How to Identify a Sign of Pregnancy
The best way to determine if you are pregnant is through a
pregnancy test done at home or in a doctor's office. However,
there are ways to recognize a sign of pregnancy that may occur
before a period is missed or a test is taken. In the case of
teen pregnancy, these signs may not be recognized or they may
be ignored due to stress. Many teens that find themselves in
this situation have a hard time coping and will opt to deny the
possibility until much later in the pregnancy term.
It is also possible that what is considered to be a sign of
pregnancy in many cases is really just a symptom of stress or
increased activity level. For example, young women who are
under severe strain caused by the demands of school or friends
may experience nausea and changes in appetite. It is also true
that serious training for a sport can cause a woman to miss
periods. However, barring unusual circumstances, theses signs
of pregnancy may at least be a signal to make an appointment
with your doctor or perform a pregnancy test at home. The
sooner a pregnancy is diagnosed, the sooner a teen and her
family can weight the options available to her.
Symptoms of Teen Pregnancy
The symptoms of pregnancy in a teen are similar to those that
an adult will experience. The primary sign of pregnancy is a
missed period, although this can occur for other reasons as
well. Other symptoms might include nausea, fatigue and swollen
breasts. Parents may notice changes in eating habits as food
aversions or cravings kick in, often during the first
trimester. Increased urination is another sign of pregnancy
that can occur in the early weeks.
Some teens may ignore the early sign of pregnancy, and will
then be forced to deal with the situation when the later
symptoms begin to appear. These might include an enlarged
abdomen as the baby grows, weight gain or loss in some cases
and headaches and backaches. The movement of the baby may begin
to be more obvious, as small movements and fluttering known as
"quickening" will evolve into full fledges kicks and punches
from inside. A pregnancy "mask" may appear on the face as the
hormones affect the melanin in the skin and food cravings may
increase.
If you suspect that you are pregnant, it is important not to
ignore the sign of pregnancy that is occurring. A pregnancy
test can easily confirm your suspicion so that you can begin
weighing your options and make decisions that are right for you
and your baby. Seek out help from parents and support groups
that can help you understand your options and give you the
support and guidance you need to get through this difficult
time.
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