The moment you suspect you may be pregnant is an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Some women arrive at this suspicion due simply to intuition. These women seem to be so in tune to their bodies that they just know. Others arrive at the thought through experiencing a number of symptoms. However, it is all supposition until you receive confirmation through a home pregnancy test or a visit to the doctor, and he says “Congratulations.”
Nausea and Vomiting
One of the more infamous signs of pregnancy is morning sickness, which could be more accurately be called “morning, noon and night sickness.” Not all women suffer from nausea and vomiting; those who do usually will notice it decrease or stop after the first three months.
Breast Tenderness and Enlargement
Enlarged breasts and the accompanying tenderness is often one of the first signs of pregnancy. This is the result of increased hormone levels and is similar but worse than how the breasts feel before your period. Fortunately, the tenderness usually diminishes after the first trimester.
Fatigue
An overwhelming sense of exhaustion can appear early in your pregnancy and subsides as you enter the second trimester. Unfortunately, the interlude is short-lived; the tiredness usually returns in the third trimester, mostly due to the extra weight.
Implantation Bleeding
When the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall, some women may notice spotting and, possibly, cramping.
Increased Urination
You may find yourself running to the bathroom more frequently. All bodily fluids are increased with pregnancy. This is a symptom that does not subside as the pregnancy progresses. As the baby develops and grows, he will apply more pressure to the bladder, necessitating frequent bathroom trips.
Darkening of Areolas
The skin around the nipple area will sometimes darken, due to increased hormone levels in early pregnancy.
Missed Period
If you are fairly regular in your menstrual cycle, a missed period will probably send you straight to the store to purchase a home pregnancy test. Women with irregular cycles will sometimes notice other symptoms before a missed period.
Bloating
Before you even have a chance to gain pregnancy weight, you may notice a feeling of bloating and fullness. Your clothes may feel tight. This is due to hormonal changes.
Headaches
A sudden jump in hormone levels can cause headaches during early pregnancy.
Sensitivity to Odors
Suddenly, the aroma of your favorite food may be repulsive to you. Foods you once loved now seem totally unappealing. This is a possible symptom of pregnancy. The reason is not known, but it is thought to be related to increased hormone levels.
