Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. Your body is going through so many changes, and a human being is growing inside you! It is no wonder that pregnancy can be such a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
But with all of the physical and emotional changes, it can be hard to know if you are really pregnant or not. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of eight days past ovulation (DPO) signs that you might be pregnant. From missed periods to mood swings, below are a few signs to look out for.
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8 Ways to Tell You Might Be Pregnant
1. Missed Period
One of the most common signs of pregnancy is a missed period. Of course, this isn’t always a sure sign since other things can cause missed periods, like stress or hormonal imbalances. But if you’re usually regular and you suddenly miss a period after being sexually active, there’s a good chance you might be pregnant.
2. Breast Tenderness
For many women, one of the first signs that they are pregnant is breast tenderness. This can occur as early as two weeks after conception and is typically caused by the rapidly increasing levels of hormones in your body.
In addition to tenderness, you may also notice that your breasts are larger and more sensitive to the touch. These changes are the result of your body preparing for breastfeeding.Â
3. Nausea and Vomiting
Another common sign that you are pregnant is nausea and vomiting. This can be caused by a number of things, including hormonal changes, a delay in your body’s ability to adjust to the pregnancy, or simply a reaction to the new situation.
Many women experience nausea and vomiting early in the morning, which is often called “morning sickness.†However, it’s important to know that you can feel nauseous any time of day; it is not necessarily limited to the morning hours.
4. Fatigue
It can be difficult to know if you’re just tired from a long week or if your fatigue means you’re actually pregnant, but there are a few key signs to look for.
First, fatigue associated with pregnancy is usually more severe than regular tiredness. You may feel like you can’t get out of bed or that you could fall asleep at any moment.
Also, pregnancy-related fatigue is often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, headaches, and irritability. If you’re feeling unusually exhausted and have any of these other signs, it’s worth taking a pregnancy test.
Fatigue can be a draining experience, but it’s often one of the first signs that a new life is on the way.
5. Frequent Urination
Have you been needing to go to the bathroom more frequently than usual? This is another common sign of early pregnancy caused by an increase in hormones.
When you become pregnant, your body produces more blood to support the growing fetus, which causes your kidneys to work harder and filter out more waste products from your body. This extra waste takes up space in your bladder which causes you to feel the urge to urinate more frequently than normal.Â
6. Food Cravings or Aversions
Another common sign is a change in your eating habits, particularly food cravings or aversions. While some women find that they can’t stomach certain foods during pregnancy, others develop new cravings for things they’ve never liked before. Either way, if you notice a sudden change in your eating habits, it could be a sign that you’re pregnant.
7. Slight Bleeding
Around the time of your missed period, you may experience some spotting or light bleeding and mild cramps. This is known as implantation bleeding.
Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg implants in the lining of the uterus. This can happen six to 12 days after conception and is often mistaken for a regular menstrual period. The bleeding may last a day or two and is usually much lighter than a normal period. Some women also experience cramping during implantation.
If you’re pregnant and experience any bleeding, you must contact your doctor or midwife immediately. Implantation bleeding is usually nothing to worry about, but it’s always best to avoid caution.
8. Mood Swings
Pregnancy can be a very emotional time for many women. The fluctuating hormone levels in your body can cause mood swings that range from happiness and elation to sadness and anxiety. Some women also experience what’s known as “pregnancy brain,†where they feel forgetful or scattered.
While mood swings can be a normal part of pregnancy, if you’re feeling particularly down or having difficulty coping, it’s important to reach out to your doctor.
Conclusion
If you think you might be pregnant, pay attention to these 8 DPO signs and take a home pregnancy test for confirmation. And if you’re trying to get pregnant, don’t worry if you don’t experience all—or even any—of these symptoms. Every woman is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel during early pregnancy.
Just be sure to listen to your body, take things easy, and get plenty of rest. Before you know it, you’ll be holding your little one in your arms!Â