What Are the Main Symptoms of Being Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be an exciting and somewhat frightening time in a woman's life. Whether you're trying to get pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, there are a few main symptoms of pregnancy to look out for. When a woman suspects she's pregnant, it's important to verify her suspicions with a medical exam by a physician so that prenatal care can begin as soon as possible.

Menstruation

A missed or late period is one of the first indicators of pregnancy. Not all women miss the first menstruation cycle after becoming pregnant, but the period may be lighter and shorter than normal. Slight bleeding or spotting between periods may be another symptom of being pregnant.

Nausea and Cravings

In the early weeks of pregnancy, most women experience one or all of the following symptoms: food cravings, food aversions and nausea with or without vomiting. Some women find that foods they use to love make them nauseous, or they suddenly have the urge to eat new combinations of foods. Crackers and small sips of water may help relieve nausea associated with morning sickness.

Weight Changes and Bloating

Every woman's body reacts differently to pregnancy, but unexplained weight changes may indicate pregnancy. A slight weight gain and stomach bloating are common symptoms of pregnancy and may be exacerbated by food cravings. Weight loss is another symptom of pregnancy for some women. Weight loss in early pregnancy is often attributed to nausea and food aversions.

Breast Changes

Hormone changes associated with pregnancy will cause breast changes. Increased breast tenderness and size are common symptoms in early pregnancy. Breasts may become painful to touch and the nipples may become dry and sore.

Fatigue and Dizziness

As a woman's body adjusts to pregnancy, fatigue and a desire to sleep more is common. Eating well and getting plenty of rest while hormone levels adjust is recommended to combat fatigue. Dizziness and even fainting may occur with some women. Dizzy spells may be avoided by standing up slowly from a sitting or reclined position and eating a well-balanced diet to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Headaches and Mood Swings

Headaches are common in pregnancy and can be attributed to hormone or blood pressure changes. Women who have a hard time keeping foods down due to nausea may also experience increased headaches. It's important for women who suspect they are pregnant to check with their doctor before taking pain medication for headaches.
An increase in hormones during early pregnancy often causes mood swings. The emotional changes are different for each woman and may include unexplained sadness, anger, elation and even uncontrollable crying during the first few months of pregnancy.

Bowel and Bladder Changes

Pregnancy slows digestion, often causing constipation. Frequent urination is another main symptom of pregnancy. Pressure from a growing uterus on the bladder may make a woman feel the urgent need to urinate, and late night trips to the bathroom are not uncommon during early pregnancy.

Resources

• American Pregnancy Association