Common Signs of Pregnancy
The most common early signs of pregnancy include nausea and vomiting (affecting 80% of women), breast pain and tenderness, fatigue, and increased urinary frequency, with symptoms typically beginning around 4-6 weeks of gestation. 1, 2
Early Pregnancy Symptoms (First Trimester)
The most frequently reported physical symptoms in early pregnancy include:
Nausea and vomiting: Affects approximately 80-88% of pregnant women, typically beginning at 4-6 weeks gestation, peaking at 8-12 weeks, and resolving by week 20 in most cases 1, 2, 3
- Symptoms usually start around day 39 from last menstrual period and cease around day 84 3
- Episodes occur most commonly between 6:00 AM and 12:00 PM, though the term "morning sickness" is misleading as symptoms can occur throughout the day 3
- In 0.3-2% of women, this progresses to hyperemesis gravidarum with severe intractable vomiting, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances 1
Breast pain and tenderness: Reported by 76% of women in the first trimester 2
Fatigue: Experienced by 78% of women in early pregnancy 2
Mid to Late Pregnancy Symptoms (Second and Third Trimesters)
As pregnancy progresses, the symptom profile shifts:
- Increased urinary frequency (polyuria): Affects 80% in the second trimester and 88% in the third trimester 2
- Persistent fatigue: Continues to affect 76% in the second trimester and 88% in the third trimester 2
- Heartburn: Develops in 71% during the second trimester and 82% in the third trimester 2
Physiological Changes That May Be Detected
Healthcare providers may observe the following objective changes during pregnancy:
- Heart rate increase: Elevation of 10-20 beats per minute, particularly in the third trimester 4
- Blood pressure changes: May decrease by 10-15 mmHg by 20 weeks gestation, returning to pre-pregnancy levels by term 4
- Respiratory rate: Remains unchanged (if >20 breaths per minute, consider pathological causes) 4
Important Clinical Caveats
A critical pitfall is dismissing or undertreating nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Treatment in the early stages may prevent progression to more severe complications requiring hospitalization 5. Many women avoid seeking treatment due to concerns about medication safety, but safe and effective treatments exist 5.
The majority of pregnant women (depending on symptoms) either take no action or rely on previous experience and advice from relatives rather than evidence-based management 2. As education level increases, the use of scientifically proven interventions increases 2.