Pregnancy can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on what stage of life you're in. However, no matter who you are, the symptoms of being pregnant are pretty much the same. By knowing what they are, you can more easily know whether you're pregnant, whether it's a blessed event, or a big problem. Knowing what to look for will also help if you're worried about missing your period and other signs that you might be expecting. Here are some pregnancy symptoms you might experience. Every woman is different, so you might be pregnant without seeing all of these.
Implantation Bleeding: This is one of the earliest signs that you could be pregnant. It usually happens between six and twelve days after you conceive, when the embryo implants into the wall of the uterus. You may experience cramping and spotting. However, changing your birth control pill, having rough intercourse, or starting your period can also cause this symptom.
Delayed or Different Menstruation: Contrary to popular belief, you may still bleed while you're pregnant. However, the bleeding may be lighter or shorter than usual. Many women will also miss their first period when pregnant. This can also happen if you've lost or gained a lot of weight, are stressed, have stopped taking the Pill, or are breast feeding.
Swollen or Tender Breasts: This symptom can show up a week or two after conception, but doesn't in all women. Breasts may be larger, sore, or tender to the touch. However, PMS can also cause this, as can any hormonal change.
Tiredness or Fatigue: As early as one week after you conceive, you could start feeling more tired. This is a common symptom, but remember that you could also have a cold, be depressed or exhausted, or just stressed out. Examine all the factors in your life if you're worried about pregnancy.
Morning Sickness or Nausea: This is a well known symptom of pregnancy, and usually shows up anywhere from two weeks to two months after conception. Some women never have any morning sickness. Others will feel nauseated throughout the duration of their pregnancy. You could also feel this way because of a stomach disorder, stress, illness or food poisoning. The thing to look for when deciding if you're suffering from morning sickness is continued nausea over a number of days.
Backaches and Headaches: A dull backache in the lower back is a common sign of pregnancy in the early stages. Headaches, resulting from hormonal changes, are also common. However, a period on its way, stress, injuries, physical and mental strain, and even caffeine withdrawal can cause these as well.
Urinating Frequently: This usually happens between six and eight weeks after conception, and is caused by your expanding uterus pressing on your bladder. If you have a UTI or diabetes, this can also happen. Likewise, taking diuretics (like some herbal teas and diet pills) or increasing your liquid intake can also be culprits.
Darker Areolas: When you're pregnant, the skin around your nipples can darken. However, an unrelated hormonal balance, or, if you're been pregnant before, leftover effects from that pregnancy can the cause, too.
Craving Unusual Food: We're all familiar with the stereotypical pregnant woman's food craving. Many women feel cravings for particular food items while pregnant, because of the increased need for nutrients. However, a bad diet, nutritional deficiency, oncoming period, or depression can also make you want to eat unusual things.
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