What Are The 5 Most Common Signs Of Early Pregnancy?

Early pregnancy can bring about a range of physical and emotional changes as your body begins to adjust to the growing life inside you. While every woman’s experience is unique, there are some common signs that many women may notice in the early stages of pregnancy.

1. Missed Period

One of the most well-known and telltale signs of early pregnancy is a missed period. For many women, a missed period is often the first indication that they may be pregnant. This occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself into the uterus, causing a halt in the menstrual cycle.

2. Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or fatigued is another prevalent symptom in early pregnancy. Your body is working overtime to support the development of the fetus, leading to increased levels of the hormone progesterone, which can leave you feeling more tired than usual.

3. Nausea and Morning Sickness

Nausea and morning sickness are classic signs of early pregnancy, though they can occur at any time of day. Hormonal changes in the body, particularly the rise in human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, can trigger feelings of queasiness and sensitivity to certain smells.

4. Frequent Urination

During early pregnancy, you may find yourself making more trips to the bathroom than usual. This is due to the increased blood flow to the pelvic area and the growing uterus putting pressure on the bladder, causing you to urinate more frequently.

What Are The 5 Most Common Signs Of Early Pregnancy?

5. Breast Changes

Changes in breast size, tenderness, or sensitivity are common signs of early pregnancy. The hormonal fluctuations in your body can cause your breasts to feel fuller, heavier, and more sensitive to touch as they prepare for breastfeeding.

While these five signs are among the most common indicators of early pregnancy, it’s important to remember that every woman’s body is different, and not everyone will experience the same symptoms or to the same degree. If you suspect you may be pregnant, it’s recommended to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and care.

Photo of author

Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).