How to get Pregnant » Pregnancy Signs
Pregnancy Signs
Knowing the most common pregnancy signs can help a woman to decide if she should contact her physician to determine if she really is pregnant. Knowing what signs to look for when a prospective mother-to-be thinks there's a possibility that she may be pregnant can help, although pregnancy signs differ from woman to woman. Some women start noticing symptoms a few weeks after conceptions but many others don't begin to notice them for a few months.
Implantation Spotting or Bleeding
About six to twelve days after the egg is fertilized, a woman may start to notice some light bleeding or spotting. This implantation spotting happens when an embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. This sign is a very common one but is sometimes not recognized at the time since most symptoms don't begin until several days later.
A Missed Menstrual Cycle
An early and significant pregnancy sign is a missed menstrual period. Normally, when a woman becomes pregnant, menstrual periods stop completely or are delayed, starting with the next cycle. Many women do continue to spot or bleed during pregnancy but the bleeding should be much shorter and lighter than normal.
Swollen and Tender Breasts
Swollen and tender breasts are a normal pregnancy sign that may occur as early as one to two weeks after the egg has been fertilized. Women notice other changes in their breasts besides being sore, tender and swollen throughout their pregnancy, including a darkening of the areola.
Food Cravings and Aversion to Certain Foods and Odors
Many women begin to experience food cravings, which can be either normal foods or not-so-normal combinations of food. They may also begin to notice an aversion (dislike) to certain foods, even long-time favorites. Strong food or other odors can start to become a problem as well.
Nausea and Morning Sickness
Nausea and morning sickness are frequent pregnancy signs and for some, this is a woman's first obvious sign of pregnancy. Many women notice these pregnancy signs 2-8 weeks after fertilization although some are fortunate and never experience it at all. A small number of women experience morning sickness their entire pregnancy.
Frequent Urination and Constipation
Approximately 6-8 weeks after conception a woman begins to notice an increase in urination. This will not usually subside until shortly after the baby is born. Constipation is another frequent pregnancy sign that many times lasts throughout, many times increasing as the baby grows.
Lightheadedness and Dizziness
A woman may experience being lightheaded or dizzy when going up stairs, standing still for an extended time, standing up too quickly, or going an extended time without eating. This can be a sign of low blood sugar, a fairly common occurrence during pregnancy.
Weight Gain and Bloating
Weight gain is another sure pregnancy symptom, as is bloating. A woman may notice her clothing getting tighter and her weight going up. A healthy pregnant woman should gain 25 - 35 pounds; 2-4 of these pounds during the first trimester. Most women will experience several of these pregnancy signs, then being to wonder if they may be pregnant. A woman who believes she may be pregnant should immediately begin to take care of herself, and her unborn fetus, to help assure a healthy baby and pregnancy.
References
Americanpregnancy.org
womens-health-questions.com