Skip to main content

7 early pregnancy symptoms that aren’t just your imagination

Check out these early signs of pregnancy that are often mistaken for other conditions

Call it your “gut instinct” or your imagination, but you’ve been feeling rather… odd lately. Could you be pregnant? Or are you simply imagining some of the physical and mental changes that are happening? The early pregnancy symptoms that occur in the first two weeks seem so subtle that anybody can easily mistake them for another condition. To find out more information about what to expect shortly after conception, read on. You might feel reassured that these signs are not wishful thinking (or the flu) and that yes, you’re actually pregnant.

woman with her hand over eyes
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Most common early pregnancy symptoms and signs almost anyone can miss

In a poll conducted this year by the American Pregnancy Association about 1/4 of the women who participated reported a missed period and nausea as the first sign of their pregnancy. While these early signs of pregnancy are two of the most familiar, you shouldn’t be surprised if the missed period goes unnoticed, especially if you have a history of irregular cycles.

Likewise, some people cross nausea off as a stomach virus or even a food intolerance that they’ve never detected before. However, you’d be surprised how many pregnancy symptoms go unnoticed or are simply disregarded as imaginary.

lady sleeping with cell phone nearby
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Early signs of pregnancy that you’re not imagining

Other less commonly known early pregnancy symptoms seem to appear out of nowhere. However, you can now take comfort in knowing the following symptoms are not only real but are quite common.

Nasal congestion

Another unusual early pregnancy symptom involves nasal congestion. At first, you might think that you’re suffering from seasonal allergies or even coming down with a cold. However, that’s not the case. The increased blood flow that’s brought on by hormone changes causes the mucous membranes to swell. Consequently, these membranes tend to dry out and bleed easily. This means dealing with stuffy or runny noses and nosebleeds.

Implantation bleeding and cramping

Although one of the preliminary signs of pregnancy involves skipping a period, you can still experience some light spotting. In addition to the spotting, you might also suffer some cramping similar to that of a menstrual cycle. Although these symptoms might make you wonder if you’re pregnant, they’re actually very normal. This situation is called implantation bleeding when the fertilized embryo implants itself on the wall of the uterus. The changes that take place cause you to cramp and bleed, but this is the body’s way of preparing for the developing embryo.

Food aversions

Often you hear about strange food cravings that occur during pregnancy, but have you ever heard of being turned off by certain foods or even by certain aromas? This is not your imagination working overtime. Some smells and flavors will make you feel squeamish which is a normal part of pregnancy. You can blame the hormones for this sign as well.

Swollen breasts

As your body changes at the beginning of the pregnancy, your breasts might feel sore and swollen. Fortunately, this phase is rather short-lived, and the soreness tapers off going into the second trimester. Nonetheless, you’ll still notice a difference in size and shape due to the body’s preparation for the baby’s arrival and breastfeeding thereafter.

Moodiness

Suddenly, you start feeling the blues and can’t figure out why. There’s no reason to worry because, during the first trimester, your hormones fluctuate which, in turn, impacts your mood. So, you’re not losing your mind. Rather, you’re going through the changes that affect the entire body—including the brain—that are brought on by pregnancy. Regardless of the frequency and or the gravity of the mood swings, this symptom usually levels out within a few weeks.

Fatigue

Along with the mood changes, you might feel tired more often than usual. When you’re pregnant, your body produces more progesterone than usual. This hormone prompts the uterus to prepare for implantation and for the safekeeping of the embryo during the early weeks. Going into the second and third months, the placenta then takes charge of continuously producing the progesterone until the baby is born.

So, on the one hand, you can look forward to this fatigue throughout the pregnancy, but on the other, you’ll feel a sense of renewed energy closer to your due date when you develop a sort of “nesting instinct” right before your baby’s arrival.

Frequent urination

Are you going to the restroom more than usual? Chances are, you’re making more restroom runs during the day than before. The marked increase in urination comes as a result of the kidneys working overtime to keep up with the increase of blood flow throughout the body. This change helps to provide nourishment at a rapid pace for the developing baby. Consequently, this process leads to a higher volume of fluid in your bladder.

Of course, if you’re not sure if you’re experiencing early pregnancy symptoms, then you should consult with your doctor. One or more of the previously mentioned symptoms might signal the great news of expecting a little one, but most importantly, you would at least know that these occurrences were not just your imagination after all.

Editors' Recommendations

Leslie Anderson
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Leslie Anderson is a freelance writer/writing coach from Roswell, N.M. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and helping students…
What to expect at every ultrasound and how many you may have
What happens when you have an ultrasound at 8 weeks pregnant? Here's what to expect
An ultrasound on a screen

Pregnancy is such an exciting time for any expectant parent. One of the most exciting moments is going for an ultrasound when you finally get that first glimpse at your bundle of joy. As your baby grows, you'll an ultrasound will allow you to see your baby as it develops. You may begin to notice facial features or even see your little one already sucking on their thumb or blowing bubbles. Those tiny feet kicking you? They’ll start to appear, too.

It’s amazing how quickly (but slowly) these soon-to-be humans develop. Your 8-week ultrasound may show a small blob-like photo, whereas an ultrasound done just a few weeks later will reveal a forming head and even cheekbones. As you progress in your pregnancy, you’ll see more and more development.

Read more
8 best podcasts for new moms who have dozens of questions
Got parenting questions? These podcasts have answers
Pregnant woman relaxing on a couch with her laptop

Becoming a mom for the first time is so exciting, but it can also cause a bit of nervousness and anxiety. It's only natural to feel overwhelmed at the thought of welcoming a new baby into your family but fortunately, there are a lot of great resources to help answer all the questions a new mom may have. One of those resources is podcasts.

The entire process of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting can be enhanced by learning from professionals, social media, and fellow moms about having a successful parenting journey. To help you prepare for this awesome transition, we bring you the eight best podcasts for new moms. Give them a listen, you won't regret it!

Read more
What it means if you lose weight during pregnancy — and when to worry
What causes a pregnant woman to lose weight?
A pregnant woman holding her belly in a bathroom

Weight gain is a very real and very normal part of pregnancy. Every person expects to gain while during their pregnancy, but sometimes they may notice the scale going down instead of up. Pregnancy requires extra calories and extra nutrition to feed a growing baby, which is why it can be very concerning when a pregnant person notices they are losing weight.

Weight loss during pregnancy may be more common than you think and isn't necessarily cause for alarm unless it's a consistent pattern throughout the pregnancy and not just a short-lived dip on the scale. There are many factors that can cause a pregnant person to lose weight, but that doesn't mean it can't be concerning when it happens. You should always consult your doctor if you're concerned about your weight gain or loss during pregnancy, but if you've found yourself asking, "Why am I losing weight while pregnant?" here are a few possible explanations.

Read more