing a well-fitting bra. Investing in a bra that is supportive, comfortable, and cute will help you to feel your best!

Not sure where to find the perfect bra? Check out our adorable Lace Plunge Nursing Bralette!

3. Nausea

Pop culture loves to portray nausea and vomiting as the tell-tale sign of pregnancy. Unfortunately, this really is the reality for a lot of women!

Commonly referred to as “morning sickness”, it is not restricted to the morning at all! This nausea can impact potential mothers-to-be both day and night. Thankfully, it typically faded away nearing the middle of the second trimester, although some women are impacted all pregnancy. 

Some common remedies for nausea and vomiting include:

• Ginger
• Small, frequent meals
• Take prenatal vitamins
• Go for a walk
• Avoid spicy food or foods with strong flavors or aromas)

4. Light Cramping/ Spotting

While cramping or bleeding of any kind can be automatically concerning, a small amount is common and considered normal!

Implantation bleeding is a small amount of bleeding that occurs 10 to 14 days after conception and is thought to be caused by the fertilized egg attaching to the uterine lining. This bleeding can sometimes be mistaken to be a light period.

5. Bloating

A familiar and common side symptom of PMS, bloating is never fun. Think of it as an introduction to the many drastic changes your body will make over the next several months if you are pregnant.

To help ease the discomfort of bloating, ensure you are hydrated, eating small and frequent meals, consuming fiber, and eating a balanced diet.

6. Mood swings

Pregnant women upkeep a bold reputation for being moody. It’s not their fault! Pregnant women (no matter how early in the pregnancy they are) are trying to regulate constant rushes of hormones and emotions- an extremely difficult task!

Communicate openly with your partner and other loved ones about what you believe you may be experiencing. They are far more likely to be understanding about your mood swings than they would be without talking to you first!

7. Feeling “off”

Without being able to put a finger on exactly what is bothering them, some women’s motherly instincts kick in early, making them feel like something about them is simply different.

8. Increased urgency to urinate

As soon as your uterus begins to expand (as early as 1 week after conception), it begins putting pressure on your bladder. 

Sound familiar? Connect with a pelvic floor specialist early in your pregnancy to learn about ways to strengthen your pelvic floor.

9. Headaches

Headaches are extremely common in the early stages of pregnancy, thanks to the ever-changing hormones and blood levels changes occurring in the body.

10. Missed period - it's time to take a pregnancy test!

If you have missed a period, it is time to invest in a pregnancy test and see for yourself! Some tests can be taken up to 10 days in advance, while others suggest waiting until the first day of the period if 

Of course, a combination of these symptoms will make the possibility of pregnancy feel more realistic, but there is no real way to know until you take a pregnancy test and eventually consult with a doctor.

Ways to Ease The Symptoms

Unfortunately, the first trimester of pregnancy (first couple weeks included!) is notorious for the trivial symptoms that accompany it. Here are some tricks to ensure you make it through the early stages feeling as energized as possible!

📌Dress comfortably!

Bloating, gas, and body changes mean that you will want soft, supportive undergarments and clothes to carry you through this time.

At Momanda, our bras and sets get the job done while maintaining cuteness in a way that keeps you feeling confident!

Even if you’re not pregnant yet, our Cozy Soft Touch Lounge Set is one that you NEED in your closet. This sleek and cozy long-sleeved set is perfect for curling up on the couch when those symptoms start hitting hard.

📌Stay hydrated!

Being dehydrated can intensify the symptoms that are already existent. If you are even considering becoming pregnant, or think that you could be already, invest in a large water bottle that you can keep with you throughout the day.

Being dehydrated can intensify the symptoms that are already existent. If you are even considering becoming pregnant, or think that you could be already, invest in a large water bottle that you can keep with you throughout the day.

📌Allow yourself to rest!

Some women feel that until their belly is the size of a bowling ball, they should have no reason to feel like they need extra rest. Much to the contrary, pregnancy can be exhausting from the get-go.

Allow (and encourage!) yourself to take it easy. Overdoing it will only put stress on you and strain on the baby. If there was ever a time to delegate tasks and responsibilities at work or in your personal life- that time is now!

📌Take the pressure off of being pregnant!

 Now, this is MUCH easier said than done, especially if you have been facing infertility or any challenge at all with getting pregnant.

If you find yourself anticipating potential pregnancy every month, you are surely experiencing fatigue from that in and of itself. If this sounds like you, know that you are not alone.

Some women have such a strong mental desire to be pregnant, that they begin experiencing physical pseudo-symptoms identical to those listed above. 

If at all possible, try to consult with a partner, trusted friend, or therapist to help ease your anxiety about becoming (or not becoming) pregnant.

At the end of the day, only time will tell whether or not the symptoms you are experiencing are a result of pregnancy. As fun as it is to speculate, there is nothing quite as exciting as some actual confirmation!

Best wishes, and (if the facts lie with your symptoms) best of luck on your pregnancy!