It's been a couple of weeks since you
did the deed, and now you're dying to know: am I pregnant? For some women,
early signs and symptoms of pregnancy begin in the first few weeks after
conception. Every women is different, so there symptoms of pregnancy are also
different. Though you may experience some, all, or none of these, here are some
signs of pregnancy.
·
Missed period
The most obvious early symptom of
pregnancy and the one that prompts most women to get a pregnancy test-is a
missed period. But not all missed or delayed periods are caused by pregnancy.
Some of the other reasons are:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Malnutrition
- Stress
- Hyperthyroidism
- Breast feeding etc.
·
Food cravings and altered
sense of smell
When you're pregnant, you might find yourself turning
up your nose at certain foods. Food cravings are common, too. Like most other
symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal
changes. This can happen very early for some women, even before they've missed
a period.
Your sense of smell may change as well, and you may find that you're more
sensitive to aromas from food or cooking.
·
Breast Changes
Early in pregnancy hormonal changes might make your
breasts tender, sensitive or sore. Or your breasts might feel fuller and
heavier. One of the first changes you may notice is the circle of skin round
your nipples (areolas) getting darker. You may also find that the bumps around
your nipples become more pronounced, and your nipples more erect.
·
Fatigue or feeling tired
Pregnancy hormones in your body are to blame, as these
can make you feel tired, upset and emotional. During early pregnancy, levels of
the hormone progesterone soar — which can make you feel sleepy. Though fatigue
is not a sure-fire symptom on its own, it's a common pregnancy symptom.
·
Spotting and Cramping
Some women experience mild uterine cramping early in
pregnancy. It's common to have some spotting at the time when you'd usually
have your period. You may notice a slight pink or brown-colored stain in your
knickers, or when you wee, or feel slight cramping.
·
Mood Swings
It's common to have mood swings during pregnancy,
partly because of hormonal changes that affect you and can make you unusually
emotional and weepy. Mood swings also are common. Everyone responds differently
to these changes. Some moms-to-be experience heightened emotions, both good and
bad; others feel more depressed or anxious.
·
Dizziness
Pregnancy causes your blood vessels to dilate and your blood pressure to
drop. As a result, you might find yourself feeling lightheaded or dizzy.
·
Constipation
Hormonal changes cause your digestive system to slow
down, which can lead to constipation. During pregnancy, higher levels of the
hormone progesterone can make you constipated. Progesterone causes food to pass
more slowly through your intestines. To ease the problem, drink plenty of
water, exercise, and eat plenty of high-fiber foods.
·
Your basal body
temperature stays high
If you've been observing that your basal body
temperature has stayed elevated for 18 days in a row, you're probably pregnant.
As basal body temperature increases slightly soon after ovulation and remains
at that level until your next period.
·
Frequent Urination
You might find yourself urinating more often
than usual. For many women, this starts around the sixth or eighth week after
conception. Although this could be caused by a urinary tract infection,
diabetes, or overusing diuretics. But if you're pregnant, it's most likely due
to hormonal levels.
