Am I pregnant?

Early pregnancy is an exciting time and one that can also see your body change rapidly. For many mothers to be, being aware of what is changing and why, can make it easier to cope.

Epworth Midwife, Stacey Goad says that there can be some tell-tale signs that you may be pregnant.

‘Everyone’s body is different and even each pregnancy can be different. Some early pregnancy signs can mimic how you might feel just before you get your period and they may include:

• Water retention or bloating
• Swollen, tender breasts
• Excessive fatigue
• Feeling nauseated or vomiting
• Mood changes

Of course a missed period is a sign that can indicate you are pregnant.

Then there are the less common symptoms like:

• More than normal amount of discharge from your vagina
• Excessive saliva
• Feeling light headed
• Feeling warmer than normal.

‘It’s important to be kind to your body and your mind when you’re pregnant. You are growing new life and your body is doing a lot of work to make that happen,’ Stacey said.

One way that your body is working overtime is with an increased in blood volume. What you may not know is that when pregnant, your blood volume increases by an incredible 50%. Your heart and circulatory system increases its capacity to support your pregnancy, so it needs that extra blood.

You even grow a new organ, the placenta. This incredible organ is vital to your baby’s health and growth, delivering nutrients and oxygen to your baby while also removing waste from your baby’s blood supply. The placenta is fixed to the wall of your uterus and connects to your baby via their umbilical cord. It also separates your blood from your baby’s.

You might feel your mood swings are more dramatic than usual. While hormones can cause mood swings and emotional rollercoaster, they’re vital to sustaining your pregnancy. In the last stages of pregnancy, your hormones will step up a gear to prepare your body for giving birth.

If you suspect that you’re pregnant, the next step would be to take a home pregnancy test and visit your GP.

There’s lots to think about, even at this early stage. Our Epworth Maternity experts have broken it down into baby steps for you, taking you through what you need to know in early pregnancy.