Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, however, it can also be stressful and overwhelming. If you are sexually active and trying to conceive, it is important to be aware of the early warning signs of pregnancy.

Familiarizing yourself with the following symptoms can help you detect pregnancy early and receive prenatal care that is necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

1. Missed Period

One of the most obvious signs of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. If your period has not started when you expected it to, you might be pregnant.

However, it is important to remember that missing a period can also be due to other factors, such as stress, weight changes, or hormonal imbalances.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Many women experience nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy, commonly referred to as morning sickness. The exact cause of morning sickness is unknown, but it is believed to be related to hormonal changes.

These symptoms usually subside after the first trimester.

3. Breast Changes

During pregnancy, your body prepares for breastfeeding. As a result, you might experience changes in your breasts, such as soreness, swelling, and darkening of the areolas.

You might also notice small bumps on the areolas called Montgomery’s tubercles, which secrete oil to keep the nipples lubricated.

4. Fatigue

Feeling tired and exhausted is a common symptom of early pregnancy. This is due to the increased levels of progesterone in your body, which can cause drowsiness and fatigue.

5. Frequent Urination

As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your bladder and causes you to urinate more frequently. This is a common symptom of early pregnancy, but it can also be due to other factors such as a urinary tract infection.

6. Food Cravings and Aversions

Many women experience changes in their appetite during pregnancy. Some might crave certain foods, while others might develop aversions to foods they used to enjoy. These changes are due to hormonal fluctuations in your body.

7. Mood Changes

The hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy can also affect your mood. You might feel more emotional, irritable, or anxious than usual. However, if you experience severe mood swings or depression, it is important to seek medical attention.

8. Spotting or Cramping

During early pregnancy, you might experience some spotting or cramping. This is usually due to implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus.

Some women might also experience mild cramping as the uterus expands. However, if the bleeding is heavy or accompanied by severe cramping, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.

9. Dizziness and Fainting

As your body adjusts to the changes of pregnancy, you might experience dizziness or fainting. This is due to low blood pressure and can be exacerbated by standing up too quickly.

If you experience severe dizziness or fainting, it is important to seek medical attention.

10. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

If you are trying to conceive, keeping track of your basal body temperature (BBT) can help you detect early signs of pregnancy. During pregnancy, your BBT remains elevated.

If you notice that your BBT has remained high for several days after ovulation, it could be a sign that you are pregnant.