Pregnancy – Knowing the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Pregnancy

Pregnancy – Knowing the Tell-Tale Symptoms of Pregnancy

If you have had a baby before, then you are probably well aware of the symptoms of pregnancy. If this is your first, then here is a list of symptoms that you may or may not experience.

o Missed Period – this is an obvious one, but not all women miss their period. Some women continue to have periods throughout their pregnancy.

o Breast tenderness – you may experience a certain amount of pain and tenderness or a heavy, full feeling in your breasts.

o Morning sickness – nausea and vomiting – not limited to just the morning, it can occur at any time. Usually occurs from about the second week of pregnancy to about eight weeks. Some women develop a sensitivity to certain odors that make them nauseas as well.

o Food cravings – fish sandwich with chocolate spread? What’s wrong with that? Many women experience bizarre food cravings and only feel relaxed if they satisfy those cravings.

o Abdominal Bloating and cramping

o Frequent urination – the hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG), seems to stimulate urination and the fetus pressing on the bladder can also cause frequent urination;

o Changes in the color or shape of the nipples and linea nigra – a line that extends down the stomach toward the pubic area – all of this will disappear after delivery of the baby.

o Melasma – darkening of the skin – some women start to have dark patches on their face and skin, but it does disappear after the baby is born.

o Mood swings, irritability and stress – it is believed that the heightened hormone levels are responsible for this, including laughter or crying spells.

o Headaches

o Low energy – feeling tired and sleepy – this is usually in the first trimester as your body adjusts to the pregnancy.

The female body is well suited to grow a fetus and carry it to term. It is natural that there will be a myriad of changes and symptoms that go along with the process. As a woman’s body is stretched to capacity to make room for the growing baby she may develop stretch marks and rashes on her skin. If you see red welts on your abdomen, these are stretch marks, and you should put a cocoa butter based cream on them or bio oil which reduces scarring and will lessen the appearance of these stretch marks. As your body grows and changes to accommodate your body, you may notice other changes. Many of these are very normal, but if anything causes you concern, be sure to mention it to your doctor.