So... you think you're pregnant? Whether you've been trying for a baby, or you think it might have just magically occurred, the first signs of pregnancy can be kinda scary, maybe you've got sore boobs or are feeling a little queasy. Maybe you just want to know what to look out for, when the time does come. Here's our top tips in recognising you might be pregnant, and then what to do next...

The First Signs of Pregnancy

You can start to notice the first signs of pregnancy as early as the first week of conception. Here's what to look out for in those first few weeks:

• A late period -one of the first and most obvious signs
• Sore breasts -and are they getting bigger?
• Exhaustion -that baby might already be stealing all your energy
• Breakouts -caused by a change in hormones
• Queasiness -that notorious morning sickness!
• Backache- as your ligaments loosen to accommodate baby
• Headaches- caused by that sudden rise in hormones

Other Early Signs of Pregnancy Include:

• Darker skin around your nipples, they may even become more pronounced.
• A need to wee. A combination of pregnancy hormones, and a larger volume of blood in your body may mean that you need to visit the loo an awful lot more frequently.
• Shortness of breath. Your growing fetus need oxygen, potentially leaving you a tad short of breath.
• Cramping. It may feel like PMS but it could one of the first signs of pregnancy
• Constipation and bloating can be caused by the extra progesterone in your body due to pregnancy, which slows down your digestive system.
• Elevated Basal Body Temperature. This one is something you can monitor if you are trying to get pregnant. Your BBT is usually elevated from ovulation until you get your period. If it stays elevated beyond those two weeks, it might be because you're pregnant.

What To Do Now?

• Do a home pregnancy test. The quickest and easiest way to get confirmation.
• See your Doctor. If the test is positive you'll want to see your doctor who can get you registered with maternity services in your local area. If the test is negative and you still think you are pregnant, you may want to request a blood test or discuss why you might be having those symptoms.

Your First Trimester Essentials