Early Pregnancy Symptoms after Ovulation: 14 Signs
Detecting a Pregnancy
There are signs and symptoms that present in early pregnancy, as soon as 8 days after ovulation, that can identify pregnancy before a pregnancy test can. Here we outline 14 early pregnancy signs and symptoms.
A period usually happens around 2 weeks after ovulation, so there are some quicker signs to look out for than whether you miss your next period. Your pregnancy hormones increase exponentially in the first few weeks of pregnancy which can bring on an array of changes and symptoms.
The symptoms experienced throughout your pregnancy will likely be different to other women; some may experience all of the symptoms listed, some may only have one or two. Your pregnancy will be unique to you, so avoid comparing your own pregnancy to that of others.
Pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of hCG hormone in your blood or urine. You have to wait until a week after your missed period to get an accurate result, which could be 3 weeks after ovulation. You can pay attention to changes in your body for signs of early pregnancy, prior to an ultrasound or test.
Many of the symptoms discussed are not exactly desirable, but rest-assured, there are ways of relieving the symptoms and finding comfort. Many symptoms improve for the second trimester.
Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy. Implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall occurs 6-12 days after ovulation, most commonly on day 9.
You may experience bleeding, spotting or cramps. As implantation should occur around or just before your next period, it can easily be mistaken for a period.
There are some differences that should help you distinguish between your period and implantation bleeding:
- Flow: light bleeding or spotting
- Colour: A light pink or brown, rather than red
- Pain: Cramps, should be less severe than period cramping – may be a more tingly or prickly sensation
- Length: Short, usually less than 3 days
Read more about implantationhere
Tender Breasts
Another early symptom of pregnancy is changes to your breasts. As well as heightened sensitivity, your breasts may become swollen and sore. These changes are caused by an increase of hormones and blood flow to the breast tissue. After a few weeks, your body should adjust to the hormones and these symptoms should pass.
Later on in pregnancy, around week 11, you may again undergo changes to your breasts. Your breasts will likely continue to become larger due to hormones. The areola (skin around the nipples) may darken in colour and increase in size.
Dizziness and Headaches
Due to changes involving your circulatory system, hormones, and fluid volume, dizziness and headaches can occur early on in pregnancy.
You should try to keep well hydrated if you are having these symptoms.
Fatigue
You may feel more tired than usual, or of low energy, even after sleeping. Some women face extreme fatigue and exhaustion, from the early stages of pregnancy.
Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eat healthily and avoid caffeinated drinks. Whilst it may seem quite a task to exercise when suffering with fatigue, 30 minutes of exercise per day can boost your energy levels overall.
For some women, this symptom may last the entire pregnancy, or it may pass after the early stages.
Morning Sickness and Nausea
Sickness and nausea is usually an early symptom of pregnancy, predominantly within the first trimester. The symptoms usually present around week 4 of pregnancy. It may last throughout the pregnancy for some women and some may not have any nausea or sickness at all. Whilst it is commonly referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day.
Ensure you stay hydrated to replace any fluids lost through vomiting. Ginger is great for combating nausea!
Constipation and Bloating
Constipation affects around 50% of pregnant women. Typically, it appears very early into the pregnancy, due to increased progesterone which causes your digestive system to slow down. Constipation can lead to feeling bloated, cramping and gas.
You can elevate these symptoms by drinking a larger volume of water, exercising and increasing fibre in your diet.
Urination
If you find that you are urinating more than usual it could be a sign of early pregnancy. This symptom usually appears very early into pregnancy, a short while after conception. The reason for this increase in urination is that the blood flow to your kidneys is increased. This symptom tends to decline towards the end of the first trimester.
In the third trimester, particular the latter stages, you may once again have an issue with increased urination, due to the uterus’ pressure on your bladder.
Pregnant women sometimes suffer with incontinence, which is accidental leaking of urine. You can use liners or pads if you need to.
Increase your fluid intake to compensate for the loss of water through extra urination.
Strange Tastes, Cravings and Smells
In early pregnancy, changes can happen regarding your sense of smell and taste. Hormones can make your senses more sensitive. Some smells may become unbearable or make you feel sick. You may stop liking foods that you liked before and start cravings new or bizarre things. Some people experience a metallic taste in their mouth.
Generally these pregnancy symptoms clear up around the 14th week.
Mood Swings
Hormones can wreak havoc on your emotional state. The increased level of hormones oestrogen and progesterone can cause mood swings. You may feel more emotional than before, with feelings of irritability, depression, extremes of happiness and may find you over-react to pressures. Your emotions may fluctuate rapidly, alternating between joy and sadness within a few minutes.
This may happen rather early on in pregnancy, and should settle down further into pregnancy.
Temperature Changes
Your bodies basal temperature increases due to hormones when pregnant. Your core temperature is subject to intensified increases when exercising or on a sunny day.
Drink plenty of water and take a break if you feel yourself over-heating.
Heart Rate
In weeks 8-10 you may find that your heart is working harder than usual – pumps may be faster and harder. Women sometimes have palpitations and arrhythmias. If you have an underlying heart condition, a doctor may prescribe you medications to help.
Heart Burn
As with most symptoms of pregnancy, this one is again caused by hormones. The valve between your oesophagus and stomach relaxes which allows stomach acid to leak, which leads to heartburn. To prevent heart burn you should eat smaller portions more frequently and avoid eating late in the evening or night.
Weight Gain
You will put on weight during pregnancy, as it is essential for growing a healthy baby. Some of the weight increase is due to the weight of the uterus, placenta and amniotic fluid, totalling around 5.5 pounds. Blood and fluid volume increases, weighing around 5-7 pounds. As your breasts increase in size, so will the weight of them (1-3 pounds) and you may have an additional 6-8 pounds of fat.
Acne
You may have heard of women having a ‘pregnancy glow’. This is because of increased blood flow resulting in more oil being produced by glands. Your body oil may give you a flushed, glossy appearance. Unfortunately, the increased oil can cause you to have acne, spots and pimples.
Speak to your doctor or midwife if you find any of these symptoms affecting your daily life. Again, try not to find yourself comparing yourself to other women, enjoy your pregnancy!
If you need to check your ovulation day, use ourOvulation, fertility and period calculator