How to Recognize the Early Signs of Pregnancy

Though your only sure-fire way of knowing if you are pregnant is a pregnancy test, there are many signs that will point to the new life growing inside of you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. A missed menstrual period can be an early indication of pregnancy. While it is the most common reason for a missed period, it is not the only reason. Other reasons for a missed period include stress, illness, change in schedule or medication and being either overweight or underweight. These are just a few of the many reasons that could cause you to miss your period.

2. 
   Extreme Fatigue

   Extreme fatigue is another very common early symptom of pregnancy. This happens because your body is going through major hormonal changes and your vital organs have to work harder than normal.

3. Constipation is caused by the hormonal changes that affect your digestive system. Drinking plenty of water can help. Getting enough exercise can help relieve constipation as well. Be sure to ask your doctor which exercises are safe for a pregnant woman.

4. 
   Headaches

   Headaches usually begin around week 6, but naps can prevent them.

5. Heartburn is a symptom in all nine months of pregnancy. In the first 4 months, it is caused by hormonal changes and in the last 5, it is caused from pressure the baby puts on your organs.

6. 
   Frequent Urination

   Frequent urination can happen as early as one week after conception. The uterus is putting pressure on your bladder causing you to urinate much more frequently.

7. While tender breasts can be an indication of your monthly cycle, enlarged breasts are not. Your breasts can become sore to the touch. Your nipple area may be tender and sensitive and will deepen in color.

8. Spotting, also known as implantation bleeding, happens when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.

9. 
   Morning Sickness

   Morning sickness, despite the name, can happen any time of the day or night. Some women experience it in the afternoon or evening. Some women don’t experience it at all.

10. Some women experience dizziness and light headedness. This is often caused from low blood sugar due to not eating enough.

11. 
    Food Aversion and Cravings

    Hormone levels can cause the taste in your mouth to change and you may even stop liking some things that you previously enjoyed, such as chicken or Chinese food.

12. 
    Smell

    Your sensitivity towards smell becomes more acute during pregnancy. Everyday smells, such as your husband’s cologne, can make you nauseous. Your own perfume may smell differently now, too. This happens because your skin’s chemistry has changed.

[FrazzledNanny]

on 3/5/2009 Thanks for the well written article on recognizing the early signs of pregnancy. 5*

[63miranda]

on 2/21/2009 Excellent info! 5*