Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women, but it can also be confusing and overwhelming.

With so many changes happening in your body, it’s important to know what to expect and what to look out for when it comes to the common signs of pregnancy. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms you may experience during the early stages of pregnancy:.

1. Missed Period

The most common sign of pregnancy is a missed period. If you are sexually active and your period is late, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

However, some women experience irregular periods, so if your cycle is typically irregular, a missed period may not be a reliable indicator of pregnancy.

2. Nausea and Vomiting

Many women experience nausea and vomiting, commonly referred to as morning sickness, during the first few weeks of pregnancy. While it can happen at any time of the day, it’s most common in the morning.

This is thought to be due to the rapidly changing hormones in your body.

3. Fatigue

During the early stages of pregnancy, your body is working hard to build the placenta and support your growing baby. This can leave you feeling more tired than usual.

If you find that you are feeling more tired than usual, it’s important to give your body the rest it needs.

4. Frequent Urination

As your uterus expands, it puts pressure on your bladder, which can lead to more frequent urination. This is a common symptom of pregnancy that may last throughout your entire pregnancy.

5. Breast Changes

As your body prepares for breastfeeding, your breasts may become sore, swollen, or tender to the touch. You may also notice that your nipples are darker in color or that your veins are more prominent.

6. Food Cravings and Aversions

Many pregnant women experience changes in their food preferences, with some developing cravings for certain foods and others finding that they have strong aversions to foods they used to enjoy.

These changes are thought to be due to hormonal fluctuations in your body.

7. Mood Swings

The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can cause changes in your mood, leaving you feeling more emotional or irritable than usual.

8. Constipation

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can slow down your digestive system, leading to constipation. If you are experiencing constipation, it’s important to drink plenty of water and eat foods that are high in fiber.

9. Elevated Basal Body Temperature

If you are tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) to help determine when you are ovulating, you may notice that your BBT remains elevated for an extended period of time during pregnancy.

10. Positive Pregnancy Test

The most reliable way to confirm whether or not you are pregnant is to take a pregnancy test.

Pregnancy tests work by detecting the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by the placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. If you have a positive pregnancy test, it’s important to see a healthcare provider to start prenatal care.