Signs of HCG Increasing

When trying to get pregnant, you are constantly wondering what the earliest signs of pregnancy might be 1. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), otherwise known as the "pregnancy hormone" is the hormone in your body that increases as your pregnancy advances; it is also the hormone that home pregnancy tests (HPTs) recognize to give you a positive or negative test result 2. A variety of early pregnancy signs tell you that the hCG is increasing in your body, thus resulting in a positive pregnancy test 12.

Abdominal Discomfort

Abdominal discomfort is one of the first signs of the hCG in your body increasing, as your uterus and abdominal muscles expand as your pregnancy progresses 12. This causes you to feel a pulling, stretching and achy feeling. You may feel dull, achy cramps or pulling in your uterus, as well as a pinching feeling in your cervix.

Breast Changes

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During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your breasts will go through a lot of changes as they prepare to eventually nourish your baby. You may notice swelling, which produces more noticeable blue veins and darker areolas. Your nipples will be sore and tender to the touch and may become itchy. One or both of your breasts will often be tender to the touch, which may be accompanied by sharp pains in your breasts as they grow.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and/or vomiting is a common sign that the hCG in your body is increasing and you may be pregnant. While often referred to as "morning sickness," nausea associated with pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. To relieve your nausea, eat small and frequent meals throughout the day. If your nausea hits the hardest in the morning, sit up in bed for several minutes before standing up and eat a few dry crackers before getting out of bed.

Fatigue

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As the hCG hormone increases, so will your fatigue. Around the third or fourth week of your pregnancy, you will notice an overwhelming feeling of fatigue and extreme tiredness. Try to take a nap in the afternoon and get plenty of sleep at night. The fatigue feeling should pass once you enter your second trimester where you get a sudden burst of energy.

Dizziness And Lightheadedness

Dizziness and lightheadedness are common in the beginning of the first trimester, as you are now supplying nutrients to the baby. Dizziness increases if you do not eat enough, so be sure to eat frequently throughout the day, especially when you feel dizzy or lightheaded.