As the parent of a teenage daughter, you may feel surprised at how quickly she grows and changes. Many parents begin to relax after making it through the terrible twos, only to find that the teenage years present several more challenges. Many teenagers become sexually active at an early age, risking the possibility of an unplanned pregnancy. Certain signs and symptoms can indicate that your teen daughter may be pregnant. If you notice symptoms in your daughter, discuss your concerns with her and help her seek proper medical care.
Missed Period
Although you may not pay special attention to your teenage daughter’s monthly menstrual cycle, a missed period is an early sign of pregnancy. Your daughter may miss a cycle or experience slight spotting, which she may mistake for a light period. Implantation bleeding occurs when the embryo implants itself into the uterus, causing slight cramps and light bleeding. Not every woman experiences this symptom, but your daughter may be pregnant if she mentions having a light period or missing a period.
Enlarged Breasts
A common symptom in early pregnancy, swollen breasts can be a sign of impending motherhood. Your teen may notice pain and swelling as early as one week after conception. If your daughter experiences breast enlargement and requires a larger bra, she may be showing signs of pregnancy. However, if your daughter is still growing, this may be nothing more than normal development. Swollen breasts can also occur shortly before a menstrual period or while taking birth control pills.
Lack of Energy
Many women and teenage girls feel tired and fatigued during the early part of their pregnancy. Some women notice this as early as one week after conception. Other causes, such as the common cold, exhaustion and stress, can make her appear tired and lethargic, however.
Morning Sickness
Despite its name, morning sickness can occur at different times of the day or night, although most women experience this early in the day. Regular episodes of nausea may indicate a teen pregnancy, although some women never feel sick while pregnant. Your pregnant daughter may experience morning sickness between week 2 and week 8 after conception.
Frequent Urination
Extra trips to the bathroom may signal the presence of a growing baby. Hormonal changes and the increasing pressure of a growing uterus can make your teenage daughter visit the restroom more often than usual. Many women begin feeling a frequent need to urinate by week 8 of the pregnancy. A urinary tract infection, as well as the use of diuretics, can also cause this symptom.
Photo Credit
- Anticipation image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
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