What are the Early Signs of Pregnancy?

The symptoms of pregnancy don’t take long to manifest. In fact, you may start noticing changes in your body as soon as two weeks after conception or before your first missed period. Consider taking an over-the-counter pregnancy test or receiving a blood test if you are experiencing the early signs of pregnancy, which may include:

• Swollen, tender breasts
• Nausea, with or without vomiting
• Mood swings
• Constipation
• A frequent urge to pee
• Bloating and gas
• Light spotting
• Headaches
• Lower abdominal cramping
• Nasal congestion (as a result of swelling in the nasal passages)
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Lower back pain
• Unusual food cravings or dislikes

It’s important to note that the early signs of pregnancy can vary substantially from woman to woman. Your symptoms may differ from those listed above, so if you notice any unusual changes in your body or mood, promptly speak with a medical professional.

That “pregnant feeling”

While not the most scientific observation, many women just feel pregnant. Perhaps that’s why you are reading this article right now! If your intuition is telling you that something is different – whether that is a gut feeling or physical symptoms like moodiness, aches, or nausea, you should take action to find the answers you need.

Be sure to make an appointment with an obstetrician (a pregnancy specialist) if a take-home pregnancy test says you are pregnant or if you would simply like to speak with a professional about conceiving. And, because take-home tests can’t guarantee accurate results until one week after your first missed period, you may choose to visit a physician’s office to receive a blood test that can tell you if you are pregnant sooner.

Pregnancy care at Tufts Medical Center Community Care

Tufts Medical Center Community Care is a multispecialty medical group with a growing team of obstetricians and other women’s health specialists who provide a full spectrum of compassionate, individualized care. If you live in north suburban Boston and would like to consult an obstetrician about the early signs of pregnancy or your pregnancy test results, give us a call. With multiple easily accessible locations and better-than-average appointment availability, we’ll be able to provide you with the answers you need in a timely manner.

If you are pregnant, congratulations! Tufts Medical Center Community Care’s team will be able to walk you through every step of your pregnancy and provide the expert guidance you’ll need along the way. Our obstetricians will help you manage pregnancy symptoms, monitor your baby’s health, and provide labor and delivery services at MelroseWakefield Hospital when the big day comes. In the event that your pregnancy is considered to be high-risk, we collaborate with maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists from Tufts Medical Center to ensure you and your baby receive world-class care.

Interested in making an appointment? If so, contact Tufts Medical Center Community Care today or reserve an appointment online at your convenience.