Cravings: Not all pregnant people experience this, but some people find that they want to eat strange combinations of food (like pickles and ice cream) or that they only want to eat one type of food (like citrus foods or Chinese food). Pay attention when they talk about what they feel like eating! Food aversions: Many pregnant people experience the sudden onset of food issues with a particular type of food they never had a problem with before. If you know they love sushi and suddenly even the thought of fish turns their stomach, they might be pregnant. Hydration: Staying hydrated is essential to delivering vital nutrients to a fetus, so many pregnant people are careful to ensure they drink enough water. A pregnant person may show a sudden preoccupation with making sure they are hydrated and/or start carrying around a water bottle.
“Oh no! How long has your back been hurting?” “I heard you say earlier that you’ve been feeling lightheaded lately, have you been getting dizzy like that for a while?”
Using the bathroom more frequently than usual can indicate pregnancy. This is because changes in hormones and the pressure of the growing fetus on other organs can cause constipation, increased urination, and vomiting. [5] X Research source Mood swings are common in pregnant people because fluctuating levels of hormones can cause fatigue and spikes in a variety of emotions (like being really happy one moment and then crying uncontrollably for seemingly no reason). [6] X Research source
They are noticeably too tired to keep up with everyday activities. They talk a lot about being exhausted or feeling “completely wiped out. ” You find them napping often or at odd times (like when they are on the job or at school).
A waddling walk and other changes in gait are common as the growing belly and swelling feet cause the person’s balance to be thrown off a bit. Many pregnant people tend to hold their belly or keep a hand on their bump as they move around. This is both for balance and because of the bond that is growing between the mother and child. [11] X Research source
