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Early Signs of Pregnancy
The first signs of pregnancy, and early symptoms, are something that many women obsess about for many long months or even years. Long before maternity clothes are needed or you start shopping for the first baby clothes, you will ask yourself that fateful question: "Am I pregnant?" For those of you who have been trying to get pregnant for a while, you may find yourself searching for early signs of pregnancy for about two weeks out of every month . . . .sometimes, for months on end. For lots of women, if there is any possibility that they might be pregnant, it is hard to think of anything but early signs of pregnancy until that all-important question is finally and decisively answered!
MISSED PERIOD as a sign of pregnancy
For most women, the first early sign of pregnancy will be a missed period. Your period is the shedding of the lining of your uterus, and it signals that there is no fertilized egg and the womb is shedding its lining in preparation for the release of a new egg. However, occasionally a woman will experience very light bleeding at the time of implantation, which occurs about two weeks after conception (around the time you would ordinarily get your period.) If you believe you might be pregnant but you still experience some spotting at about the time you expect your period it could actually be an early sign of pregnancy. (Bleeding during pregnancy is not as unusual as you may think, and as many as one woman in every five experience some bleeding during the first trimester.) If this "period" seems much lighter than normal and you have reason to believe you could be pregnant, go ahead and take a test to be sure!
NAUSEA as a sign of pregnancy
The dramatic shift in hormones that are an early sign of pregnancy also cause many women to experience morning sickness. Although this is most common from about week 6 through week 14 or so, some women experience morning sickness (which can actually happen at any time of the day) as their first true symptom of pregnancy. I experienced several bouts of morning nausea before I skipped my period with one of my children, and although I was very eager to pregnant, I brushed this symptom off as being too early to be related to the pregnancy. Was it just run of the mill nausea, or true morning sickness? Who knows. But morning sickness is a very real early sign of pregnancy for some women. Fortunately, only a very, very small percentage of women experience this feeling beyond the first trimester, although it can, in rare cases, last the whole nine months. Although nothing is fool proof for treating morning sickness, avoiding fatty foods, eating small but frequent meals, and avoiding foods with unpleasant odors may help you manage this early sign of pregnancy.
BREAST TENDERNESS as a sign of pregnancy
From a mild tingling in the breasts, a gentle swelling, or an aching soreness, the breasts go through changes in response to the shifting hormones in your body that are an early sign of pregnancy. I had a girlfriend who claimed that was her first symptom of pregnancy with all of her children, and that they were so uncomfortable she literally felt the need to hold them in pain. I, however, never experienced anything that dramatic. This, too, can be confusing because many women experience painful, swollen breasts as the sign of an upcoming period. So, if you are wondering whether what you're experiencing is an early sign of pregnancy or a symptom of PMS, you are not alone!
SMALL "BUMPS" ON YOUR NIPPLES as a sign of pregnancy
You may never have noticed before, but there are small bumps on your nipples, called "Mongomery's tubercules." These become much more pronounced during pregnancy and secrete an oily fluid in preparation for breastfeeding. Nipples also change color during pregnancy, becoming a darker brown versus a lighter pink before pregnancy.
STOMACH PAINS as a sign of pregnancy
From period-like cramps to constipation, the tummy often provides some early signs of pregnancy. Unfortunately, once again these cramps (twinges brought on by the implantation of the egg) can be strikingly similar to period cramps. What's a woman to do? Wait it out-- or take a pregnancy test!
CHANGES IN TASTE as a sign of pregnancy
Some women report a change in their food preferences as an early sign of pregnancy, or notice a strange metallic taste in their mouth. If your taste changes now, hold on, because it may change for the whole nine months. Food aversions are particularly common. My mother could not stand the taste of coffee (something she ordinarily looks forward to as the natural beginning of every day) throughout all four of her pregnancies. I couldn't go near the stuff during my first pregnancy, but thought it was just fine during second pregnancy. So while it isn't true with every woman or every pregnancy, changes in food and beverage preferences are frequently early (and ongoing) symptoms of pregnancy.
FREQUENT URINATION as a sign of pregnancy
During the first trimester, and again towards the end of pregnancy, frequent urination is a common complaint. So if you notice yourself making a lot of trips to the rest room, this could be an early sign of pregnancy.
TIREDNESS as a sign of pregnancy
Many women feel absolutely exhausted, but overlook that it is an early sign of pregnancy. If you just can't seem to get enough sleep, are yawning during the day and drifting off during meetings and conversations at all times of the day, perhaps you're expecting a baby!
If signs say yes, you might be pregnant - buy an over the counter pregnancy test and find out for sure. If you are pregnant, you'll want to start taking care of yourself appropriately, right away! Eat right, take your vitamins, get the recommended amount of folic acid, get your rest, see your doctor, and start doing all the right things for your health and the health of your new baby. 
The information on this Web site is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition.
Please view the complete line of Blooming Body products, designed for a more comfortable and beautifully pregnancy, by clicking here.
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