Pregnancy brings its share of intense joys, but it can also come with discomfort for some women. You may be experiencing unusual symptoms and suspect you might be pregnant. There are some characteristic signs of pregnancy . If you have been pregnant for several weeks, you may already be noticing changes in your body. These changes can cause discomfort that may become bothersome. In this article, we help you gain clarity, identify the symptoms, and understand what you can do.

Attention , all the signs and symptoms we will discuss are not always present . This list can feel overwhelming, so make sure you talk about it. You can speak with a healthcare professional (that’s best), or with friends and loved ones—but do talk about it. Ultimately, it’s not as frightening as it may seem.

The first signs of pregnancy

You may suspect pregnancy because you don’t feel well or because you’ve noticed some symptoms, such as unusual changes in your cycle. There are a number of signs that can help you better identify these changes.

What are the early signs of pregnancy?

There are 4 main signs that can indicate pregnancy. Of course, we don’t recommend trying to guess; there are reliable ways to confirm pregnancy, which we’ll cover in the next section. Still, the following signs can be a first clue:

1. The missed period : a missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you are pregnant, but it can be a good indicator. It may raise a red flag, especially if you usually have a very regular cycle. If you strongly want to conceive, the regularity of your cycle can sometimes be misleading. So try to relax and hope without expecting too much, to avoid too much disappointment if you are not pregnant. We remind you that, on average in France, a woman takes about a year to conceive.

2. Nausea and vomiting : nausea can appear from the very beginning of pregnancy and, in some cases, last throughout the entire first trimester—or even beyond. It’s often called morning sickness, but it can occur at any time of day. Vomiting usually appears after a few weeks of pregnancy, but sometimes it happens right from the start.

3. More frequent urges to urinate : even if the embryo is not yet pressing firmly on the bladder, pregnancy can trigger more frequent urges to urinate from the start.

4. Seins serrés et douloureux : this can also be a sign of pregnancy. Hormonal changes in your body can cause breast pain, for a fairly obvious reason.

3 ways to confirm a pregnancy

As we saw earlier, certain signs can suggest a pregnancy is underway. But nothing replaces the reliable methods. There are three:

• Les pregnancy tests in pharmacy : they are very reliable, but it is possible to get a false negative. If you still have doubts, it’s wiser to consult a doctor, who will guide you on the next steps. As for these tests, you can buy the one you prefer. Because, *spoiler alert*, no—tests that claim to tell you how many days pregnant you are, the sex of your baby, and its name are not more effective. If that kind of test appeals to you, don’t hesitate—go for it. You can also opt for a less expensive test that provides equally reliable results.

• A blood test : you’ll need to go through this step. It will definitively confirm or rule out your pregnancy. While it’s not always very pleasant, it’s the most reliable and simplest method to find out if you are pregnant.

• The dating ultrasound : it is not mandatory. More and more doctors and midwives are prescribing it to their patients. It helps determine whether the pregnancy is progressing well. For parents, it can be very moving, even if it does not carry the same significance as the first-trimester ultrasound.

Tips and tricks to alleviate early pregnancy symptoms

Among the earliest signs of pregnancy, two can be particularly unpleasant: nausea and vomiting, and sore breasts. There are some small tips you can try to relieve these discomforts. .

For nausea and vomiting, try splitting your meals. It’s better to avoid having 3 large meals. You can also favor foods you crave and that aren’t too strong in flavor. Try consuming ginger in small quantities, as after 1000 mg per day, the effects are nullified. It can be taken fresh, as a tea, or in tablets. It helps with digestion and can prevent nausea. If you lose a little weight, it’s not a problem. This is very common during the first trimester of pregnancy.

However, if you are unable to eat at all and the weight loss is too significant, consult your gynecologist or midwife. There are treatments that help reduce nausea and vomiting and options that pregnant women can take to relieve these pregnancy symptoms.

It often happens that a pregnant woman experiences breast pain very quickly.
This is perfectly normal; it is the result of significant hormonal fluctuations during this period.
To relieve these aches, you can choose a maternity bra or a sports bra.
The support provided by these models is greater, so you will feel better.
Cold is also a good solution to alleviate pain.
The skin of the breasts can also feel tight; don’t forget to moisturize every day.
Chamomile teas are known for their soothing benefits.
They can be consumed without moderation.
Except perhaps for your capricious bladder.

Symptoms during pregnancy

After the first trimester, minor ailments can diversify. Your body is undergoing significant changes and reacts to them with varying intensity. There are many different pregnancy symptoms . We’ll cover the most common ones to help you understand and manage them.

The main pregnancy symptoms

Pregnancy brings its share of little troubles and discomforts. They are generally not very serious, but they can be numerous. We’ll discuss the most common pregnancy symptoms, though some may be missing. Every woman is unique , and symptoms vary greatly, but some are recurring.

Les symptômes qui touchent les organes

Pregnancy tends to disrupt certain organs, especially the digestive system. The further along you are, the more these issues may show up. You may experience gastroesophageal reflux or heartburn, when your future baby starts to take up space in your belly and presses on your stomach.

One of the most common symptoms is nausea and vomiting. We’ve already mentioned them. They often occur early in pregnancy and stop at the end of the first trimester. However, they sometimes persist throughout pregnancy. If symptoms continue, it’s also recommended to see a doctor. Losing weight at the beginning of pregnancy is not serious, but it becomes more concerning later on.

In the same vein, you may experience constipation or diarrhea. These symptoms need to be addressed. The longer you wait, the more you may suffer. They can be uncomfortable and, above all, very painful.

The urge to urinate, already mentioned, does not improve as your little one grows in your belly. Your baby presses on your organs, and the bladder often becomes the target. There is no associated pain ; you just need to organize yourself a bit more, especially if you want to go out.

You may also suffer from headaches. This is a common symptom in pregnant women. Usually moderate in intensity, they can last quite a while. They can be the consequence of fatigue that builds up during pregnancy. Feel free to take short, restorative naps.

Les symptômes qui touchent la bouche

It is common during pregnancy to have excess saliva. This condition is more frequent in the early stages of pregnancy, but it sometimes persists—just like nausea and vomiting. Hypersalivation is related to pregnancy hormones .

You may also experience sensitivity in your gums. They are more sensitive to dental plaque due to pregnancy hormones. This discomfort usually occurs from the 3rd month of pregnancy onward. That’s why you may be advised to make an appointment with a dentist for a check-up at the beginning of your pregnancy.

Les symptômes qui touchent la peau

During pregnancy, the increase in the hormone HCG can lead to several issues. On the skin, this may result in acne. Whether or not you have acne-prone skin, it’s possible for this unpleasant symptom to appear. To cheer you up, remind yourself that at least you no longer have braces or a curfew.

After several months, a pregnant woman will see her skin stretch. This is normal; the fetus is growing in the mother’s belly. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see stretch marks or varicose veins appear on your body . Your skin stretches and sometimes tears. These are harmless.

Les symptômes de tensions

After a few weeks of pregnancy, your body becomes heavier. Tension can build up in your body . This tension can cause additional discomfort, especially in the back and the sciatic nerve, which may become compressed. You may also experience ligament pain in the lower abdomen. This is your uterus making space for your future baby.

It is also common for a pregnant woman to experience water retention. This can be especially bothersome, as standing or sitting for a long time may become painful.

We’ve already discussed this, but breast tenderness is a very common symptom. It is caused by hormones and by the body preparing to become your child’s primary source of nourishment after birth. You may notice a increase in the size of your breasts , often accompanied by tension and pain.

Is it possible to mitigate them?

To relieve or reduce the issues caused by pregnancy, there are several tips we can share. First, discuss them with the practitioner who conducts your pregnancy follow-up. They can guide you on whether it’s advisable to take medication, for nausea and vomiting or constipation, for example.

You can also choose more natural methods , like acupuncture, which can work very well for ligament pain, back pain, and gastric reflux. Osteopathy and chiropractic can also have positive effects on pregnancy-related ailments.

Herbal remedies are also often recommended during pregnancy, since many medications are prohibited. We advise you to consult your pharmacy, an herbalist, or a naturopath. Essential oils should be avoided as much as possible during pregnancy .

Regarding stretch marks, you can help prevent and reduce them by choosing the right care. Regularly massage the areas prone to them with a suitable product. Like our which gently nourishes the skin and protects it from dryness.

Although it may come with its share of discomfort, pregnancy is an incredible adventure. From the first signs to the minor ailments that appear over the months, there are remedies that can help relieve them. Feel free to discuss them with your gynecologist or doctor.