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How to Identify the Early Signs of Pregnancy

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(5 Ratings)

A pregnancy test taken after the expected date of a missed period followed by a diagnosis from your doctor is the best way to confirm a pregnancy. But, within the first days and weeks after conception a woman's body goes through many changes to make room for a baby. Pay attention to your body and recognize the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Watch for signs of fatigue. Early in pregnancy a woman's body produces more progesterone while her blood pressure and blood sugar level drop. This combination causes general tiredness and exhaustion.

  2. Step 2

    Follow your nose. Hormonal changes early in pregnancy lead to a stronger sense of smell. Certain smells can cause nausea or food aversions.

  3. Step 3

    Take your body temperature. A woman's basal body temperature rises on her ovulation date and lowers on the first day of her period. A higher basal body temperature after your expected start date is an early sign of pregnancy.

  4. Step 4

    Check for implantation bleeding about ten days past conception when the egg attaches to a woman's uterus. You may see light spotting for a day or two.

  5. Step 5

    Feel your breasts. Early pregnancy hormone changes cause your breasts to become fuller, tender and even sore to the touch.

  6. Step 6

    Pay attention to frequent headaches. Mild but frequent headaches are triggered by changes in a woman's hormone levels during the early stages of pregnancy.

  7. Step 7

    Keep extra fiber handy. Those pesky pregnancy hormones also bring on constipation.

Tips & Warnings
  • Take a home pregnancy test and consult with your doctor based upon the results.
  • Avoid taking aspirin if you have headaches and show signs of pregnancy.

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