Very early signs of pregnancy - 10 early pregnancy symptoms that you might not have expected

Whether you are waiting and hoping for a positive pregnancy test or really hoping it isn’t, it’s natural to over analyse possible symptoms to guess whether we are or aren’t. Naturally, a test is the only way to be 100% certain but there are still some subtle early pregnancy symptoms to look out for that may clue you in. Here are some very early signs of pregnancy that your body may be sending before you even suspect you’re expecting…

The room is spinning…

Feeling lightheaded and dizzy? It is not uncommon for pregnant women to feel this way during the first trimester. Pregnancy causes blood pressure to drop and blood vessels to dilate which will make you feel faint or weak. The good news, at least, is that this usually eases up within the second trimester!

If you start to feel this way, make sure to stay hydrated, eat smaller meals more regularly and wear looser fitting clothing or clothing with a good amount of stretch in, (our natal active luxe leggings and nursing hoodies are perfect for when you need a bit of extra comfort 😉) so you aren’t restricted.

Mild cramping and spotting

You might be fooled in to thinking your period is about to, or has arrived, but actually mild cramping and spotting can be a very early sign of pregnancy as the fertilised egg implants in to the womb lining. This is very normal but if you have taken a positive test and you are concerned about bleeding, contact your doctor or midwife for advice.

Nosebleeds

Did you know that nosebleeds are actually very common during early pregnancy? Don’t worry, they are rarely serious but are usually due to the change in hormones. If you find yourself having one, sit down and firmly pinch the soft part of your nose, just above your nostrils, for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing the pressure. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or you feel they are becoming too frequent, contact your GP or midwife for advice.

 

Super sensitive boobs

Hormonal shifts during early pregnancy can lead to changes in breast tissue very quickly. You may notice increased sensitivity, tenderness, or fullness in your breasts. Your areolas might darken, and veins may become more visible. These subtle changes can occur as early as a week or two after conception and can be one of the first early signs of pregnancy that mums to be experience.

Exhaustion

Feeling unusually tired, even if you've had a good night's sleep, is a common early pregnancy symptom. The body starts producing more progesterone, which can induce a sense of exhaustion. If you find yourself needing more naps or feeling drained by daily activities, it might be worth considering a pregnancy test.

Nausea and morning sickness

While commonly associated with later stages of the first trimester of pregnancy, some women may experience nausea and vomiting very early on. And although its often called morning sickness, it can actually occur at any time of the day. So take note if you find yourself suddenly repulsed by certain smells or foods!

Acne

Have you noticed you are breaking out more often? Well more than half of pregnant women usually notice that they are struggling with breakouts, so it’s perfectly normal. Unfortunately, most over the counter acne medications are not suitable for use in pregnancy. Try instead, washing your face twice daily with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Opt for oil free cosmetics and if you are still unsure, check with a healthcare professional before using any products to ensure they are safe to use whilst pregnant.

Congestion

Got an extra-stuffy nose during pregnancy that sometimes even messes with your sleep? You may be experiencing what's known as pregnancy rhinitis – or pregnancy-induced nasal congestion. Over 30% of women experience this during pregnancy and the cause is mainly hormonal. You also have more blood circulating during pregnancy, which can make the tiny blood vessels inside your nose swell, leading to nasal congestion.

Try elevating your head whilst you sleep to help relieve pregnancy rhinitis. Studies also show that pregnancy safe exercise can help ease up congestion so get those trainers on and get out for a brisk walk mama! If all else fails, nasal strip and saline nasal spray could be your solution.

Needing to wee more often

Frequent trips to the bathroom may become a common occurrence and can be a very early sign of pregnancy. Although your baby is still microscopic, it’s not its size pushing on your bladder but rather hormonal changes cause increased blood flow to the pelvic area, leading to more urine production. And yes, it does carry on throughout the pregnancy – especially when the baby starts to play football on your bladder in the later stages!

Shortness of breath

It can feel harder to catch your breath while expecting and this can start very early on. For relief, check your posture, give your lungs the most space possible by keeping good posture when sitting down. When you can feel your breath getting shorter, take a break and allow yourself a minute…don’t rush around. If you are keen on keeping fit, just keep an eye on how you are feeling and adjust your workouts accordingly. You may find in the very early stages that you need to run a little slower, or lift a little lighter and that’s fine. Don’t push yourself too hard and go with what feels comfortable.

You might not end up having all of the symptoms we listed here, and there are a whole plethora of other changes that you might experience as you progress through your pregnancy - some better than others. And don’t forget that while these subtle symptoms may offer clues, they can also be attributed to other factors. If you suspect you might be pregnant, taking a home pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare professional is really the only way to 100% confirm.