What Are the Symptoms of Pregnancy?

Every woman’s body is different and you may have different symptoms. It is possible that any combination of these symptoms could mean you are premenstrual or that you have some illness. The only way to be sure it to have a pregnancy test.

The following is a list of common pregnancy symptoms:

1.    Late Period Many of the early signs of pregnancy are also symptoms of PMS.  How can you tell the difference?  The most telling sign will be a missed period.  For many women, especially young women, irregular periods are fairly common. These irregularities can happen from month to month. Although pregnancy could be a reason for missing a period, it could also be caused by illness, travel, worry or stress.  If your menstrual cycle is fairly regular and you’re late, you may want to come in for a pregnancy test.

2.    Fatigue Fatigue is one of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy. In the first trimester of pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone dramatically increase.  This may cause you to feel exhausted.  Increased progesterone levels, decreased blood sugar levels, decreased blood pressure and increased blood production all work together to cause fatigue.

3.    Tender, Swollen Breasts Your breasts may provide one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. As early as two weeks after conception, hormonal changes may make your breasts tender, sore, or tingly. Tender and heavy-feeling breasts, darkening of the areolas and even more pronounced veins on your chest can be a first sign that you’re pregnant.

4.    Nausea Morning sickness is one of the classic symptoms of pregnancy. Unfortunately it can occur morning, noon or night.  Most pregnant women start to get nauseous when they’re about 6 weeks along, but for some women, the queasies begin as early as two weeks after conception.  Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly. Pregnant woman’s sense of smell is heightened, so various odors — such as foods cooking, cigarette smoke or perfume — may cause sudden waves of nausea in early pregnancy.  As you enter your second trimester the nausea will most likely subside.  In the mean time, try eating plain foods that will settle your stomach, such as crackers or ginger ale.

5.    Headaches Another early sign of pregnancy may be frequent, mild headaches.   Headaches are usually the result of changes in your hormone levels.  Ask your provider to recommend a safe pain reliever.

6.    Mood swings Mood swings are common, especially in the first trimester.  The dramatic increase of hormones in your body in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and tearful.  Don’t worry; your emotional roller coaster ride will pass.

7.    Constipation Constipation is another common early symptom of pregnancy. If you’re feeling a little bloated or backed up, it is probably due to an increase in the hormone progesterone, which slows down your digestive system.  This can lead to constipation.

8.    Slight bleeding Sometimes one of the first symptoms of pregnancy is a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding. This type of bleeding is called implantation bleeding.  It happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall — about 10 to 14 days after fertilization.  It is much lighter than normal and a few days earlier than your expected monthly cycle.

9.    Food Cravings If you notice food cravings that weren’t there before, it could be your body telling you you’re pregnant.  Food cravings are common in pregnancy. Like many other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences are caused by hormonal changes — especially in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the most dramatic.

10. Dizziness or Fainting Low blood sugar or blood pressure can cause “woozy” episodes during pregnancy. Make sure you eat enough and stay well-hydrated.

11.  Frequent Urination Your body produces extra fluids during pregnancy, which causes you to have the urge to go to the bathroom more frequently.  You may also find that you cannot make it through the night without a trip to the bathroom.

Many women don’t experience any symptoms until after they have missed their period at least a week or two. Nausea, swollen breasts, being tired or dizzy as well as frequent urination are common symptoms a pregnant woman experiences. Every woman’s body is different and you may have different symptoms. It is possible that any combination of these symptoms could mean you are premenstrual or that you have some illness. The only way to be sure it to have a pregnancy test.

For many women, especially young women, irregular periods are fairly common. This means that the period can be delayed. These irregularities can happen from month to month. Although pregnancy could be a reason for missing a period, it could also be caused by illness, travel, worry or stress.

Learn more about what a preborn child looks like: CLICK