Pregnancy is one of life’s miraculous blessings. Creating another living, breathing human being is something that every woman deserves to experience in their lifetime. Pregnancy can be a wild ride for expectant mothers. The signs and symptoms of pregnancy show up just a few weeks after conceiving, and if you lack preparation for them, you may think that you are suffering from some disease or health disorder.
The classic symptoms of pregnancy are hard to miss. Tender, swollen breasts, a missed period, and an overwhelming sense of being tired all the time are all tell-tale signs that a baby is on the way.
However, there are a few symptoms of pregnancy that can take new mothers by surprise. Women that are expecting sometimes don’t even realize they are pregnant until the beginning of the second trimester. They mistake the lesser-known signs of pregnancy for other physical and psychological conditions such as the flu or fatigue.
Here are 10 early warning signs that you may have a bun in the oven. If you recognize any of them, make an appointment with your doctor to confirm a possible pregnancy.
1. Tender Breasts
Although it’s a universal sign of pregnancy, many women write this symptom off to hormonal imbalances or as a regular part of their reproductive cycle. If your breasts are tender and sore, then it’s possible that you have conceived during your last period. If you experience painful breasts for more than a week, then it could be an early sign of pregnancy, not just regular PMS.
During early pregnancy, levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen spike, forcing extra blood flow to the breasts. Hormonal spikes are a regular part of the reproductive cycle and it’s common for women to feel tender or sore during this period. However, if the tenderness persists for over a week, you may have conceived. As the pregnancy develops, levels of these two hormones continue to rise, and you may experience further discomfort. Purchase a padded, supportive bra to help you through the early stages of pregnancy as your breasts begin to swell. If the feeling becomes painful, try a cold compress to alleviate the irritation and pain.
