Pregnancy Symptoms

When you become pregnant, your body goes through many changes, both physically and emotionally, referred to by many as pregnancy symptoms. Many of these changes are hormonal. Some women have nearly every symptom, while others breeze through their pregnancy with almost no discomfort.

Early Symptoms

There are several pregnancy symptoms and signs that you can watch for:

1. Missed Period-Probably the first sign you experience that tells you that you might be pregnant is a missed period. A typical menstrual cycle will last approximately twenty-eight days, though of course this cycle varies with each woman. If your period occurs on a regular basis, and you are late, you may be pregnant.
2. Tender Breasts-While it is very common for a woman's breasts to be tender and painful right before her period, the discomfort will usually abate a day or two before her period starts. If you experience tender breasts and your period is a day or two late, you may be pregnant.
3. Fatigue-If you suddenly find yourself needing an afternoon nap, or you are abnormally tired at the end of the day, you may be pregnant.
4. Frequent Urination-Are you suddenly running to the bathroom all day long? Pregnancy means an increase in bodily fluids. This symptom can show up early.
5. Nausea-Morning sickness doesn't necessarily show up just in the morning. You may feel nauseous off and on all day long, especially if you are hungry. This symptom is most likely due to an influx of hormones, and it should disappear after the third or fourth month.
6. Food Sensitivity-Even before you discover that you are pregnant, you may discover that you suddenly have a distinct aversion to certain foods. You may feel queasy at the sight or smell of certain foods, so try to avoid those foods as much as possible.
7. Implantation Bleeding-Some women experience light bleeding, or spotting, around the time that the egg attaches itself to the uterus. If you already suspect you are pregnant and you begin to bleed, contact your ob-gyn immediately. While this experience may not be anything to worry about, you will still need to be checked.
8. Elevated Body Temperature-If you have been trying to conceive by charting your basal body temperature, you may be pregnant if you notice an elevated rate for approximately eighteen days.

First Trimester Pregnancy Symptoms

While some of the initial symptoms will continue throughout your first trimester, others will disappear. Your first trimester is typically from week one to week twelve. Some of the most common symptoms during your first trimester are as follows:

1. Breast Changes-Your breasts will remain swollen, and you may find that you've grown a cup size.
2. Moodiness-Don't be surprised if you are happy one minute and down in the dumps the next. Place the blame on your hormones, and pamper yourself!
3. Nausea-Try not to let your tummy get too empty. It's better to eat several small meals throughout the day. Sometimes munching on crackers and sipping hot tea helps.
4. Nipple Coloring-You may also notice that your nipples and the aureola surrounding your nipples have gotten darker.
5. Constipation-Unfortunately, this symptom may follow you throughout your pregnancy. To relieve any discomfort, try to eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and grains. The more fiber you can get, the better off you will be.
6. Indigestion-This symptom may also be with you during your entire pregnancy, especially as the baby grows and pushes on your esophagus. Be sure you get any over the counter medication approved by your doctor before you take it.
7. Headaches-While there may be several causes for these headaches, the increased blood flow may be the culprit. If you are suffering severe headaches, contact your doctor.

Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Your second trimester begins at week thirteen and ends at week twenty-six. Common symptoms are as follows:

1. Weight Gain-Your doctor will monitor your weight gain closely. Throughout your pregnancy, you should gain about thirty pounds.
2. Itchy Skin-Since your tummy is stretching, you may find that it is also dry and itchy. Use lotion daily. Cocoa butter is a common application
3. Swelling-Your feet, hands, and ankles may swell due to excess fluid.
4. Dark Line-This line may develop and run from your belly button down to your pubic area. It will fade after the baby is born.
5. Fetal Movement-You can feel baby move!

Third Trimester Symptoms

Your third trimester consists of week twenty-seven to week forty. You're almost there! Common pregnancy symptoms experienced during the third trimester include:

1. Aches and Pains-One of the most common complaints among pregnant women is backaches. The excess weight of your baby can wreak havoc on your body. Take care of yourself!
2. Braxton-Hicks-You may begin to experience a tightening of your abdomen at intervals during the day. These are practice contractions.
3. Shortness of Breath-Once your baby drops down towards the birth canal, this symptom should ease up.
4. Signs of Beginning Labor-Finally, you're almost there! You may have a few warning signs, or you may simply go straight into labor!

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