Although proof that a woman is pregnant can ultimately only be established beyond doubt by blood tests, ultrasound or the doctor, certain signs are common in pregnant women. These signs usually appear even before a pregnancy test can detect the pregnancy.

 

Typical first signs of pregnancy

 

Sensitive breasts. Already two weeks after conception the breasts can be very sensitive to touch and even painful. The breasts enlarge slightly due to the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy.

 

Fatigue. The hormone progesterone is particularly present in the early stages of pregnancy and causes fatigue and listlessness. In addition, blood pressure and blood sugar can drop.

 

Constipation. The hormone progesterone slows down digestion. Increased blood volume decreases the water balance in the body. Together, this often leads to constipation and constipation.

 

Headaches. The pregnancy hormones increase blood circulation. The increased blood circulation can cause frequent, mild headaches.

 

Nausea. Some women are spared nausea altogether, while others vomit constantly during the first trimester. Occasionally, dehydration and malnutrition occur.

 

Dizziness. During pregnancy, the blood vessels dilate and the blood pressure can drop. This can lead to sudden dizziness. Fluctuations in sugar levels can also cause dizziness.

 

Frequent urination. When the embryo is implanted in the uterus, the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is produced, which causes frequent urination. A woman in the first trimester often feels the need to urinate, even if not much urine comes out.

 

Monthly period. The suspicion of pregnancy usually begins with the first missed period. However, the absence of a period is not a sure sign, as stress or anticipation often causes delayed monthly bleeding. Conversely, many women experience abdominal pain at the beginning of pregnancy similar to that of the upcoming period, which is actually caused by the pregnancy.

 

The above signs may or may not indicate an existing pregnancy. Many women have similar symptoms caused by illness or stress. Other women, on the other hand, do not realise they are pregnant until a few months have passed because they have not shown any symptoms at all.