Pregnancy Symptoms are Not the Same for All Women

Obie Editorial Team

My first two pregnancies were nearly devoid of any early pregnancy symptoms. I did not suffer from morning sickness. I did not feel any breast tenderness and I didn’t notice any extra water weight. As a matter of fact, nothing truly changed aside from the lack of a menstrual cycle until I started showing about four months into the pregnancy. My third pregnancy, however, was a twin pregnancy and that pregnancy was completely different. My earliest symptoms of pregnancy started about four weeks into the pregnancy – just as I noticed my first missed period. My breasts felt like someone had beaten them with a baseball bat and I could stand the smell of foods I’d once loved. Pregnancies are different every time for different women. You may find that your earliest pregnancy symptoms are far different from those of your friends and family members. 

What You Could Expect in Pregnancy Symptoms

Let’s take a look at the most common pregnancy symptoms and then a few interesting ones we’ve found along the way. Common symptoms include:

  • Breast tenderness
  • Increased urination
  • Increased appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Many of these look like the same symptoms you suffer when you’re having a period right? That’s why many women have no idea they are pregnant based on the first signs of pregnancy. However, there are some interesting first symptoms that could cause you to head off to the doctor for a check-up.

Increased saliva – this symptom is likely associated with water retention as the body needs more water during pregnancy. 

Extreme nausea and vomiting – if morning sickness hits early enough and is strong enough, you may think you have a case of the flu. 

Strange food cravings – craving foods you once hated or foods that are not normally eaten together can be a sign of pregnancy. 

Increased nose size – my nose grew drastically with all three pregnancies and the growth started just weeks after conception. 

Chances are your pregnancy will have different early symptoms than the pregnancy of any other woman you know. You may suffer a long list of symptoms or none at all – it all depends on your body and your pregnancy.