9 Ways Your Body is Trying To Tell You You’re Pregnant
July 21, 2018
When you’re trying to get pregnant or when you’re really afraid you might be pregnant, the days between when you have sex and when you’re supposed to get your period can be filled with anxiety. You might be paying extra attention to your body, watching for signs of pregnancy. So what are the early signs of pregnancy? What clues does your body give even before you miss a period?
Many women experience some of the following symptoms beginning as early as conception (approximately 2 weeks after the last period). Because pregnancy symptoms are so different from woman to woman, you may have some of these symptoms or none of these symptoms.
- Cramping – Cramping in early pregnancy can come from a surge of blood to the uterus. Some mildly uncomfortable, generalized cramping is normal in early pregnancy. If you have cramping that makes you double over in pain or that’s concentrated in one place, you should call your doctor right away.
- Spotting – When the newly-conceived baby attaches to the uterine wall, there can be some implantation bleeding. This bleeding is usually light pink or brown and isn’t as heavy as a normal period. Because of the timing – 6 to 12 days after conception – it easily can be confused with a light period. So if you have this symptom along with other symptoms, you might want to take a pregnancy test.
- Bloating – As your hormones change, you might feel bloated similar to that bloated feeling you get during your period. These same hormones can slow down your digestive system, so you might be constipated along with the bloating.
- Sore Breasts – Sore breasts and nipples are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. As your levels of estrogen and progesterone spike, blood flow to your breasts increases. This can make your breasts feel sore or tingly or extra sensitive. Many women experience this same thing during the monthly cycle. But as the hormone levels dip back down during the regular cycle, the breast tenderness goes away. During pregnancy, your hormone levels stay elevated, so the tenderness doesn’t go away like it does during your monthly cycle.
- Fatigue – As soon as you get pregnant, your body starts making a placenta and producing more blood to carry nutrients to your baby. Add to that all the extra hormones, which can cause sleepiness, and it’s no wonder you’re exhausted! Extreme fatigue during the first trimester is very common.
- Peeing More Often – As soon as the newly-conceived baby implants in the wall of your uterus, your body starts making a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin, which is more widely known as hCG. This is the hormone that shows up in your urine and causes the pregnancy test to be positive. It’s this same hormone that can make you feel like you have to pee every five minutes.
- Nausea – Some people call this morning sickness, but that’s really a deceptive name because you can feel sick at any or all times of the day or night, not just in the morning. Some women vomit; others feel nauseous but never vomit. More rarely, some women experience extreme vomiting, leading to dehydration and other problems. If your morning sickness seems especially severe, talk with your doctor and she can offer solutions.
- Mood swings – You know all those hormones we keep talking about? Well, they can cause your moods to shift like sand on a windy day. You might feel perfectly fine one moment and burst into tears the next. And maybe you don’t even know why you feel so sad or so happy or so irritated. The good news — this isn’t permanent. Pregnancy doesn’t last forever, and your moods will eventually even back out again.
- Food cravings (or food aversions) – You know all those stories about pregnant women wanting pickles and ice cream? That’s not just a myth or old wives’ tale. You might not want pickles and ice cream exactly, but food cravings are a real thing. Some people believe it’s your body’s way of telling you what nutrients you need, though there isn’t much science or data to back that up. Similar to cravings, some women experience intense food aversions — you can’t even stand the smell of certain foods or you become nauseous. What should you do about the cravings? Most doctors agree that giving in to cravings in moderation is OK, but be careful about eating too many empty calories. Your growing baby needs nutrients.
If you suspect you’re pregnant, call us and schedule a time to meet with one of our staff members. We can offer a pregnancy test at no cost to you and possibly an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. Whether you’ve been trying to get pregnant or whether this is the biggest surprise of your life, we’ll do our best to help you navigate this next step – You don’t have to do this alone.
An unexpected pregnancy can leave you with more questions than answers. Especially when friends are urging you to choose abortion, you may be more confused than ever. While their advice might come from care or fear, it’s essential to remember this is your pregnancy, future, and choice. At Collage, we’re here to help you navigate this pressure and find a path that feels right for you so that you can feel informed and confident about your decision. Reach out to us today for no-cost support. Listen to Your Instincts Your friends might be an important part of your life, but your instincts matter most. If abortion doesn’t feel right, take a moment to ask: What’s holding me back? Maybe you’re picturing parenting your child or are curious about adoption. It’s also important to keep in mind that abortion is a serious procedure that your friends may not fully grasp the details of. Physical and emotional risks are involved, making it a more complex decision. Your hesitation is a sign to slow down and explore, not to rush into a choice you’re not ready for. Talk It Out If your friends keep pressing, try a gentle conversation. Let them know you understand they’re worried, you’re not sure about abortion yet. Ask what’s driving their advice. Maybe they’re scared about your finances or future. Maybe they’re simply telling you what they’d do in your situation, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Understanding their side can ease tension without giving in. If they won’t respect your space, set boundaries and let them know you need time to think. You don’t owe them an immediate answer. Find Your Support Surround yourself with people who’ll lift you up, not pull you down. Write down your thoughts or talk to someone neutral. You can find a counselor or even online spaces where you can share your heart with those who won’t push one option over another. Even a trusted family member, a mentor, or a place like Collage can offer perspective without strings. You deserve to make this decision with clear facts and a steady heart, not under pressure. Help is Available If your friends are pushing abortion but you’re not ready, Collage is here with no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited obstetric ultrasounds, and pregnancy options education to help you decide what’s next. Our trained team offers confidential support to explore parenting, adoption, or abortion without pressure. Contact us for a no-cost appointment today. You deserve to choose your own path.
An unexpected pregnancy can flip your world upside down, and the urge to keep it under wraps might hit hard. Maybe you’re thinking abortion could erase the situation quietly.
What do you do when those closest to you start pushing you toward a decision that doesn’t feel right? Pressure from family or friends to choose abortion can leave you feeling stuck, unheard, and unsure of what to do next. How can you hold firm in your decision while dealing with well-meaning but overwhelming advice? Here’s what you can do to navigate this difficult situation with strength and resilience. Mental Health and Pressure Your decision should be your own—one that isn’t influenced by guilt or outside expectations. Studies show that women who feel pressured into abortion are more likely to experience guilt, anxiety, depression, and other negative mental health outcomes. Protecting your mental and emotional health starts with making a choice that aligns with what you truly want. Ways to Handle the Pressure Since you understand why this decision needs to be yours, here are some practical steps to help you handle outside pressure. Give Yourself Time You don’t have to decide right away. Take a moment, think through your feelings, and give yourself the gift to reflect without feeling rushed. You're less likely to regret a decision made on your terms. Learn About All Your Options Abortion isn’t your only choice. Parenting and adoption are also possibilities, each with its own forms of support and resources. Learning more about these options can help you make an informed decision you feel at peace with. Set Boundaries It can be tough to stand your ground when others have strong opinions about your decision. Clearly expressing your thoughts by setting boundaries can help you avoid unwanted pressure. Letting others know you need time and space to think can help shift the conversation away from their influence and back to what’s best for you. Advice from a Third Party Getting a different perspective on your situation can be helpful when seeking advice from someone outside your inner circle. This could be a professional counselor, an online support group, or a caring team member at Collage . You deserve people in your life who want to understand you without judgment. You Are Not Alone Even if those around you don’t fully understand, there are people who do. A supportive environment can make all the difference as you navigate this decision. Collage is here to walk with you during this time. We offer lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, pregnancy options information, and more at no cost so you can get informed and have the support you need to move forward with certainty. Schedule a confidential appointment today.
