Signs of Pregnancy

Early signs of pregnancy result from hormonal changes that begin soon after conception. The most reliable early sign is a missed menstrual period. Other common symptoms include breast tenderness, fatigue, frequent urination, nausea or vomiting (“morning sickness”), mood swings, and food cravings or aversions. While these symptoms may suggest pregnancy, confirmation requires a pregnancy test.

• Causes: Hormonal changes, primarily increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), progesterone, and estrogen.
• Risk factors for noticeable early symptoms:

First pregnancies

Multiple pregnancies (twins or more)

History of severe nausea or hormone sensitivity

Younger maternal age

Schedule a prenatal visit promptly after confirming pregnancy. Immediate care is needed if early pregnancy symptoms are accompanied by heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fainting, or dizziness, which may signal miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Ongoing prenatal care is essential for monitoring maternal and fetal health.