Signs of Pregnancy
There are several signs you should look out for to indicate if you are pregnant. Early symptoms of pregnancy are most likely to occur once the fertilised egg has been attached to the uterine wall. When this happens you may be able to feel some changes in your appetite. Some pregnant women have reported having very few symptoms; however, there are women who have experienced all the common symptoms of pregnancy.
Symptoms of Pregnancy
There are numerous symptoms of pregnancy, as described below:
- A missed period is one of the first signs of pregnancy especially if your periods are regular. It may be worthwhile taking a pregnancy test if you have missed your period and suspect you are pregnant.
- Morning sickness is one of the most common signs of pregnancy and many women continue feeling nausea throughout the day. Nausea may not occur until a few weeks after conception has taken place. Many women experience feelings of nausea in the early stages of pregnancy right through to the final trimester.
- Urinating more often - If you feel the need to urinate more frequently and are going to the loo more often than normal then it can be a sure sign of impending pregnancy. Frequent +
- Tenderness in breasts - You may feel tenderness in the breasts, as well as aches and pains which are normally associated with the hormonal changes that are taking place in the body due to pregnancy
- Tiredness - Pregnancy can make you feel tired and lethargic, as the hormone progesterone starts creating the necessary bodily changes for you and your baby
- Cravings - There is no scientific evidence to prove this is a valid symptom of pregnancy; however, many women experience food cravings in the early stages of pregnancy. Some women will even have cravings throughout the duration of pregnancy
- Darkened Areolas - Many women experience darkening of the skin around the nipples, which is called the areola. This may be a sign that you have successfully conceived.
- Cramps or spotting - Some women experience light bleeding or spotting when they have conceived. This is caused when the egg becomes attached to the lining of the womb. Many women also find their skin can become dry, and this is due to the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy
- Feeling ‘pregnant’ - Some women have an intuition and can feel even the slightest bodily change, which makes them aware of their pregnancy
- Changes in libido - Your libido may increase due to pregnancy hormonal changes
- A positive pregnancy test - This is one way that you can be 99% certain that you are expecting, as a pregnancy test can detect the presence of HCG in your urine. You should still consult your doctor to be sure
Symptoms vary according to each woman and many women will in face experience few of the symptoms mentioned above. Some women have also reported that their breasts become large, sensitive and sore in the early stages of pregnancy.
Pregnancy Guide
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Pregnancy
- Signs of Pregnancy
- Symptoms you Shouldn’t Ignore
- A Pregnant Mother’s Developing Body
- Pregnancy calendar
- The Role of the Expectant Father
- What you should and shouldn’t do during Pregnancy
- Prenatal Care
- Prenatal Methods of Testing
- Exercise during Pregnancy
- Pregnancy - Expecting Twins or More
- Pregnancy Predicaments
- Sleeping during Pregnancy
- Having Another baby
- Having a baby over 35
- Losing a baby
- Myths about Pregnancy
- Plus Size Pregnancy
- Piercing and Pregnancy
- Tanning and Pregnancy
- Tattoos and Pregnancy
- Pregnancy FAQ
Related Guides
- Pregnancy & Birth Guide
- Guide to Getting Pregnant
- Guide to Pregnancy
- Guide to Giving Birth
- Guide to Pregnancy Tests
- Mother, Baby & Beyond Guide
- Guide to Pain Relief in Labour
- Guide to pregnancy scans
- Pregnancy calendar guide
- Baby calendar guide
- Child development calendar guide
- Guide to miscarriage
- Guide to breastfeeding
- Guide to sleeping for mother & baby
- Guide to birth defects
- Guide to Post Natal depression