Becoming a mother is almost every woman’s dream. Though for some it is easy while for some the process is a bit difficult. Whatever the situation becoming a mother is one of the most fulfilling experience that a woman can wish for. There are some tell tale signs of pregnancy which might indicate to a woman that she might be pregnant. However, these symptoms are not unique to pregnancy alone and it is always advisable to confirm the pregnancy with a pregnancy test.
Early Signs of Pregnancy:
Each pregnancy is unique and the early signs of pregnancy also vary with each woman. Some women experience symptoms as early as two weeks after conception while for some it may take some time. However, there are certain signs and symptoms which are commonly experienced early on into the pregnancy.
Missing the Period: Though a missed period can happen due to various other reasons it is considered as one of the early and reliable sign of pregnancy.
Even before missing a period there are some indicators that a woman might be pregnant.
Tender Sore Breasts: can be considered as one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. The pregnancy hormones cause the breasts to become tender, sensitive or sore. Some woman also experience severe pain in the breasts while some experience pricking or tingling sensations near the nipple. In some woman the areola or the area near the nipple is darkened, becomes thicker and increases in size.
Nausea: Nausea can be accompanied with vomiting or without it. These symptoms can be expected as early as three weeks into conception. Nausea is caused due to the elevated levels of pregnancy hormones. The woman also becomes sensitive to certain smells which can trigger nausea. Nausea can be experienced at any time of the day or night.
Increased Urination: Many women feel the need to empty their bladders more often if they are pregnant. This condition continues as the pregnancy advances as the growing fetus exerts a pressure on the bladder.
Fatigue: Due to the increasing levels of progesterone fatigue and tiredness can be experienced by woman.
Food Cravings or aversion: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can sometimes cause cravings or aversion towards certain kinds of food.
Implantation Bleeding: Some women experience a slight spotting or bleeding while the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus. The bleeding varies from the normal menstrual bleed, is lighter and is generally for a very short duration.
Cramping: Uterine cramping is one of the early signs of pregnancy.
Constipation: Pregnancy hormones also cause constipation in some woman.
Dizziness: Some woman in early pregnancy experience dizziness as the pregnancy hormones dilate the blood vessels consequently lowering the blood pressure.
Elevated Basal Body Temperature: Basal body temperature is the body temperature that is measured as soon as a person wakes up. Basal body temperature generally increases at the time of ovulation. However, if the temperature remains elevated for more than two weeks it indicates a possible pregnancy.
Feeling of Bloating: Due to higher water retention in the body during pregnancy the body feels bloated.
Mood Swings: The hormones during pregnancy causes a lot of mood swings in a woman making her a lot more emotional.
Conclusion: If a woman experiences one or more signs mentioned above it is advisable to take a pregnancy test either at home or at a medical practitioner’s office. Doctor’s sometimes conduct a blood test which is a more accurate predictor of pregnancy as it measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels in the blood.