There seems to be a great divide among women. Some know their bodies so well that they can almost feel the moment of conception, while others may miss a period and not realize they are pregnant until weeks later. Sadly, for those eager to be pregnant, the signs of pregnancy can be psychosomatic. The more you read about potential pregnancy symptoms, the more you may start to feel them. And then, when your monthly visitor arrives, you’re met with the crushing disappointment.
There isn’t one definitive sign that guarantees pregnancy. Until you take a pregnancy test or have it confirmed by a doctor, you can’t be absolutely sure. However, there is one sign that often proves more reliable than any other test — intuition. Pregnancy is a life-changing experience that disrupts many aspects of a woman’s life, and often, women can sense that something is different, even if they can’t pinpoint exactly what it is. It’s a nagging feeling that something is out of balance, and despite not being able to put your finger on it, you know something is off.
Signs of Pregnancy You Might Experience
One of the first signs of pregnancy for many women is nausea, commonly referred to as morning sickness. The problem is, morning sickness doesn’t always happen in the morning. Many women experience nausea in the afternoon or evening. The sensation can stem from extreme hunger or a sudden aversion to certain smells. You may or may not vomit, and sometimes the nausea feels more like a sensation, leaving you wishing you could throw up but never actually doing so.
Another telltale sign of pregnancy can be increased hunger. While many women experience heightened hunger just before their period, pregnancy-related hunger is more intense and can feel insatiable. It’s not uncommon for women to crave salt, vinegar, or, of course, sweets.
Other Physical Signs of Pregnancy
Changes in bowel movements are also common during early pregnancy and can mirror premenstrual symptoms. These changes can fluctuate between constipation and diarrhea, and you may feel as though you’ve caught a stomach bug. Bloating and a general sense of feeling “thicker” around the belly button and above the hairline can also signal pregnancy. Although your clothes may not feel tighter, there is a distinct awareness that something feels different in that area.
Probably the biggest sign of early pregnancy, aside from a missed period, is exhaustion. During this phase, your body is working overtime, and it’s normal to suddenly feel overwhelmingly tired. You might find yourself unable to accomplish tasks that you would normally handle easily, and instead, you feel the need to sleep more than rest. This fatigue will eventually subside after the early weeks, but it’s important to pay attention to it and listen to your body.
Spotting is also common in early pregnancy. You may experience light bleeding around the time of conception or just before your period is due. This is completely normal and should not be mistaken for something serious. At the moment of conception, blood may be released when the sperm penetrates the egg, and while this can be faint, it may cause twinges of pain or light spotting. Interestingly, some women feel an increased urge for sexual activity during this time, and sex may feel different because the cervix may be slightly inflamed. If you’re feeling daring, you could try a self-exam with a mirror; if your cervix appears bluish, it’s a strong indication that you may be pregnant.
The best way to confirm your pregnancy is, of course, by taking a pregnancy test. If you see a pink line or a “yes” on the test, then you know that your intuition was likely correct. Women often just know when something is different in their bodies, and after the first pregnancy, most become even more adept at recognizing the signs. In fact, you may know you’re pregnant even before you get to the drug store to buy a test.
Trust your intuition—there’s a reason we have it. From the moment of conception, your body begins to change, and it’s in your best interest to confirm your pregnancy as soon as possible. Early confirmation allows you to start taking better care of yourself, including taking prenatal vitamins, to support early fetal development.
