Early Signs of Pregnancy
Understanding the early signs of pregnancy is important in order to seek the prenatal care and lifestyle changes that will produce a healthy baby. There are several early signs, but none of them definitively indicate that you are pregnant. In order to actually determine if you are pregnant, you should take a pregnancy test or visit a doctor. However, these signs will let you know when you should take the test and schedule a doctor's visit.
Bleeding or Cramping
Many women experience bleeding and/or cramping when they are in the early stages of pregnancy. The amount of blood produced is usually less than what the woman experiences during her regular menstruation. Instead, it is usually just small spots that are produced by the egg attaching to the uterus. The blood is often a lighter color than during normal menstruation. Cramping often occurs with this bleeding. At this stage in the pregnancy, the cramps are usually not as intense as those experienced during menstruation, but they can still be quite painful.
Tender Breasts
Another early sign of pregnancy is tender, swollen breasts. This is the first sign that many women experience, sometimes even before spotting or cramping. It commonly occurs within a couple weeks of conception. The tenderness and swelling is caused by changes in the body's hormone levels. As the body prepares itself for motherhood, many women notice that their breasts swell and become more sensitive.
Lethargy
Many women experience lethargy and fatigue when they first become pregnant. They might notice that they lack the energy that they normally have. Sometimes it might be incredibly difficult for them to complete the work that they normally finish without any problems. This fatigue and lethargy is caused by the body preparing itself for making the baby. Progesterone levels and blood production increase, while blood sugar and blood pressure decrease. The combination of these biological factors can cause a woman to feel very tired, even when she gets plenty of rests and eats right.
Nausea
Nausea might be the most well known sign of pregnancy, with the telltale sign of morning sickness. Nausea can actually occur within the first couple weeks of fertilization, and it is not always accompanied by vomiting. Some experts believe that the nausea is caused by an increase in estrogen production and a heightened sense of smell. Higher levels of estrogen can cause the stomach to empty faster, which leaves many women feeling sick. The heightened sense of smell can cause women to be extremely sensitive to unpleasant odors, which can also produce waves of nausea.
Mood Swings
The changes in hormone levels during early pregnancy often cause mood swings. Some women are not as emotionally affected by the hormone changes as others, but it is common for women to become very emotional throughout their pregnancies. Some women find these mood swings difficult to accept. They might become weepy at inappropriate times. Others, however, adjust to the changing hormone levels more easily. For these women, mood swings often begin to disappear as they become accustomed to the way that the hormones make them feel.
Preparing for Pregnancy
There are many symptoms that might make a woman first suspect that she is pregnant. If you feel that you might be experiencing these early signs of pregnancy, then you might need some extra help. Your first reaction may to be to see your doctor and that's fine as long as you're well aware of your condition, so that you can get the most out of your doctor's visit. I've spent a lot of time evaluating free resources too, but it's hard to find anything that has all the information you'll need in one spot. My favorite resource is The Pregnancy Secrets. You will learn a great deal of information so you're well prepared to visit your doctor. The book contains tons of information, but here are a few things you will learn: 1) The early stages of pregnancy, 2) Common problems during early pregnancy and what to do about them, 3) Diet, weight gain and exercise, 4) Discover the signs of ovulation, and the most fertile time in your cycle, 5) The truth about the common prenatal tests, 6) The surprising truth about spotting and cramping, 7) What happens during your first doctor visit? These are only a few things you need to know about your early signs of pregnancy. Although the book does cost a little bit of money, it's well worth it. And you can't put a price tag on your peace of mind about your pregnancy.
News about Early Signs of Pregnancy
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If you find that you ARE pregnant, be sure to visit Baby Bedding Zone for your crib bedding and nursery decor items.
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maquicoser
Apr 2, 2012 @ 5:14 am | delete
- If they aren't careful about keeping track of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy can come as a big surprise. Quite often, it isn't until they are 2, or even 3 months along that they begin to suspect something.a
maquina de coser
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paxildepression
Nov 8, 2011 @ 2:02 pm | delete
- Studies show that babies exposed to the drug during the first three months of pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing Paxil birth defects.
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Johnraymond1987
Oct 18, 2011 @ 9:15 am | delete
- It is important to know if a woman is pregnant as early as possible to ensure a healthy mother and baby.
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asrhiprecall
Jul 30, 2011 @ 5:24 am | delete
- You have a talent in writing poems. I could definitely read this to some of those who are in the hospital because they've had revision surgery due to a Hip Replacement Recall.
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hipreplacementlawsuit
Jul 29, 2011 @ 4:45 pm | delete
- Thank for your lens. Its always good to know when you maybe pregnant. Unfortunately since I have had hip surgery and now pursuing a Hip Replacement Recall I think my child bearing days are behind me. I hope for future mothers that they will be able to read this lens.
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topamaxpregnancy2 Jul 7, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
- Women can have varying symptoms in early pregnancy, but the most common first sign is a missed period. Some women will have light bleeding or spotting around the time of their normal cycle. This bleeding happens when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall and is called implantation bleeding. Swollen, tender breasts are common in early pregnancy. And medicine intake should be taken care by women who are pregnant I just read an article about "Topamax Birth Defects Lawyer" and this call my attention cause I take topamax also. Maybe FDA will give extra effort on screening those medicines that are coming to the market.
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Dec 21, 2010 @ 12:55 am | delete
- Many women don't even suspect they might be pregnant until they have missed a period or two, and often not even then. If they aren't careful about keeping track of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy can come as a big surprise. Quite often, it isn't until they are 2, or even 3 months along that they begin to suspect something. If the pregnancy is planned it can be a wonderful surprise, but often it comes as a big shock if not. I have read more about Early Pregnancy at http://www.howtogetpregnant.net/early-pregnancy.php What do you think about this page?
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Jan 5, 2010 @ 2:08 am | delete
- Good information keep up the good work, its always a pleasure to get info that can be used, information is hard to come by at the best of times. Here's some free information for your viewers
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herbie66
Oct 19, 2008 @ 1:11 am | delete
- Welcome to the 'Pregnancy and Baby' Group
( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/pregnancy-baby )
5 stars for your great lens!
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herbie66
Jun 11, 2008 @ 9:59 am | delete
- Your lens would make a valuable addition the group 'Pregnancy and Baby'. It will certainly help many future moms!
Pregnancy and Baby
( http://www.squidoo.com/groups/pregnancy-baby )
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Joie Jan 24, 2008 @ 10:21 am | delete
- Good lens, Amanda!
Have you read this week's news report linking caffeine intake to increased risk of miscarriage? Very important imformation, especially to someone who's just discovered she's pregnant! You can find this report on my website "The History of the Coffeehouse Around the World."
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by kudlee
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