Early pregnancy signs vary, depending on whom you ask.  In a traditional 28-day cycle, ovulation, the phase during the menstrual cycle in which an egg is released from the ovary in hopes of fertilization by a willing sperm, takes place approximately midway, or 14 days, before the next cycle begins.  If conception, in fact, occurs, some women begin feeling the signs of pregnancy soon after implantation has taken place, which is anywhere from 5 to 10 days after fertilization.  For some, this means that the body begins to feel pregnant several days before the next expected menstrual cycle begins.  For others, pregnancy symptoms remain incognito for several weeks.

Unfortunately, many early pregnancy signs can nearly mirror those that are commonly related to the premenstrual phase of the cycle, both of which are caused by the body’s increased production of progesterone.

Some common early pregnancy signs reported by mothers-to-be include:

• Sore or tender nipples or breasts – some women describe the sensitivity as that which targets the nipple area only, while others describe tenderness throughout the entire breasts.  Many have reported this pregnancy symptom as early as a week after ovulation. 

• A pattern of visible, bluish veins throughout the external area of the breasts.

• Small, white “bumps” around the areola (the dark area surrounding the nipples) known as “Montgomery Glands,” from which special oils are secreted during pregnancy and breastfeeding to protect the nipples.

• Increased sensitivity to smell – many women report that certain smells, many of which they once were partial to, are enough to send them into a nausea-induced bed rest sentence.

• Nausea – Commonly known as “Morning Sickness,” pregnancy-induced nausea can strike at any time of the day (or night!).  Some have reported feeling the effects of this reviled pregnancy symptom as early as 5 to 7 days past ovulation.

• Skin changes – Some women liken this early pregnancy symptom to a flashback in high school.  Acne often invades the susceptible (face, chest, arms, back) facial and body areas during early pregnancy in response to the influx of hormones coursing through the newly gestating body.  Others have experienced more subtle signs such as severely chapped/dry lips and a variety of mild skin rashes.

• Fatigue – One of the most common early pregnancy symptoms.  Many women report the inability to get out of bed or remain awake for any length of time in those early weeks. 

• Mild or dull abdominal cramping or pain – Many women experience a cramping or “twinge” sensation on one side of the abdomen that they compare to those which occur during, or just before, the menstrual cycle begins.  Several women report a feeling that their periods are “right around the corner,” although they never appear.  In early pregnancy, this can be attributed to implantation pain or early ligament stretching.

• A “metallic” taste in the mouth – As strange as it may sound, many women report a nagging “metallic” taste in the mouth during early pregnancy that, despite efforts to dispose of, remains present. 

• Excessive hunger

• Excessive amount of saliva production

• Heartburn

• Increased vaginal discharge and/or swelling of the external vaginal area, caused by an increased blood flow to the vaginal area during pregnancy.

• Aversion to foods – Although some may have adored a good bowl of Fettuccini Alfredo at one time, early pregnancy can sometimes trick the mind into believing this once-loved concoction is the source of all evil on earth!

• Increased emotional sensitivity/weepiness

Whether the gift conception is a carefully orchestrated event or a welcomed surprise for most couples, in addition to the technology available for women to discover their pregnancies early on, Mother Nature has a way of sending gentle gestures to our bodies that signal an impending new life.  If you experience unusual symptoms or think you may be pregnant, schedule an appointment with a medical practitioner or midwife to begin sensible prenatal care as soon as possible.