1. A missed period
This is usually the first of the many symptoms of pregnancy that a woman is pregnant. Once pregnancy is established, the body starts producing the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone which interrupts and stops the menstrual cycle. However, it is normal to have a missed period if you do not have a regular menstrual cycle or suffer from excessive stress. You may also miss your period if you’ve just stopped taking the oral contraceptive pill. Or, it may simply be because your hormones are a little offset that month.
2. Morning sickness (nausea)
Although it is called morning sickness, nausea can occur at any time of the day as symptoms of pregnancy. This is the next most obvious symptoms of pregnancy, though some women may have no nauseous feelings throughout their pregnancy. Those who do experience morning sickness may just feel queasy while others may actually vomit. Thankfully this usually happens only between the second and eighth week of conception, and goes away after the first trimester (12 weeks). Some women may, however, have a severe form of morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum that can lead to dehydration and other problems. Check immediately with your doctor if many symptoms of pregnancy such as nausea or vomiting is uncontrollable.
3. Tender or swollen breasts
If even the slightest brush against your breasts makes you go ouch, or if your breasts suddenly seem larger, this could have been one of the symptoms of pregnancy! You may also notice your areola (the dark area around your nipples) darkening. The veins in your breasts may become more visible and the tiny bumps (called Montgomery’s tubercles) around your areola may increase in number. These symptoms of pregnancy are happening because your body is preparing for breastfeeding once baby is born. Although it may not be evident till after the first trimester, some women report experiencing this as early as the first month of pregnancy.
4. Constantly feeling tired or sleepy
Pregnancy causes your body to go through significant metabolic pregnancy stages because it needs to begin adjusting to the needs of a growing baby. This in turn, can cause extreme fatigue that may last a few months.
5. Weight gain
There is a high chance that as your belly swells as part of the symptoms, so will you, although some naturally small-framed women may be in their ninth month and still look lithe. These extra pounds may make you feel uncomfortable, but do console yourself that this fat store is for the benefit of your baby’s growth, as well as for breastfeeding.
6. Backache
This is to be expected symptoms of pregnancy due to the redistribution of weight in your body. A growing baby in the womb will also put stress on your back. However, it is highly advisable to get your pregnancy confirmed as an aching back is also a symptom of other medical conditions.
7. Unexplained food cravings
If you’re experiencing some of the above pregnancy symptoms and also begin to suddenly yearn for sour foods, foods you normally don’t eat or odd combinations of foods, you know that you need to see your doctor quickly. Food cravings can change from pregnancy to pregnancy, so just because you liked chicken with peanut butter when you had your first child does not mean you will again when pregnant for the second time. Take it easy however, as heartburn can be one of pregnancy symptoms that can be worsened by indulging some of your cravings.
8. Excessive saliva
Some pregnant women may produce more saliva as part of symptoms of pregnancy than is usual when they are pregnant, to the extent that they will have to spit constantly into a tissue or cup. This is especially evident if they are also experiencing nausea. The more severe form of this condition is called ptyalism. Experts think that there are a variety of reasons for so much drool, including heartburn and hormonal changes. Brushing your teeth more often or sucking on hard sweets may help.
9. Frequent urination and/or constipation
A growing baby tends to squash the bladder, and because of this pressure, you may feel the common symptoms of pregnancy like going to the toilet more often. Moving your bowels, however, may be difficult. Experts think this is because the hormones produced during pregnancy tend to relax the intestines, making them less efficient.
10. Blocked nose
It is also common symptoms of pregnancy to experience a stuffy nose in early pregnancy. This is because
pregnancy hormones also affect mucus production in the nose and sinuses.
If all these symptoms of pregnancy are taking place in your body, it is a strong sign that there is life growing inside of you. So go ahead and purchase a home
pregnancy quiz kit or take a deep breath and make a doctor’s appointment. A home pregnancy test can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. It works by measuring the level of hCG in your urine. Blood tests may be accurate as early as eight to 10 days after fertilization. If you experience the signs but the test comes out negative, you might want to try again a week later. While highly reliable, these tests are not full-proof. To be certain, your doctor may order an ultrasound.
