Pregnancy symptoms can vary from person to person and in some cases a woman may not even experience any symptoms during the first month of her pregnancy. However, a lot of the symptoms that are associated with the early stages of pregnancy are very similar to premenstrual symptoms during the first month and they can vary in terms of length, strength and frequency.

Symptoms of Pregnancy in the First Month

1. A Missed or Abnormal Period

The classic sign of early pregnancy is a missed period but sometimes this can be hard to notice. While some women are incredibly regular and will have their cycle every 28 days, others are not as regular and it may be affected by stress, health complications or traveling meaning that a missed or irregular period does not always indicate pregnancy. In addition to missing a period, if you have a cycle that is abnormal, this is a sign as well as many women will experience light vaginal bleeding or spotting that can easily be confused for a period.

2. Morning Sickness or Nausea

Another common symptom of pregnancy in the first month is nausea or morning sickness. This can begin a week or two after conception and may last until the beginning of the second trimester. Some pregnant women will not just experience morning sickness; their nausea may also appear during the day or night and in some cases be nearly constant. Good remedies to help relieve the nausea associated with pregnancy include getting plenty of sleep, drinking peppermint or ginger tea and having a light snack like saltine crackers. Despite what people say, these remedies can help regardless of whether you are having a boy or girl.

3. Mood Swings

The mood swings many women experience during the early stages of pregnancy can be very similar to those associated with their premenstrual cycle. It is very possible to feel happy one second and emotional the next. You may even rapidly switch from laughter to tears and this symptom tends to be the most obvious during the early stages of pregnancy as the levels of progesterone increase rapidly. The important thing to remember is that these mood swings are simply a part of being a woman and everyone will experience them.

4. Tender or Swollen Breasts

Starting just a few weeks after conception, your breasts may begin to feel swollen, full, heavy or tender. Some women experience a similar breast sensitivity before their menstrual cycle so it may be confusing. If you are experiencing tender or swollen breasts, take the time to invest in new bras that will support your new figure. You should also try reminding your partner that although they may be tempted to play with your breasts due to their new fullness, this can be painful or uncomfortable for you.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue is an incredibly common symptom of pregnancy, especially during the first trimester and this is partially because of the additional stress on the body due to fetal development and partly because of the increased hormonal levels. In most cases you will start to regain some energy during the second trimester but this is not always the case as everyone displays slightly different symptoms of pregnancy. If you remain tired throughout the pregnancy, it is likely due to the fact that your body is still nourishing a baby and helping it develop.

6. Frequent Urination

Although frequent urination is common throughout pregnancy, it is more noticeable in the first and third trimesters (but it is not uncommon for it to occur during the second trimester as well). The frequent urination means that you must drink a lot of water in order to stay hydrated. A good idea is to try to consume more water during the day so you don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom.

7. Food Aversions or Cravings

Some women will have had a favorite food their entire lives and suddenly find it disgusting during their pregnancy and this is not abnormal. Many women have strong reactions to food during the early stages in their pregnancy and this can be in the form of positive reactions such as cravings or negative ones such as food aversions. The best thing to do is to make sure you eat plenty of foods with vitamins A and C, iron, calcium folic acid and fiber and have a prenatal vitamin supplement each day.

8. Sensitive Sniffer

Many pregnant women notice that their noses suddenly become increasingly sensitive to smells of all types from cigarettes to food or plants. The best way to deal with this is to find scents that you enjoy and surround yourself with them. Herbs such as ginger, mint, rosemary and lavender are all a great idea. If all scents seem to repulse you or make you nauseas, ask your family and friends to avoid strong smells and try to keep your windows open.

9. Shortness of Breath

During your first trimester of pregnancy your levels of progesterone will rise and your body will experience large increases in terms of blood volume, both of which can lead to shortness of breath even after light exercise. You should use this time to relax and do things more slowly. If you are feeling out of breath, try sitting up straight as this can help the lungs expand. Don’t worry as your breathing will return to normal after you give birth.

This video will show you all you need to know about the first month of your pregnancy.