Early signs of Pregnancy

This blog includes most of the popular signs and symptoms of pregnancy and the possible causes of these symptoms other than pregnancy.

Missed Period
The most popular sign that you may be pregnant is a missed or delayed period. This however does not automatically means that you are pregnant. A missed period may be because of other health related issues such as stress, Anemia,excessive weight loss or gain and changes in hormones due to the use birth control pills.

Nausea
Most women experience nausea during the first few weeks of pregnancy. Although it is popularly referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time during the day and may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. It is important to note that having nausea does not necessarily mean that you are pregnant.  Other causes of Nausea are eating disorders, food poisoning, and other illnesses.

Implantation Bleeding/ Spotting
Although vaginal bleeding may indicate that your period has returned, it is one of the first signs that you may be pregnant. The embryo implanting itself into the wall of the uterine causes vaginal bleeding/ spotting which may be accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping. This usually occurs six (6) to fourteen (14) days after conception. Vaginal bleeding is not only associated with pregnancy as women who have a vaginal infection or STD may experience vaginal bleeding.

Tender Breast
Pregnancy causes a substantial amount of hormonal changes in a female. She may experience these changes during the first few weeks of pregnancy as this is the time where the hormones begin to change. If you are pregnant, you will experience swollen breasts or they are tender to the touch. Swollen or tender breast are due to pregnancy, hormone imbalance, birth control pill, and an impending period (PMS).

Food Cravings/Aversions

This is one of the most noticeable signs of pregnancy. During the early stages of pregnancy, you will begin to crave food that you would not normally eat or enjoy.  Some women also desist from eating certain types of food because of their heightened sense of smell to that particular food which would cause waves of nausea and subsequently vomiting.

 

Fatigue
Some women may experience fatigue throughout their entire pregnancy or for the first trimester. Increased levels of  the hormone progesterone in the body may cause you to fall asleep. With all the changes occurring in your body, you may lose energy to do the things that you normally would do and find yourself sleeping a little bit more than usual. Fatigue may also occur if you are stressed or experiencing depression or other illnesses.

Mood Swings
As stated before, hormone levels in your body are higher than usual and may cause you to experience mood swings. You may become very emotional, being happy at one minute and sad at the next.  Being moody may also indicate that you are experiencing depression and bipolar disorder.

If you have had sexual intercourse without using a condom or following a birth control method and you are experiencing any of these symptoms listed above, you should purchase a pregnancy test at your local pharmacist and/or check in with your doctor. Remember, if you are experiencing any of these signs, it does not automatically mean that you are pregnant.