Early signs of pregnancy - symptoms and detection

Every pregnancy differs and the early signs of pregnancy can be misinterpreted. Some women just 'feel' pregnant, while others fail to detect any symptoms at all. And although a missed period is a sure sign for most women, for others a history of irregular menstruation may make it difficult to determine whether pregnancy or an irregular cycle is responsible. If you experience several of the symptoms below you should take a pregnancy test to find out for sure.

Missing a period

If you have a regular cycle then missing a period is one of the clearest signs of pregnancy. However, pregnancy is not the only reason for a missed period. Coming off the oral contraceptive pill, stress, illness, or extreme fluctuations in weight can stop periods for a while. Polycystic ovary syndrome can also cause periods to occur several months apart.

Spotting

Very light bleeding (spotting) can occur even if you are pregnant. So don't assume a little bleeding is a sign that you're not pregnant.

Tender Breasts

One of the very early signs of pregnancy is changes to your breasts. Just a few days after conception your breasts will begin to enlarge in preparation for breastfeeding. The breasts may also feel heavy or tender, and can be extremely sensitive - contact with clothes can cause a sharp, tingling sensation. These symptoms generally disappear after a few weeks and are more pronounced with a first pregnancy.

Nausea

Nausea is another of the early signs of pregnancy and although it can occur as soon as two weeks after conception, most women experience it from five to six weeks after conception. Although the queasiness is often called ' morning sickness' it can occur at any time of day and can range from a slight nauseous feeling to an overwhelming desire to vomit. Morning sickness generally disappears between 14 and 16 weeks after conception.

Fatigue

Many women complain of tiredness in early pregnancy. You may feel the need for an afternoon nap when you have never done so before or just feel like crawling into bed once you get home from work. Energy levels generally increase after 14 weeks of pregnancy.

Increased Urination

As the uterus enlarges it puts pressure on the bladder and as early as two to three weeks after conception you will begin to feel the need to urinate more frequently. After about 14 weeks the uterus rises into the stomach and the pressure is relieved. The pressure returns a few weeks before the birth when the baby's head engages. Increased levels of the hormone progesterone also contribute to the urge to urinate more frequently, even when the bladder is not full.

Constipation

Another of the common early signs of pregnancy is constipation. The increased levels of progesterone can cause constipation by relaxing the bowel and slowing your digestion.

Altered taste and smell

Pregnancy can cause a strange metallic taste in your mouth and nose. You may also find yourself suddenly craving foods you've never liked or feeling queasy at the sight of foods you've always loved.

Mood swings

Your body is flooded with new hormones in the first few weeks of pregnancy so if you've been feeling emotional or weepy it could be an early sign of pregnancy.

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