Pregnancy is defined as ‘the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus’. Pregnancy is the most exciting and beautiful period of woman's life. This is also one very emotional phase a woman goes through in her life time. Just imagine how amazing it is to realize that another life is growing inside you?
Generally, there's no real way to tell whether a woman is pregnant especially for first three months. It’s a doctor's report that confirms that the woman is pregnant. However, there are certain symptoms that can tell that a woman is expecting a baby. Certain hormonal changes take place in body when a woman is pregnant. Let us see some of the common symptoms of pregnancies among women.
Missed Period
Missing the period is the most common sign and indication of pregnancy. However a variety of other reasons such as stress, illness, and weight fluctuations etc. also can cause the late or missed periods. Missing periods normally can also be a symptom of polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition in which periods can occur months apart. Hence one has to observe rather examine the other symptoms to confirm the pregnancy.
Tender, swollen Breasts
Another important symptom of pregnancy is the change in the size and feel of the breast immediately after the conception. Breasts begin to enlarge to get ready for breast feeding and women claim that the breasts become sensitive and they experience a very sharp and twinkling sensation.
Nausea and Fatigue
Another most common symptom of pregnancy is nausea and vomiting normally seen among women. This is also known as morning sickness. A feeling of sickness is also being experienced by most women from the fifth and sixth week of the pregnancy. The morning sickness can start as early as 2 weeks of pregnancy.. The degree of nausea and vomiting differs from person to person. Vomiting whole day is pretty normal for many pregnant women even if it is termed as "morning sickness". Mostly this symptom may disappear after period of 3 to 4 months. Most of the pregnant woman experience tiredness and fatigue.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is also a common feature among pregnant women within 2-3 weeks after consumption due to the reduction in the size of the bladder.
Mood Swings
Mood Swings can get intense and weepy. This happens due to flood of HCG hormones which can cause fatigue and unusual emotions. Mood swings are generally very common.
Food aversions
Drastic change in the taste and smell is also another factor resulting in craving for certain foods and start hating certain other types of food. The best part of Pregnancy is that you can eat whatever you want.
Bloating and Cramping
Your body starts preparing for the baby. It makes many biological and physical changes to provide a safe and nutritious incubation for the baby. These changes during early pregnancy can cause you feel bloated and some women experience mild uterine cramping early in pregnancy.
Constipation
Due to higher levels of progesterone your digestive system slows down, which can cause constipation.
Slight Bleeding
About 20% of women have some bleeding during the first few weeks of Pregnancy. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, about 10 to 14 days after conception. Implantation bleeding occurs around the time of a menstrual period. The bleeding is very light and lasts from a few hours to a few days. If you have heavy bleeding at any stage of pregnancy, immediately contact your doctor. However, not all women have it.
Dizziness and Headaches
Increasing hormone levels and blood production can cause headaches in pregnancy. Fatigue and stress can also contribute, as can too much caffeine. Change in circulation and hunger can cause dizziness. You have to let your doctor know about all the symptoms you're experiencing.
All the above symptoms though normally confirm the pregnancy a clinical call test is the ultimate proof.
One can confirm pregnancy by conducting the small home pregnancy test by detecting the level of HCG in the urine and if the result is positive one may need to make an appointment with family doctor to confirm the pregnancy and to start the follow up. Like the home pregnancy test the office urine test also confirms pregnancy by detecting the level of HCG in the urine.
Similarly a blood test can also be made that may give a positive or negative results normally conducted when there are apprehensions of miscarriage or unusual pregnancy. After a period 0f 4 to 6 weeks the obstetrician can confirm the pregnancy by a physical examination. The thickening of the vaginal tissues and softening uterus confirms the pregnancy.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice regarding pregnancy. Prior to beginning any treatment regimen or taking any medication, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.
credits: Infographic - Femina.in
If you find this post useful then share it with your friends and help other new parents.
Every Parent will experience the daunting feeling of being overwhelmed when they find out they are expecting children - you are no different. There could be millions of questions floating around your head. This fear of unknown can be contained and dampened with the right information. To prepare for the unknown get our online baby guide E-Book. Knowledge dispels fear.
Learn how to keep your baby safe in all situations without having to be on parent watch 24/7 - Learn more...
Grab Your Free E-Book - 45 Baby Nursery Decorating Tips
