When you are expecting a baby, your body experiences some changes almost immediately.
Here are eight symptoms that suggest you should take a urine test or find a clinic that offers free pregnancy testing in Illinois.
#1. Your Menstrual Cycle Is Late
A missed period is one of the most well-known indications of pregnancy. If you have a regular cycle, even a few days late may be enough for you to know something is different. Especially if you’ve been through a fertility treatment and used a sperm or egg donor, and are now waiting for the fruitful results. However, pregnancy isn’t the only reason for a late cycle. Sometimes it can be caused by poor nutrition, limited calories, too much exercise and stress.
#2. You Feel Really Tired
At the very beginning of pregnancy, progesterone levels increase drastically. This hormone is vital for pregnancy and can make you feel exhausted. Make sure to take time to rest and get the extra sleep you need. Even if your fatigue isn’t caused by being with child, listen to your body and cut back on your daily activities.
#3. You Experience an Increase in Headaches
Hormones are responsible for a lot of changes in your body, even during the first week. These changes also cause you to experience throbbing headaches and migraines. An increase in blood volume is also partly responsible for these feelings. Try getting extra rest, drink plenty of water and talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain medications.
#4. Your Stomach Feels Nauseous
Upset stomachs can hit at any time, not just in the morning. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you will be vomiting, but nausea can make you feel like avoiding food altogether. An empty stomach is worse for this feeling, so try to eat small meals during the day. Simple carbohydrates, fruit and soups are gentle on the stomach and help keep your energy levels up.
#5. You Endure Frequent Trips to the Bathroom
The hormone human chorionic gonadotropin is unique to pregnancy. It also triggers your bladder, causing you to need to urinate frequently throughout the day. Make sure you are drinking enough fluids despite needing to pee because you want to make sure you don’t get dehydrated.
#6. You Have a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
Some women have a weird taste in their mouths, similar to what someone would expect if they were sucking on a penny. This is also attributed to the change in hormones and should go away after the first few weeks.
#7. You Notice a Change in Your Bowels
You may experience constipation more frequently throughout pregnancy. Your digestive system slows down, which causes a decrease in bowel movements. Staying on top of your fluid intake and increasing fiber may help make this less bothersome.
#8. You Don’t Like the Smell of Your Favorite Foods
The odor of cooking food may suddenly make you feel nauseous. Items such as eggs, red meat, seafood and chicken carry a strong aroma that may make eating difficult. To keep your home smelling fresh, open windows often.
Pregnancy often causes noticeable changes to your body before you confirm it. If you experience any of these symptoms, get a test to find out one way or another.
