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pregnancy signs & symptoms

Know for sure.

Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms

Know for sure.

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms or think you may be pregnant, schedule a free appointment with Her Hope Pregnancy Center to confirm your pregnancy and determine how far along you are with a free pregnancy test and possible ultrasound. We’re here for you.

Schedule an appointment with Her Hope Pregnancy Center and meet with a health care professional to discuss all your options.

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS

Delay/Difference in Menstruation

A delayed or missed menstruation is the most common pregnancy symptom. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.
Other Explanations:  Excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding.

  • Spotting
  • Swollen/Tender Breasts
  • Fatigue/Tiredness
  • Nausea/Morning Sickness
  • Backaches
  • Headaches
  • Frequent Urination
  • Darkening of Areolas
  • Food Cravings or Aversions
  • Mood Swings

SYMPTOMS OF POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

If you think you may be pregnant and are experiencing any of the following physical problems, call your doctor or go to the emergency department right away:

  • Vaginal bleeding of any amount
  • Abdominal pain with a fever
  • Cramping and abdominal pain more than your period
  • Burning with urination
  • Puffiness in your hands or face
  • Excessive vomiting

Any of the above symptoms could indicate serious complications and must be addressed by a medical professional immediately.

Ectopic Pregnancy

In a healthy pregnancy the fertilized egg implants somewhere in the uterine wall. In an ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg most commonly implants in the fallopian tube or somewhere else outside of the uterus.

Ectopic pregnancies are not viable, meaning they cannot naturally continue or progress. Medicine or surgery is required to remove the fetus and repair or remove any damaged surrounding tissues. If not caught early, ectopic pregnancies can cause internal hemorrhaging and may be fatal. Fortunately, ectopic pregnancies are rare and occur in only approximately 1% of pregnancies.

At first, an ectopic pregnancy may feel like a typical pregnancy with some of the same signs, such as a missed menstrual period, tender breasts, or an upset stomach. Other signs may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Low back pain
  • Mild pain in the abdomen or pelvis
  • Mild cramping on one side of the pelvis

 However, as the pregnancy progresses, the embryo may outgrow its surroundings causing pelvic or abdominal pain and sometimes light-headedness or fainting. It’s important to always follow up a positive home pregnancy test with your health care professional to ensure that the pregnancy is normal.  An ultrasound can be performed to confirm the presence of a fetal sac in the uterus.

If an ectopic pregnancy is suspected by your health care professional, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department.

1 American Pregnancy Association (2019).  Pregnancy Symptoms – Early Signs of Pregnancy.  Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-symptoms/early-signs-of-pregnancy-71062/

Schedule an appointment with Her Hope Pregnancy Center and meet with a health care professional to discuss all your options.