Signs of Pregnancy: Are You Pregnant?
According to the American Pregnancy Association 29 per cent of women reported that a missed period was the first sign of pregnancy for them. However, there are other signs to watch out for. Have a look at these ten signs that you might be pregnant.
Swollen Breasts
Your breasts probably feel sore and heavy just before a period, but this can also be a sign of pregnancy. They feel more tender than normal and you may not like them being touched, or even wearing a bra. This is due to the hormones racing around your body and the soreness will decrease once the hormones in your body settle down too.
Tiredness
Your body is working very hard during the first trimester, so you will feel tired throughout your pregnancy. Rest as much as you can and make the most of it, because once baby comes along, sleep will be a precious commodity.
Missed Period
Once an egg has been fertilized you won’t have a period and the hormone hgc will be detected in your urine. This is the time to take a pregnancy test. Sometimes missed periods are for other reasons, but if you have been trying for a baby, this is the sign that you have been waiting for.
Increased Urination
During pregnancy the blood flow to the pelvic area is increased and the higher hgc levels also effect your kidneys so you’ll find that you need to go to the loo more often than before.
Nausea
You may have nausea, or you might actually be sick. Morning sickness in the first trimester is a common sign of pregnancy. It can actually occur any time of the day and it may be triggered by certain smells. If it gets really bad see your midwife or doctor.
Liking and Disliking Certain Foods
Food cravings are another common sign in the first trimester of pregnancy. You might also find that you go off eating and drinking things that you loved before. Try and control your cravings if they are not for healthy foods, although it won’t do you any harm to have a treat now and again. If you feel the need to eat something which isn’t a foodstuff, tell your midwife or doctor as this may be a sign that you are suffering from pica. Pica is thought to have a connection with iron deficiency.
Spotting and Cramping
Spotting usually occurs around a week before your normal period and it can be accompanied by the cramping sensations you get during your period. This is why many women miss this sign, as they think it is their period on its way. In fact, it is caused by the egg attaching itself to the wall of your uterus.
Feeling Moody
The changes in your hormone levels will affect your moods, you may feel irritable for no reason, or happy one minute and sad the next. It is caused by your progesterone and oestrogen levels rising and falling. The first trimester is usually the worst for mood swings, after that your hormones settle down and so will your moods.
Backache
Backache is due to the fact that your ligaments are loosening, caused by the hormone relaxin, which is produced by the ovary and the placenta. It is noticeable in the first trimester. Be careful with your posture and try not to lift anything too heavy.
Darkened Nipples
An early sign of pregnancy is the darkening of the area around your nipples (the areolas) The small lumps may also become larger. This is your hormones preparing your breasts for milk production.
If you have been trying for a baby, keep an eye out for any of these symptoms, which could mean that at last you are pregnant.
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