Pregnancy signs and symptoms can appear as early as two weeks in the pregnancy, but most women experience them a week or two after they’ve missed their period. If you’re planning on getting pregnant, then you should take a look at some things to do before you get pregnant and if you’re having what you think might be pregnancy signs and symptoms, then we can help you out. We’re going to take a look at some common pregnancy signs and symptoms, so read on and see if any fit. Even if you’re experiencing many of these symptoms, that is not clear indication that you are pregnant. Go to the doctor’s for a blood pregnancy test or an ultrasound that will confirm your suspicions.
10. Food Aversions
It’s very common to be repelled by the smell of food when you’re pregnant – certain foods that have a more pronounced smell will be harder to stomach. Or, for example, perfume you used to love becomes something incredibly repulsive. Scientists believe this happens because of the rapid increase of estrogen released in your body. If all of a sudden you feel queasy when smelling the pizza you once adored, it could be a sign you’re pregnant.
9. Bloating
Bloating doesn’t really have anything to do with a growing baby inside your tummy. It’s due to the hormone progesterone, which relaxes the smooth muscle tissue, which includes your GI tract. When this happens, your digestive process slows down and you get gas, a bloated stomach, flatulence and frequent burping.
8. Increased Body Temperature
When you ovulate, your body experiences a spike in temperature with about one degree Celsius. It’s normal, your ovaries are releasing an egg and it needs to stay warm and cozy inside of you. But if your temperature stays elevated for more than two weeks in a row, then you are most likely pregnant.
7. Backaches
Backaches are caused by an increase of progesterone. The body can’t really handle the increase and this manifests itself through various aches and pain. Headaches are also a very common pregnancy symptom. Another reason for backaches can be an impending menstruation or a urinary tract infection. If you’re not experiencing other signs or symptoms on this list, then you’re probably not pregnant.
6. Mood Swings
Hormones are again to blame for getting mood swings at the beginning of a pregnancy. These mood swings can range from heightened emotions (you’re sitting on the sofa watching a commercial and all of a sudden you find yourself crying like there’s no tomorrow because of it) to feeling depressed or anxious. As is the case with backaches, if you’re not experiencing other symptoms, then maybe you’re not pregnant.
5. Sore and Darkened Nipples
The nipples will get sore and darken very soon after conception. The hormone changes will increase the blood flow and cause changes to the breasts. It’s one of the most common pregnancy signs and symptoms. Look in the mirror, examine yourself, don’t be afraid to explore your body.
4. Nausea
Many women experience nausea very early in the pregnancy. It usually begins at around 6 weeks and it is most common in the morning because that’s when your stomach is empty. It has to do with low blood sugar and, as we mentioned earlier, the relaxation of the gastrointestinal tract because of the hormone progesterone. Around the end of the third trimester, nausea will generally subside.
3. Fatigue
During the first trimester almost all women will experience fatigue and exhaustion because of, you guessed it, progesterone. Among other things that this hormone is doing to your body, it is also making you feel sleepy. If you feel you’re tired more than usual, even though you are getting plenty of sleep, you might be pregnant. With this hormone, nausea, increased urination and general pain, of course you’re tired and sleepy!
2. Tender Breasts
Are your breasts feeling swollen and tender, you’re either getting your period or you’re pregnant. If you’re pregnant, then you should know that your discomfort will diminish at the end of the first trimester, once your body gets used to all the hormones changes.
1. Missed Period
Well, here we are, the number one sign that you’re pregnant: missing your period. If you’re pretty regular and your period is late or doesn’t come at all, you should buy a couple of home pregnancy tests and take them in the morning. We’re suggesting two, because you might really want to be sure. Did you know that they are more likely to show a false negative, rather than a false positive? If it’s positive, then you’re pregnant!
Are you experiencing any of these common pregnancy signs and symptoms? Have you taken a home pregnancy test? We suggest you do that before consulting a physician. Stay healthy!
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