Is that a Pregnancy Symptom You are Experiencing?
The best way for a woman to determine if she really is
expecting is to see a positive result on a pregnancy test.
However, many women who are actively trying to get pregnant
have a hard time waiting until that test can be taken. For
some, a pregnancy symptom here and there may appear long before
the next menstrual period is late. While these signs are not a
sure fire way to predict a positive pregnancy test, they may
provide some insight into what is going on with the conception
process.
Changes to the Breasts
Many women will begin to experience swollen breasts that are
tender as the earliest pregnancy symptom. These first signs of
pregnancy can occur as early as a couple of weeks after
conception has taken place, and is the result of hormone
fluctuations that occur in the early stages of pregnancy. This
early pregnancy symptom will often continue well into the first
trimester and then ease up a bit until the end of the term.
Spotting
Some women have implantation spotting about ten day to two
weeks after conception, as the fertilized egg implants into the
wall of the uterus. This pregnancy symptom is much different
from a regular period, because it occurs earlier and the blood
tends to be lighter in color. It also doesn't last as long as a
normal period and it is generally not as heavy. Some women also
experience some mild cramping with this pregnancy symptom,
similar to period cramping.
Fatigue
Most women get tired once in a while, but if you are dead tired
more often than not, it may be a pregnancy symptom. Fatigue is
often the result of the rising levels of progesterone that take
place during the early stages of pregnancy. Most women find
that fatigue tends to improve during the second trimester and
then pick back up again in the later months as the extra weight
takes its toll on the body and it is harder to sleep soundly
with a protruding belly in the way.
Morning Sickness
The term "morning
sickness" is a bit of a misnomer, since the nausea of this
early pregnancy symptom can take place at any time of the day.
Sickness like this can be caused by rising estrogen levels that
keep the digestive tract from working as efficiently. It may
also be due to an increased sensitization to smells during this
time that can make some women feel nauseous.
These first signs of pregnancy may be the earliest pregnancy
symptoms that a woman experiences, but they are not a definite
diagnosis of pregnancy until the tip of that stick definitely
turns pink. If you suspect that you are pregnant, talk to a
doctor.
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