Early Signs of Pregnancy: The Subtle (and Not-So-Subtle) Clues You Might Be Expecting

So, you're suspicious. Maybe it's that faint nausea in the morning, or perhaps it's the fact that your usual favorite latte suddenly tastes like dishwater. Whatever it is, something feels different. Could you be pregnant? As a professional newborn photographer who's been around more moms and babies than I can count, let me tell you, I've heard all the early pregnancy stories. And while every woman's body is different, there are a few telltale signs that might just mean a baby is on board. So, grab a cup of (decaf?) tea, and let's chat about the first hints your body gives you when you're about to embark on the wild, wonderful journey of motherhood.

1. The Sudden Love-Hate Relationship with Food

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy? Your stomach starts behaving like a moody teenager. Foods you once adored might now make you gag, while others that you never gave a second thought suddenly become the thing you need to eat right this second. Craving pickles dipped in peanut butter? You're not alone. I've heard some wild craving combos from my clients—one mom told me she couldn’t get enough of pickles and ice cream (separately, of course). Whether it's a sudden aversion to coffee or an uncontrollable urge to devour a whole jar of olives, those changing food preferences are one of pregnancy’s quirkiest giveaways.

2. The Exhaustion That Hits Like a Freight Train

Forget about feeling just a little tired. We're talking about an exhaustion so deep, it feels like you could fall asleep standing up. One moment you're having a perfectly normal conversation with your bestie, and the next, you're fantasizing about taking a nap in your car (yes, even in the parking lot of Target). Growing a human is hard work, and your body needs all the energy it can get. It's like your body has activated hibernation mode, and it’ll stay there until further notice. If you're suddenly canceling plans just so you can snuggle with your couch, you might want to consider taking a test.

Photo by Erin Wilwert Photography

3. Your Boobs Are Staging a Rebellion

If there’s one body part that’s particularly vocal about pregnancy, it’s your boobs. They will hurt. They will grow. They might even become so sensitive that the mere thought of putting on a bra makes you cringe. Suddenly, you're starring in your own personal “before” and “after” transformation, and you didn’t even sign up for it. If you're starting to feel like a Victoria's Secret model, but without the glamour, this could be one of those early signs you can't ignore.

4. Bathroom Breaks Every 10 Minutes

Congratulations, you’re officially on the bathroom train, and there’s no getting off. If you're suddenly peeing every 20 minutes and wondering if you should just set up camp in your bathroom, that could be a clue. The extra trips to the bathroom are thanks to your kidneys kicking into overdrive. They’re working hard to handle all that extra fluid your body's producing to support baby. So if you've started calculating the distance between you and the nearest restroom wherever you go, you might want to grab a pregnancy test next time you’re at the store (between bathroom breaks, of course).

5. Mood Swings: The Emotional Roller Coaster

Pregnancy hormones: 1, You: 0. One moment, you're laughing at a funny meme, and the next, you're sobbing because someone finished the last of the ice cream. The mood swings that accompany early pregnancy are real, and they can sneak up on you when you least expect it. If you’ve noticed that your emotions are all over the place—one second you're feeling zen, and the next, you're crying because your cat didn’t snuggle with you this morning—those little hormones might be trying to tell you something.

6. Bloating Like You Just Ate Thanksgiving Dinner

You're barely into your first trimester, but already your jeans feel a bit snug? Welcome to the world of pregnancy bloating. Before that baby bump even makes its grand debut, your body will treat you to a bloated stomach that can rival any post-holiday feast. It’s the progesterone at work, relaxing your muscles (including your digestive tract), which slows everything down and makes you feel...well, like a pufferfish.

7. Nausea (The Misleading "Morning Sickness")

Oh, the joys of morning sickness—except, fun fact, it doesn’t just strike in the morning. Nausea can hit any time of day, and it doesn't always involve throwing up (thank goodness). Some women get lucky and avoid this one, but if you suddenly find yourself queasy at the smell of bacon or your favorite scented candle, pregnancy could be the reason why. Keep some crackers on hand and try to ride it out—this one’s just part of the fun.

8. Your Spidey Sense of Smell Is Out of Control

Speaking of smells, if you've suddenly developed a superhuman sense of smell, you may have a tiny human to thank for it. Early pregnancy can make even the faintest scents feel like they’re smacking you in the face. If you’re suddenly avoiding your favorite restaurant because you can smell their kitchen from a block away, or you’re on the verge of gagging because your partner dared to open a jar of peanut butter, this might just be your body dropping some pregnancy hints.

9. Missed Period: The Ultimate Giveaway

And of course, the classic sign—missing your period. If you're usually regular and Aunt Flo hasn't made her monthly visit, it’s time to start thinking about taking that pregnancy test. This one's a pretty straightforward sign, but sometimes in all the chaos of cravings, exhaustion, and bloating, it can slip your mind. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs and your period is a no-show, well... it might be time to start celebrating!

Final Thoughts (And a Shameless Little Plug for Your Newborn Photographer ;)

Pregnancy can be a wild ride full of surprises, and those early signs are just the beginning. But once you've navigated the mood swings, cravings, and endless bathroom trips, there’s a beautiful ending in sight—your sweet new baby! And when that little one arrives, you’re going to want to capture all those fleeting newborn moments. That’s where I come in. As a professional newborn photographer in Charlotte, NC, I specialize in documenting all those tiny details and creating timeless photos you’ll cherish forever. So once you've gotten through pregnancy, sleepless nights, and the million diaper changes, reach out to Erin Wilwert Photography. Let me help you freeze those precious moments in time. Trust me—you'll be glad you did.