Saturday, November 15, 2008

Top 10 Signs of Pregnancy

Am I pregnant? Pregnancy symptoms start to occur one week after the conception when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. But it is possible to not see any pregnancy signs for several weeks and only notice it when you miss your period and start wondering “Could I be pregnant”? Here is a list of top 10 signs of pregnancy which will help you figure out if you are pregnant. You may not notice all or any of the symptoms but the more symptoms means there are more chances of you being pregnant.

1. Positive Home pregnancy test – If you have done a home pregnancy test and it turns out to be positive then you are most likely to be pregnant. A home pregnancy test works by testing the pregnancy hormone hcg (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) in the urine. It can be accurate as early as 10 to 14 days after conception. Since the first pee in the morning is most concentrated, it gives the best results of pregnancy test.

2. Missed periods – This is the most common first sign of the pregnancy that women notice. A missed period might be for other reasons including any hormone imbalance, sickness, stress, fatigue, medications, but if you are the one who always have regular periods then its good time to take a home pregnancy test. It should be done one week after you have missed your periods for most accuracy.

3. Nausea – Nausea and vomiting are other common symptoms of pregnancy. While it is called “Morning Sickness” also, it can occur any time of the day. It generally occurs after a month of conception and lasts till the first trimester is over. But many women report no nausea at all in the whole pregnancy and for some it appears late.

4. Sore Breasts – If you are pregnant, then your breasts will be very sensitive in the first trimester. They become tender and swollen similar to the way they feel before periods. It is normal to feel pain to the touch.

5. Darker Areolas – An areola is the dark area around the nipple. It becomes darker soon after the conception. You might see some bumps also on the areola which is also normal.

6. Feeling exhausted – Feeling tired and fatigued all the time is one more sign of pregnancy. Though It might not be seen as much of a sign alone, it might make you say more often “not now honey, I m tired”. It is caused by rapidly changing hormones in the body.

7. What’s that nasty smell? – Do you say that every time you go near the kitchen? Pregnancy can increase the sensitivity to smell and it might be in a funny way. You might not like the odor of your favorite food now and may be craving for something you hated before. Luckily, this sign also lasts till first trimester is over and then the food cravings start in the 2nd trimester.

8. Implantation Bleeding – As the egg implants itself to the uterine lining, it might discharge some blood. Don’t confuse it with periods. The implantation bleeding is very light and slightly pink or brown in color. It might cause some cramping and bloated feeling too as it feels in periods.

9. Frequent Urination – The release of pregnancy hormone “hcg” caused by the implantation of embryo results in the frequent urge to urinate. As the baby grows in the uterus, the bladder becomes smaller and the trips to the restroom increases.

10. Constipation – This is another sign of pregnancy. Due to the change in hormones the intestines relax and the digestive system does not function properly. You might consider taking some laxatives.

If you are able to relate to one or more of the symptoms stated above, you are most likely to be in the family way. It’s time to make an appointment with your doctor to confirm the good news.

What happens in the first prenatal visit?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing this very informative post now im not ignorant on the sign of pregnancy thanks to you. I would like to share this what i found when i was searching about the signs of pregnancy to be sure have a elisa kits test or a.k.a pregnancy test or go to the nearest clinic and have a check up.