These 12 symptoms can confirm if you are really pregnant

Whether you have been trying to conceive for a while or you are wondering if you are unexpectedly pregnant, finding it out in the very early stage can be tricky. Although a home pregnancy test can tel

Tania Tarafdar | Published: November 18, 2014 1:38 am

Whether you have been trying to conceive for a while or you are wondering if you are unexpectedly pregnant, finding it out in the very early stage can be tricky. Although a home pregnancy test can tell if you are pregnant, there are a few signs and symptoms which can indicate your pregnancy. While your doctor will count your pregnancy in weeks starting from the first day of your last period, you might find counting pregnancy from the time of conception more logical. The bodily changes of pregnancy usually start showing up a week after conception. Here are certain signs and symptoms that can confirm your pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding

You might find bleeding during pregnancy confusing and frightening. Bleeding can be noticed approximately within eight to twelve days after ovulation. Do not fear as a small amount of blood is sometimes shed when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterus lining. This is called implantation spotting and is the earliest sign that a woman is pregnant. The bleeding is typically not very heavy and usually lasts for a day or two. The bleeding may be accompanied with slight cramping and the blood may be red, brown or pink in colour. You may also read pregnancy symptoms and tests you need to be aware of.

Fatigue

Fatigue and exhaustion is an indication of early pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones are generated as soon as the fertilised egg attaches to the wall of the uterus. High levels of these hormones are responsible for causing extreme fatigue and tiredness. In addition, low blood pressure, and increased blood production occurs during pregnancy and may cause fatigue and tiredness.

Headache

In many women, production of hormones and increased blood circulation caused by the implantation of fertilised egg into the wall of uterus can also cause headache. Although these headaches may continue during the second and third trimester of pregnancy, it occurs in early stages of pregnancy too.

Breast changes

Sore and tender to touch breasts are early indicators of pregnancy. This is due to the gush of hormones caused by the implantation of the embryo. A woman may notice changes in her breast as soon as a week after pregnancy. You may notice your breasts becoming tender, swollen, tingly or large. The nipples of your breasts may also become larger and darker and you might also notice blue lines or veins on your breasts. However, such changes may not be visible in the later stages of pregnancy. Also read 6 changes that take place in your breast during pregnancy.

Abdominal cramps

Common phenomenon such as abdominal cramp can be easily missed as an early symptom of pregnancy. These cramps are described as pulling sensations in the lower abdomen after one has missed her periods. However, the cramps will not bother you that much in your early pregnancy but they can be a persistent symptom of pregnancy and last till the end of delivery.

Missing your period

If you have missed your periods, you might as well be pregnant. You miss your periods because during the time of pregnancy your body starts to secrete the human chorionic gonadotropin that restricts your menstrual cycle during the time of pregnancy. Read more about missing periods during pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge

Vaginal discharge is very likely during the early stages of pregnancy. You might notice a clear, milky discharge from your vagina with a musky smell if you are pregnant. However, symptoms of pregnancy might vary from person to person. Some women might experience a lot of vaginal discharge where as in some there may be little or no discharge at all. The rise in the level of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy leads to the production of vaginal discharge. This vaginal secretion is beneficial as it keeps infections at bay and helps good bacteria thrive in the sensitive area.

Frequent cold and cough

Your body is sending out enough clues of your pregnancy if you are experiencing flu or mild fever accompanied with blocked nose and wheezing cough. You might also experience abdominal cramps along with fever during pregnancy. You become more prone to fever and cold soon after conception because your immune system comes down when the fertilized egg implants itself on the wall of the uterus. Refrain from self-medication when you suffer from cold and cough to avoid any harm to the embryo. It is always better to consult a medical doctor if your home pregnancy test is positive.

Frequent urination

The causes of increased need to urinate during pregnancy are varied. One possible explanation to this could be the size of the uterus. As the embryo increases in size, the uterus also grows putting pressure on the bladder. Another possible reason of frequent urination could be fluid retention in the lower limbs. Although this symptom minnimises in the second trimester, it can come back in the third trimester.

Discomfort due to certain smell and taste

Some women may experience a change of taste in their mouth and it can be one of the early signs of pregnancy. Certain smells and tastes like that of tea and coffee can cause discomfort to them.

Foods cravings

A longing for food can be one of the indicators of early pregnancy. During pregnancy your body needs to retain more water which makes you hungry all the time. Food cravings usually begin in the first trimester after which they disappear in the second trimester. However, food cravings may not be a sure sign of pregnancy as sometimes it may be in your head or your body trying to make up for the shortage of nutrients.Here are 7 weird pregnancy cravings you never knew about.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common and best known symptoms of early pregnancy. It is caused due to the rising levels of the pregnancy hormones. Nausea can start as early as the first period is missed. Some women may experience only at certain times of the day such as the very common morning sickness, while others might feel nauseous all day. Nausea may or may not always be accompanied by vomiting. You might also read precautions to take during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Image source: Getty images

Published: November 18, 2014 1:38 am

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