Earliest Signs You Could Have a Bun in the Oven!
Earliest Signs You Could Have a Bun in the Oven!
Something's different, but you can't quite put your finger on it. You know how you're feeling is much different than how you normally feel, so what's going on? Could it be possible that you're expecting? Today, we want to highlight some of the earliest signs you could have a bun in the oven, with some of them being signs and symptoms you may already be aware of, but others being less well-known. Some women experience symptoms as early as a week after conception, while others are late to the symptom party. Regardless of when you experience symptoms, it's important to know what to look out for. So, without further ado, let's dive in lovelies!
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Intermittent Cramping for the Win
You've been experiencing some pretty weird cramping that comes and goes, which is unusual for you at this point in your cycle. This could be implantation cramping - an early sign of pregnancy. This is generally experienced around 12-16 days past ovulation, and might be accompanied by extremely light spotting ranging in color from peach to pink to red. This is known as implantation spotting. This is when the egg and sperm, which have conjoined into a blastocyst, burrow deep into the uterine lining to prepare for that sweet baby to grow.
Aunt Flo Decided to Skip Town
...and she doesn't plan on coming back for another 9-10 months, give or take (breastfeeding often prolongs the return of your period). A missed period is generally one of the very first signs that you might be expecting. Some women absolutely love not having a period for almost a year, while others find it takes some getting used to. Enjoy it while it lasts, because when it comes back after birth, she will arrive with a vengeance!
Exhaustion At a Whole New Level
You know that one time where you thought you would fall on your face you were so tired? Well, this trumps that by a million. Pregnancy exhaustion is so real - and it's incredibly annoying when you've got things to do, like work or take care of pretty much anything in life. The first trimester, or first three months of your pregnancy, you can expect to feel completely exhausted, all of the time - no matter how much sleep you get. This is due to your body working in overdrive to grow a new life. It's seriously hard work!
Moodiness Is Your Middle Name
Perhaps you've found yourself snapping at anyone and everything in sight over the past couple of weeks, or maybe you've been crying at the drop of a hat. This is thanks to the hormone fluctuations you are experiencing and is a completely normal part of early pregnancy. This symptom may or may not go away for the duration of your pregnancy. A little wives tale is that when you are pregnant with a girl, your moodiness will be more substantial than those who are pregnant with a boy due to the level of estrogen between the two of you, who knows!
Strange Cravings of the World, Unite!
This one may or may not hit you for a few weeks to a month after conception, but if and when it does, you'll know it. How does chocolate covered chicken fingers sound to you? If you answered 'delicious', you might be pregnant! Legend has it that if you crave meats and salty things, you're having a boy, and those who crave sweet things and fruit or dairy are pregnant with a girl. That's to be debated, but it's fun to speculate! Did you have an odd pregnancy craving?
Your Boobs Feel Like They've Been Hit by a Truck
Something as simple as putting on or taking off a bra, or stepping into a shower can send you into tears. Your breasts may feel as though they've been hit by a car or bruised so badly you can't hardly stand it. It's all part of the process but it will pass, promise.
Your Pee Smells Weird
Some women claim they can smell a difference in their pee when they're pregnant. This may be due to hCg levels within the urine, which may cause differences in scent. Remember to stay nice and hydrated, this will help with that smell and keep you and babe hydrated.
Metal Mouth - And We Don't Mean Braces
Why does it taste like you've been sucking on coins? If you're newly pregnant, this could be the culprit! Sensory changes within the body may be the reason why, but scientists aren't entirely certain why this happens or what exactly causes it.
You Feel Like Throwing Up
Last but not least, this is the most common side effect of early pregnancy aside from the absence of a menstrual period.
Let's face it: this is one of the most unpleasant experiences about pregnancy, and one of the very worst symptoms. But it's also one of the most telltale signs that a pregnancy is occurring, and it's said the more nauseous you feel, the stronger your pregnancy is (the higher the levels of the pregnancy hormone HCG).
Embrace it as a sign that your pregnancy is going well, and try to muster through it. Sometimes, sipping small bits of ginger ale, eating ginger candy or drinking ginger tea, or crackers can cure an upset stomach. Keep some by your bedside to use first thing in the morning to stop nausea in it's tracks.
If your morning sickness is too much to bear and you are throwing up more than a few times per day, talk with your midwife or doctor about possible medications you may be able to use as you may have a more serious problem, known as Hyperemesis Gravidarium.
Pregnancy has all sorts of crazy and sometimes downright odd symptoms and signs, but our bodies are incredible in the way that they tell us something is different. If you think you might be pregnant, the best thing you can do is take an early pregnancy test and or see your midwife or doctor to arrange for a blood screen to confirm pregnancy. Early care is so important, so be sure not to wait!
Tell us, what was the symptom that gave it away for you?
Happy Pregnancy lovely ones… xxx
Gorgeous photo by the beautiful @emilyskender