Have you ever had a sneaking suspicion that someone you know is pregnant? Since asking someone whether they are pregnant is one of the rudest questions in our society, we have to get creative when it comes to finding out.
There are plenty of reasons why someone might not want to announce their pregnancy — especially early on. Hence, the unwritten rule to wait until after the first trimester (when risk of miscarriage is highest) to shout that your expecting from the rooftops.
People might also just want to keep their business private until it is blindingly obvious what's going on underneath their shirt.
However, the longer someone waits to tell you, the more and more curious you get. Instead of letting the uncertainty eat away at you, look out for a few subtle signs that suggest that your friend or person of interest might be expecting a little one soon.
Thumbnail Photo: Max Pixel
1. She's Been Wearing Flowy Clothing
Sometimes you can't tell that a woman is pregnant until very late in her pregnancy.
A lot of this has to do with the clothes she wears. If you've noticed that someone has suddenly begun wearing looser-fitting clothing, then maybe she's trying to hide a bun in the oven.
2. She Refuses A Glass Of Wine
As we all know, pregnant women are not advised to consume alcohol.
If your friend is suddenly opting for a non-alcoholic beverage in an environment where they normally wouldn't, maybe it's because she's pregnant.
3. She's Constantly Out Of Breath
Baby Center explains that women may experience shortness of breath during pregnancy because the growing uterus puts pressure on the diaphragm and strains breathing.
Moreover, you need more oxygen to support the life growing inside you.
4. She Touches Her Breasts A Lot
When any part of your body grows or changes, it tends to hurt a little or be tender.
Swollen or tender breasts are a common pregnancy symptom according to the American Pregnancy Association.
If you notice someone paying more attention to their chest, it could be because something like this is going on.
5. She's Been Using The Bathroom A Lot
Pregnant women have to pee more than most people, thanks to their baby growing and putting pressure on their bladder.
The American Pregnancy Association cites this as another common, early pregnancy symptom.
6. She Switched Her Regular Footwear
Carrying around a fetus in your womb is bound to make you a little uncomfortable.
If your friend has ditched their regular footwear for something a little more durable, it could be an accommodation for their changing body.
7. She's Been A Little Moody
The American Pregnancy Association says that mood swings are a normal part of being pregnant.
The many hormonal changes your body goes through are to blame for what might be a hot-and-cold demeanor.
If you suspect your friend is with child, make sure to be extra patient with her.
8. She's Especially Sensitive To Smell
Again, hormones are to blame for a heightened sense of smell during pregnancy.
According to What To Expect, estrogen in particular can make for a super-keen sense of smell during pregnancy.
If your friend is noticing smells that you aren't, then maybe her pregnancy hormones are hard at work.
9. She's Making Unusual Food Choices
Pregnant woman are infamous for their strange food cravings and aversions.
Is your friend making some strange or unusual food choices, or abstaining from eating when she normally would? If so, it might confirm your suspicions.
10. She's Walking Differently
The pregnancy waddle is a dead giveaway that someone is carrying a child.
Even if you can't notice a bump, the slight, extra weight will cause a change in gait and might lend evidence to your pregnancy theory.
Be sure to SHARE this story with your friends and loved ones!
