The six signs showing you are pregnant

Published 1 years ago on Mar 01, 2023

A missed period, sore breasts, morning sickness.

But there's a few surprising ones you might not know about.

Marie Louise, midwife and author of the The Modern Midwife's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond, shared some interesting signs indicating you could have a baby on the way.

1. Carb cravings

A lot of us will associate food cravings with the second and third trimester of a pregnancy.

But Marie Louise told the huffing post that many women report cravings during early pregnancy, especially for carbs.

“Toast and chips are probably the most common foods women tell me they’ve been craving during early pregnancy or before they knew they were pregnant,” she said.

The NHS says cravings for food you don't usually like might be a sign you're pregnant.

2. Going off your coffee

One of the little known changes pregnancy can bring on is a change in taste, known as dysgeusia.

This is due to hormones and it can mean your favourite foods no longer seem that appealing to you, or you can experience a lingering metallic taste in your mouth.

According to the NHS, you might lose interest in coffee, tea, fatty food or even smoking.

Marie Louise recalled a patient who had consistently drunk four cups of coffee a day for 15 years.

“One morning she woke up and really did not fancy it – she had no other symptoms of pregnancy so dismissed it until she started to feel sick.

"It was only then that she considered she might in fact be pregnant.”

3. Night sweats

Feeling hot and sticky at night? Chances are you might be pregnant. ,

The symptom tends to strike in early pregnancy and it's pretty common.

But Marie Louise said it's not often discussed.

Night sweats is another one of those hormone induced changes. Make sure to drink plenty of water if you're getting them.

4. Spotting

One of the classic signs of pregnancy is a missed period.

But did you know that some women - around 20 per cent - continue to bleed?

It's called implantation bleeding.

“In the first few weeks of pregnancy you may have a bleed similar to a very light period, with some spotting or only losing a little blood," the NHS explained.

Marie Louise said: “Although all bleeding during pregnancy does need to be investigated or discussed with a healthcare professional, it’s actually really common and doesn’t always indicate that there is anything wrong.

5. Tiredness

You might feel pretty exhausted at the start of your pregnancy, Marie Louise said.

She recalled how in her first trimester she would fall asleep on the tube.

Tiredness is especially common during the first 12 weeks, NHS guidance states.

"Hormonal changes in your body at this time can make you feel tired, sick, emotional and upset," it added.

Giulia Guerrini, lead pharmacist at online pharmacy Medino, said: "This can be attributed to lower blood pressure than usual and lower levels of blood sugar, as well as an increase in production of a hormone called progesterone.”

She recommended foods high in iron and protein to combat fatigue, as well as taking a supplement.

6. Scent sensitivity

A heightened sense of smell is pretty common, according to Marie Louise.

It's often grouped with morning sickness but they're different symptoms.

Your sensitivity to certain odours could, however, trigger morning sickness, according to Marie Louise.

Scents that might set you off include the smell of your fridge or cooking, garlic and fish.

Other symptoms

Changes to your breasts is a pretty well known sign you might be expecting. Here's what to look out for:

larger and tender breasts, like at the start of your period
visible veins
darker nipples

You might also need to pee more often than usual, the NHS says.

Giulia said: "Your body increases the amount of blood it produces while pregnant, leading to your kidneys producing more fluid.

"You might need to urinate more than usual during the night specifically."

You might also be constipated or notice more vaginal discharge.

Another one is being suddenly overtaken by emotions and weepiness, particularly in the first trimester.

A Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: Essential Do's and Don'ts for Expecting Mothers

Congratulations! You're pregnant. This exciting time is filled with anticipation, joy, and maybe a touch of nervousness. It's natural to have questions about caring for yourself and your developing baby. This comprehensive guide explores what a pregnant woman should do to ensure a healthy pregnancy for both herself and her baby.

Prenatal Care: Your Foundation for a Healthy Pregnancy

Find a healthcare provider: Establishing a relationship with an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) or midwife is crucial. They will monitor your health, address your concerns, and guide you throughout your pregnancy journey.
Schedule regular prenatal checkups: These appointments typically occur monthly in the first trimester, increasing to bi-weekly in the second trimester, and becoming weekly in the third trimester. These checkups involve weight and blood pressure monitoring, fetal heartbeat checks, and screenings for potential health concerns.
Prenatal vitamins: Your doctor will likely recommend a prenatal vitamin containing folic acid, iron, and calcium – essential nutrients for your baby's development.

Diet and Exercise: Fueling Your Body for Two (But Not Literally!)

Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Aim for variety to ensure your body receives all the necessary nutrients.
Stay Hydrated: Water is vital for your health and your baby's development. Aim for eight glasses of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level and climate.
Foods to Avoid: Certain foods can be harmful during pregnancy. Steer clear of raw or undercooked fish, unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, excessive caffeine, and alcohol.
Exercise During Pregnancy: Regular exercise is safe and beneficial for most pregnant women. Walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent options. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program.

Lifestyle Changes for a Smooth Pregnancy

Get enough sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Pregnancy can disrupt sleep patterns, so establish a relaxing bedtime routine and listen to your body's needs.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can impact your health and your baby's development. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to manage stress levels.
Avoid secondhand smoke and other toxins: Exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental toxins, and harsh chemicals can be harmful during pregnancy. Minimize exposure to these hazards whenever possible.
Travel considerations: Discuss travel plans with your doctor. Air travel is generally safe during uncomplicated pregnancies, but there may be limitations depending on your trimester.

Preparing for Birth and Beyond

Birth education classes: Attending childbirth education classes can help you understand the birthing process, pain management options, and what to expect in the delivery room. Consider enrolling in breastfeeding classes as well.
Create a birth plan: Discuss your preferences for pain management, delivery setting, and other birthing decisions with your healthcare provider. Remember, your birth plan is a guide, and you can adapt as needed.
Pack a hospital bag: Pack essentials for yourself and your baby for your hospital stay. Include comfortable clothing, toiletries, nursing supplies (if breastfeeding), and items to make your stay more comfortable.

Listen to Your Body and Trust Your Instincts

Every pregnancy is unique. Pay attention to your body's signals and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience any concerning symptoms, pain, or unusual changes.

Building a Support System

Surround yourself with positive and supportive people. This could include your partner, family, friends, and a pregnancy support group.

Remember, this is just a starting point. There's a wealth of information available online and from your healthcare provider. Trustworthy resources include the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/ and the March of Dimes https://www.marchofdimes.org/.

Congratulations again on your pregnancy! By following these tips and prioritizing your health and well-being, you can embark on a joyful and healthy journey towards motherhood.

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