If you are wondering whether or not you are pregnant, there are specific pregnancy symptoms that every woman should be made aware of to ensure the health, safety and development of the fetus and your body. These symptoms can often be detected before your first missed period. Whether you are worried that you are pregnant or hoping to be pregnant, here is a helpful early pregnancy symptoms guide:
Breast Changes- Your breasts will become tender and sore and feel fuller and heavier than normal.
Spot Bleeding- Some women experience spotting or minimal vaginal bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy. This is known as implantation bleeding and occurs when the fertilized egg becomes attached to the lining of the uterus. This differs from menstrual blood as it is lighter, spottier and the bleeding occurs earlier than a normal period. Cramping similar to menstrual cramps can occur along with spot bleeding.
Fatigue- Early pregnancy can be detected by fatigue due to the high levels of the hormone progesterone that are released in the body.
Morning Sickness- Nausea and vomiting or simply nausea alone can be an early sign of pregnancy that can occur as soon as two weeks post-conception. Nausea is attributed to high levels of estrogen, causing the emptying of the stomach to slow down. Pregnant women are often affect in extreme ways by a heightened sense of smell and this can contribute to nausea and vomiting.
Food Aversions or Cravings- Pregnant women often crave certain foods and if your likes and tastes seem to change unexpectedly, this can be a sign that you are pregnant.
Constipation- Progesterone levels soar and affect digestion, causing constipation.
Mood Swings- Hormones flooding the body affect a woman’s mood and personality, causing her to be emotionally extreme.
Faintness and Dizziness- Blood vessel dilation and blood pressure are affected by pregnancy and may cause lightheadedness or fainting.
Raised Basal Body Temperature- A heightened basal body temperature is used to determine ovulation times. Many women monitor this when they desire to become pregnant. If you notice your basal body temperature has continued elevation longer than your ovulation time, this can indicate that you are pregnant.
