Pregnancy symptoms and what to do next
When you first get pregnant, your body goes through many physical and hormonal changes that can lead to noticeable symptoms.
“Pregnancy can be an exciting and emotional period, but it can also be a time that is filled with challenges and difficult questions,” says OB/GYN Dr. Clayton Southern. “While friends and family may have helpful information from their experiences, it is important to always seek advice from your medical provider as they are likely to have the most up to date and evidence-based recommendations.”
Whether you’re recently pregnant, trying to get pregnant or aren’t sure what’s happening, we’re here for you. Need pregnancy care but not sure where to start? Search for OB/GYNs near you.
Early signs of pregnancy
Every person and pregnancy are different. That means you may have all, some or very few of these early pregnancy symptoms.
Missed period
A missed period is the main sign that you’re pregnant according to the Office on Women’s Health.
If you of are sexually active and of childbearing age, you should take a pregnancy test if you are one or more weeks late for your menstrual cycle.
Know that missing a period doesn’t always mean you’re pregnant. You may have an irregular cycle. Or other factors like health conditions and medications can also affect your period schedule. Either way, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience a missed period, so you can see if you’re pregnant or are experiencing another health issue.
Tender or swollen breasts
Sore breasts are common, especially early in pregnancy. As your body responds to an increase in hormones, blood flows to the breasts, which can make them extra tender.
Nausea
Morning sickness is nausea that happens at any time of day. You may start to feel nauseous or experience some vomiting about a month into pregnancy.
Fatigue
Many people feel extremely tired when pregnant, especially in the first 12 weeks. Hormones, such as progesterone, increase a lot early on, making you extra sleepy. Your body also gets tired as it works to grow and protect the fetus.
Pregnancy discharge and light spotting
You may see light bleeding, also called spotting, throughout the first trimester, along with an increase in white discharge throughout your pregnancy. Call your doctor right away if you have vaginal bleeding, which is a heavier blood flow and more serious.
Other pregnancy symptoms
Pregnancy hormone changes can lead to other symptoms, including (but not limited to):
- Food cravings
- Headaches
- Heartburn
- Increased urination
- Lower backaches
- Mood swings
- Urge to avoid certain foods or smells
- Weight changes
Note that there are other possible causes for these symptoms — from food poisoning to anxiety. It’s always best to talk to your provider if any symptom is severe.
Most obstetric practices have someone on-call around the clock in case of emergencies. For non-urgent concerns you can call your obstetrician's office or raise your concerns during your regularly scheduled appointments.
When to schedule your first pregnancy appointment
Do you think you’re pregnant? Start by taking a pregnancy test at home. Most drug stores and pharmacies sell pregnancy tests, which measure human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone levels in your urine. At-home pregnancy tests often are accurate, though accuracy improves the further along you are in your pregnancy.
You’ll also want to schedule an appointment with a prenatal care provider. Most OB/GYN offices will want to schedule your initial office visit between eight and ten weeks from your last menstrual period. This will often give them the best opportunity to assign an appropriate due date and provide any early prenatal lab testing. HCA Midwest Health labor and delivery hospitals are well equipped to take care of your needs throughout your pregnancy, whatever those needs may be.
As Kansas City’s largest healthcare provider, HCA Midwest Health has an extensive network and is home to everyone from OB/GYNs and midwives to high-risk pregnancy doctors and neonatologists. Find an OB/GYN here.