 Pregnancy
symptoms differ from woman to woman
and pregnancy to pregnancy; however,
one of the most significant pregnancy
symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual
cycle. Understanding pregnancy symptoms
is important because each symptom
may be related to something other
than pregnancy.
Some
women experience pregnancy symptoms
within a week of conception. For other
women, symptoms may develop over a
few weeks or may not be present at
all. Below is a listing of some of
the most common pregnancy symptoms.
If
you have any of these pregnancy symptoms,
be sure to take an at home test. It
is important to receive prenatal care
in early pregnancy, if the result
is positive. Your doctor will tell
you to take prenatal vitamins with
folic acid in them as it can prevent
some birth defects in your baby.
Implantation Bleeding
Implantation bleeding can be one of
the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About
6-12 days after conception, the embryo
implants itself into the uterine wall.
Some women will experience spotting
as well as some cramping. Other
Possible Explanations: Actual
menstruation, altered menstruation,
changes in birth control pill, infection,
or abrasion from intercourse.
Missed Menstrual Period
A missed cycle can be a sign of pregnancy.
It is usually the first indicator of
pregnancy, although some women claim
to know they are pregnant before they
miss a period. Many women can bleed
while they are pregnant, but typically
the bleeding will be shorter or lighter
than a normal period.
Other
Possible Explanations: Excessive
weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal
problems, tension, stress, ceasing
to take the birth control pill, or
breast-feeding.
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue can be another indicator
of pregnancy, especially if other symptoms
are present, which can also start as
early as the first week after conception.
A nap a day can help a pregnant woman
maintain normal daily activities.
Other
Possible Explanations: Stress,
exhaustion, depression, common cold
or flu, or other illnesses can also
leave you feeling tired or fatigued.
Tender
Breasts
Tender swollen breasts are another early
symptom. While tender breasts are a
symptom of an impending cycle, enlarged
breasts are not. Sore and swollen breasts
with a tingling sensation can be an
early indicator of pregnancy, which
may begin as early as 1-2 weeks after
conception.
Other Possible Explanations:
Hormonal imbalance, birth control
pills, impending menstruation (PMS)
can also cause your breasts to be
swollen or tender.
Nausea and Morning Sickness
Nausea can be a sign that a woman
is pregnant. Many women say that they've
had nausea up to two weeks before
an expected monthly cycle and before
any other symptom. Eating crackers
before getting out of the bed in the
morning can help and eating several
smaller meals instead of larger ones
can help with nausea.
Some
women are fortunate to not deal with
morning sickness at all, while others
will feel nauseous throughout most of
their pregnancy.
Other
Possible Explanations: Food
poisoning, stress, or other stomach
disorders can also cause you to feel
queasy.
Frequent Urination
An increased urge to urinate can be
an indicator and usually occurs between
6 to 8 weeks after conception.
Other
Possible Explanations: Urinary
tract infection, diabetes, increasing
liquid intake, or taking excessive
diuretics.
Darkening
of Areolas
If
you are pregnant, the skin around
your nipples may get darker. As if
you pay that much attention to this
area but perhaps your signifigant
other could help you in this area.
Other
Possible Explanations: Hormonal
imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or
may be a leftover effect from a previous
pregnancy.
Headaches and Backaches
The sudden rise of hormones in your
body can cause you to have headaches
early in pregnancy. However, it is also
common to experience a dull backache
throughout an entire pregnancy.
Other
Possible Explanations: Dehydration,
caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation,
eye strain, stress, other back problems,
and physical or mental strains.
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