Have you been experiencing strange physical symptoms after having sex? Worried you might be pregnant?
Taking a pregnancy test and following up with an ultrasound are the only ways to know for sure if you’re pregnant. However, many women experience common symptoms during early pregnancy thanks to changing hormones.
Read on to learn more about common early pregnancy symptoms. Or, contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment to receive pregnancy testing (early, limited ultrasounds available for those who qualify).
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
At the moment of conception (when the sperm meets the egg), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) appears in your body. Levels of this particular hormone start small but build quickly, causing physical symptoms, which can include:
- A missed menstrual period. This is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Early pregnancy hormones tell your body to stop menstruating and instead thicken the uterine lining to house and nourish the pregnancy.
- Tender, swollen breasts. Is your bra fitting tighter lately? Are your breasts more sensitive or sore than usual? Pregnancy might be to blame. The same hormones that prepare your uterus for sustaining a pregnancy also prepare your breasts for breastfeeding.
- Fatigue. If you feel more tired than usual, you might be pregnant, especially if other early pregnancy symptoms accompany your fatigue.
- Nausea and/or vomiting. Mistakingly called “morning sickness,” the nausea and/or vomiting that can accompany early pregnancy can happen any time of the day.
- Increased urination. Pregnancy causes increased blood volume, making the kidneys work harder to filter your blood. This, in turn, causes increased urination. Pregnancy might be the culprit if you run to the bathroom more frequently.
While these symptoms are common in early pregnancy, they can also indicate other health conditions. This is why it’s critical to take a pregnancy test and follow up with an ultrasound if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms.
At Peak Women’s Care, we offer free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds through onsite, independent medical professionals.