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Signs That You're Pregnant

There is nothing more meaningful and life changing than being pregnant. It is best to be know you are pregnant as early as possible to take necessary steps toward a healthy and trouble-free pregnancy. There are a lot of signs that indicate pregnancy, but they vary from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy. Some experience signs within the first week of conception, while others notice the changes in a month or two.

  1. Common Pregnancy Signs

    • One indicator of pregnancy for women whose menstrual periods are regular is a missed period, but it is not definitive because stress also can delay a monthly period. Abdominal bloating is another sign of pregnancy. Though the uterus still is small in the early stages of pregnancy, hormonal changes in your body cause the bloated feeling. Your breasts also may feel swollen and tender, just as they do before you get your period. Give your body time to adjust to the hormonal changes. This symptom will diminish after the first trimester. You also might feel tired, nauseous and moody. Frequent urination is another sign of pregnancy.

    Other Pregnancy Signs

    • One of the less common pregnancy alerts is implantation bleeding. It is a slight bleeding that occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine lining. Unlike menstrual periods, this type of bleeding is spottier, has a lighter texture and lasts only for a day or two. Other signs of pregnancy are backaches, headaches, food cravings or food aversions, increased sensitivity to odors, faintness or dizziness and constipation.

    Unexpected Pregnancy Symptoms

    • You may start to see the development of spider veins. Hormonal changes cause this unsightly red vein that multiplies and takes on various colors as you go through your pregnancy. Fortunately, they usually disappear after you give birth. If some refuse to fade, a dermatologist can help. You also might start to see stretch marks and have an itchy belly. Your skin stretches as your belly size increases. This tautness, plus dry skin from hormonal changes, can make your belly itch. You will be tempted to scratch, but bear in mind that scratching can cause stretch marks. Slathering moisturizer on your growing stomach can help prevent this.

    Pregnancy Test

    • There is a guaranteed way to know if you are pregnant: Take a pregnancy test. There are several brands of home pregnancy tests available, and all of them are easy to use. It is important to note, however, that home pregnancy tests are not sensitive enough to detect pregnancy during the first week. For more accurate results, try using a test a week after missing your first menstrual period.

    Is the Test Positive?

    • When the home pregnancy test result is positive, see your doctor to start prenatal care. This is very important because it will set the foundation for a well-monitored, less risky and happy pregnancy. If the test is not positive but you continue having symptoms and miss your period, consult a physician. These could be symptoms of other problems.

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