Symptoms of Pregnancy

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

Whether a pregnancy is planned or not, the day will come when you wonder if you are expecting. You may not feel any different until around the time you would be expecting your period or even a few weeks later. Many of the early symptoms of pregnancy are similar to PMS, so it can be even more difficult to tell. The best way to know for sure is to take a home pregnancy test.

Often the first symptom is a missed period. This is not always the case. You may not be keeping track of your cycle and not notice you missed one. If you have irregular cycles, you may not know you have missed a period.

Sore breasts are a common symptom of early pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make your breasts tender and swollen. Sore breasts may be a common symptom that your period is coming too. When you are pregnant, you will probably notice the soreness is worse than it is just before your period.

Nausea may start around the time your period is due or a week or so later. If you haven't noticed a missed period, this may be one of the earliest symptoms. Some women experience nausea early on, others later and some will never have this symptom.

Are you tired all the time? Can't seem to get enough rest? Fatigue is a common symptom of early pregnancy. This is caused by an increase in progesterone levels. It's common to experience fatigue in the first trimester. You will usually feel less tired in the second trimester and fatigue returns in the last trimester. The only remedy for fatigue is to get more rest. Plan on going to bed earlier and nap during the day.

More frequent trips to the bathroom are common in early pregnancy. This symptom usually starts about a month after a missed period, but could start sooner. Frequent urination is caused by hormonal changes. Another cause is increased fluid in your body.

Headache is another symptom that could be related to early pregnancy or PMS. Headaches usually start a few weeks to a month after a missed period. Fatigue can make headaches worse. Get plenty of rest to avoid headaches. Drinking enough water is also important for preventing headaches.

Food aversions or cravings are common in early pregnancy. Foods you used to love can make you feel sick to your stomach. These aversions can come and go and may change throughout the pregnancy. Food you love in the first trimester may make you sick in the third. Cravings are another symptom for some women. This can start very early or later in the first trimester. With all four of my babies, I craved milk even before I missed a period. I realized I was pregnant this time when I was going for a second glass with dinner. I didn't need the pregnancy test to tell me we were expecting again.

Sensitivity to odors is another common symptom of pregnancy. You may notice an increased sensitivity to smells. This could be food, your morning coffee or anything else. For me, it's the guinea pig cage. I swear it stinks even when no one else notices. My poor husband has to change their bedding constantly. An increase in your estrogen levels is responsible for this.

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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