• Nausea, tiredness, increased urination and breast soreness are some commonly experienced signs of pregnancy 
• Some women do not experience any symptoms of early pregnancy 
• Sometimes common signs of pregnancy are misinterpreted for other illnesses

Symptoms of early pregnancy are caused by a variety of hormonal changes. The intensity and frequency of these symptoms vary from one woman to another. The most common signs and symptoms of pregnancy include:

Missed period

A missed period during your expected menstrual cycle is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. However, some women may have a missed period due to menstrual disorders, stress or other health concerns.

Breast changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can induce significant breasts changes.  During the early days of pregnancy, you may feel swelling, soreness or tenderness in your breasts. 

Nausea

It is highly common to experience nausea with or without vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy. Most women have morning sickness (which can affect during any time of the day) after one month of pregnancy. 

Increased urination 

During pregnancy, your body produces an increased amount of blood causing your kidneys to flush out excess fluids. This can cause you to urinate more frequently. 

Fatigue

Your body produces higher levels of progesterone during the early stages of pregnancy leading you to feel more sleepy and tired. 

Food cravings 

Food cravings and aversions are very common in the initial phase of pregnancy. Most women experience an increased craving for certain foods such as milk and other dairy products. 

Some less common symptoms of early pregnancy include:

• Mood changes 
• Bloating
• Light vaginal bleeding or spotting 
• Uterine cramps 
• Constipation 
• Nasal congestion 
• Breathlessness 
• Heartburn and indigestion 
• Skin itchiness 
• Leg cramps 
• Carpal tunnel syndrome 
• Varicose veins

While some women do not experience any troubling symptoms, others have difficulty coping with them every day. Here are some expert-approved tips to you deal with the early signs of pregnancy:

• Take a pregnancy test or consult an obstetrician to confirm your pregnancy 
• Get plenty of sleep 
• Keep your room’s temperature cool and cosy 
• Wear comfortable inner clothing to relieve breast tenderness 
• Drink plenty of water and plan your trips to the bathroom to avoid incontinence 
• Eat fibre-rich foods to avoid constipation and bloating 
• Munch on some snacks to avoid dizziness

Seek urgent clinical help if you experience the following signs and symptoms during pregnancy:

• Vaginal bleeding 
• Severe pain in the stomach 
• Leaking amniotic fluid 
• High body temperature 
• Continuous vomiting 
• Persistent headache 
• Blurry vision 
• Sudden swelling of hands, feet and face