9 Early Signs You May Be Pregnant Right Now

Whether you’ve been trying to conceive or taking precautions by using a birth control method, here are early signs a bun may be in the oven already and you need to take a pregnancy test…

1. Sore or swollen breasts

This is often experienced within a week or two of becoming pregnant. As a result of the rise in progesterone and hCG hormones after fertilization, there’s usually an increase in blood volume. Breast tissues which are quite sensitive to hormone surges may then become fuller (usually more than they do before you get your monthly periods), more sensitive and sore.

Due to your surging pregnancy hormones, the area around your nipples may also darken and expand. Some women also experience nipple pain. All these can happen within the first month of pregnancy.

2. Fatigue

Another early sign you may be pregnant is feeling overwhelmingly exhausted – like you haven’t slept for several days and could use lots of rest. It’s also common to feel unusually sleepy during the day, and if you are a working mum, you may find you can’t help falling asleep at your desk these days.

You may also experience persistent dull headaches and back aches, increased heart rate due to huge increase in blood volume, and find you’re frequently short of breath while going about your usual daily routine.

3. Morning Sickness

Experiencing nausea, vomiting, and feeling dizzy frequently throughout the day are other typical symptoms. Some women may also become quite clumsy or feel light headed. All these are usually caused by the sudden surge in hormone levels to support the growth processes going on.

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4. Bloating & constipation

The surge in hormones due to conception often plays tricks on your digestive system, slowing down your metabolism. So, you may experience constipation and dish out lots of gas. These may start as early as around week four of pregnancy, after fertilization has taken place. You’ll also likely notice an increased waist line.

5. Cramps & spotting

Light bleeding (usually a lot less than what you experience during your monthly period) that lasts a few days is usually a sign a fertilized egg has been implanted to the lining of the uterus. This is also called implantation bleeding and occurs between 6 to 12 days after fertilization takes place. If this happens and you miss your period that cycle, you likely have a baby on the way.

Spotting may also be accompanied by mild cramps, similar to that of your monthly periods as the uterus starts stretching to create room for the foetus that will soon occupy and grow in it.

You may also have white and milky vaginal discharge. This is due to the increased growth of cells lining the vagina after conception.

6. Increased urination

Though this may also be a symptom you have a urinary tract infection, if you experience the symptom alongside others listed here, there’s likely a bun in the oven. Pregnant women often start experiencing frequent bathroom trips from around 6 – 8 weeks after conception.

7. Unusual appetite, cravings & food aversions

It’s also common to notice a sudden increase in appetite and develop aversions for foods or smells you previously loved. You may also crave foods you used to be not so keen for and others that seem way out of your reach and stop at nothing until you eat them. These and having a heightened sense of smell can occur as early as when you are four weeks gone.

8. Mood swings

Your surging hormones may also make you get unusually excited this minute and emotional, upset or moody for no apparent reason the next minute.

9. Skin changes

Due to increased blood volume and flow, some women may notice they have a more radiant skin. Others may however start developing acne and/or skin pigmentation due to surges in estrogen and progesterone. This may appear on the abdomen, face or nipple.

Some women also have bleeding and/or tender gums in addition to the above signs.