But even before you miss a period, you may suspect -
or hope - that you're pregnant. For some women, early
symptoms of pregnancy begin in the first few weeks
after conception.
Pregnancy symptoms can also vary in their intensity,
frequency and duration. The following early signs and
symptoms of pregnancy checklist are only a guideline.
Many early pregnancy symptoms can appear similar to
routine pre-menstrual discomforts.Symptoms of pregnancy:
the classic clues
Tender, swollen breast
Your breasts may provide one of the first symptoms
of pregnancy. As early as two weeks after conception,
hormonal changes may make your breasts tender,
tingly or sore. Or your breasts may feel fuller and
heavier.
Fatigue
Fatigue and tiredness also ranks high among early
symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy,
levels of the hormone progesterone soar. In high
enough doses, progesterone can put you to sleep. At
the same time, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood
pressure and increased blood production may team
up to sap your energy during your pregnancy.
Slight bleeding or cramping
Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal
bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy.
Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the
fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus -
about 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. This type of
bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in
colour than a normal period and doesn't last as long.
Some women also experience abdominal cramping
early in pregnancy. These cramps are similar to
menstrual cramps.Nausea with or without vomiting
Morning sickness , which can strike at any time of the
day or night, is one of the classic symptoms of
pregnancy. For some women, the queasiness begins
as early as two weeks after conception. Nausea
seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising
levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to
empty more slowly. Pregnant women also have a
heightened sense of smell, so various odors - such as
foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke - may
cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy. There are
some hints and tips to help combat the effects of
morning sickness .
Food aversions or cravings
When you're pregnant, you might find yourself turning
up your nose at certain foods, such as coffee or fried
foods. Food cravings are common too. Like most
other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences
can be chalked up to hormonal changes - especially in
the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the
most dramatic.
Headaches
Early in pregnancy, increased blood circulation caused
by hormonal changes may trigger frequent, mild
headaches.Constipation
Constipation is another common early symptom of
pregnancy. An increase in progesterone causes food
to pass more slowly through the intestines, which can
lead to constipation.
Mood swings
The flood of hormones in your body in early
pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and
weepy. Mood swings also are common, especially in
the first trimester.
Faintness and dizziness
As your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure
drops, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. Early in
pregnancy, faintness also may be triggered by low
blood sugar.
Raised basal body temperature
Your basal body temperature is your oral temperature
when you first wake up in the morning. This
temperature increases slightly soon after ovulation
and remains at that level until your next period. If
you've been charting your basal body temperature to
determine when you ovulate, its continued elevation
for more than two weeks may mean that you're
pregnant.
Drinking enough water each day has some pretty significant effects on weight management and weight loss; however, it cannot shrink your belly on its own. A healthy, reduced-calorie diet, plenty of exercise and a few lifestyle changes, in addition to drinking plenty of water, will help you fight -- and win -- the battle of the belly bulge. Before embarking on a weight loss plan, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss you current health and goals.
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