If you have been trying to get pregnant, it can feel like your life is in an endless loop of four weeks cycles. Between periods, your hope and expectation grows. You cross your fingers every time you go to the bathroom, hoping that your tampons are going to be given a nine-month leave of absence.
It’s a stressful time, with the weight of such high expectations frequently bearing down on you. Most women wait to take a pregnancy test when they have skipped a period or begin experiencing the classic symptoms, such as nausea. However, if you’re in tune with your body, there are a few early signs to look out for.
Sore Nipples or Breasts
This is a classic sign of hormonal changes, and the early stages of pregnancy are among the biggest hormonal imaginable. It can be confusing as these are also signs of an oncoming period. If you feel tenderness, ask yourself if this is normal for you. If it is, then don’t put too much into it. If, however, you don’t frequently have breast tenderness before a period, you never know.
Needing To Pee More Often
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This is just so glamorous already isn’t it? Some of these signs of pregnancy aren’t going to have you at your best. But yep, this is something to look out for. If you have to take more regular trips to the bathroom, then there might be something going on. On the downside, this is also a sign of a UTI, but that will usually be accompanied by agonizing pain. Keep an eye on it.
Nausea and Stomach Upset
As with the soreness mentioned above, changes in hormones can disturb your whole system. If you find yourself having to be persuaded to eat, or experiencing nausea, then something might be afoot. Don’t expect the usual onslaught of morning sickness; these early disturbances are much milder.
Changes In Taste
Image Credit: Wikipedia This may be in some way linked to the cravings that many pregnant women experience. You may find that you go off foods that you usually love. Some women also describe a metallic taste in their mouth, like they have been swallowing copper coins. If you do experience this for more than a day or two, it’s definitely worth bringing it up with a doctor.
Back Pain
It’s unlikely to be so bad that you need to rest or take medication, but it might just appear in the early stages. As with morning sickness, it’s like a rehearsal of the more severe version that appears in the latter stages. If you find yourself with a little nagging pain in the small of your back, especially if you are not doing strenuous exercise, then it may be a sign.
Tiredness and Fatigue
Image Credit: Wikipedia Your body is preparing for something huge, so it’s going to be using up a lot of energy. If you’re struggling to get going more than usual or are falling asleep during the day, then this is a key sign. Take especial note if you’re sleepy even if you’ve had a good rest.
If you notice any of the above signs – or, ideally, them in combination – then you might want to try a pregnancy test, just to be sure!
