Early Pregnancy Symptoms: First signs you might be pregnant

But even before you miss a period, you may suspect - or hope - that you're pregnant. For some women, early symptoms of pregnancy begin in the first few weeks after conception. Pregnancy symptoms can also vary in their intensity, frequency and duration. The following early signs and symptoms of pregnancy checklist are only a guideline. Many early pregnancy symptoms can appear similar to routine pre-menstrual discomforts. First-symptoms-pregnancy-infographic 

Tender, swollen breasts 

Your breasts may provide one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. As early as two weeks after conception, hormonal changes may make your breasts tender, tingly or sore. Or your breasts may feel fuller and heavier. 

Fatigue 

Fatigue and tiredness also ranks high among early symptoms of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, levels of the hormone progesterone soar. In high enough doses, progesterone can put you to sleep. At the same time, lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure and increased blood production may team up to sap your energy during your pregnancy. Slight bleeding or cramping Sometimes a small amount of spotting or vaginal bleeding is one of the first symptoms of pregnancy. 

Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus - about 10 to 14 days after fertilisation. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier, spottier and lighter in colour than a normal period and doesn't last as long. Some women also experience abdominal cramping early in pregnancy. 

Early Pregnancy Symptoms

These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps. Morning sickness, which can strike at any time of the day or night, is one of the classic symptoms of pregnancy. For some women, the queasiness begins as early as two weeks after conception. 

Nausea seems to stem at least in part from rapidly rising levels of estrogen, which causes the stomach to empty more slowly. Pregnant women also have a heightened sense of smell, so various odors - such as foods cooking, perfume or cigarette smoke - may cause waves of nausea in early pregnancy. There are some hints and tips to help combat the effects of morning sickness. Signs of pregnancy. Image: iStock Food aversions or cravings 

When you're pregnant, you might find yourself turning up your nose at certain foods, such as coffee or fried foods. Food cravings are common too. Like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes - especially in the first trimester, when hormonal changes are the most dramatic. Headaches Early in pregnancy, increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes may trigger frequent, mild headaches. 

Constipation Constipation is another common early symptom of pregnancy. An increase in progesterone causes food to pass more slowly through the intestines, which can lead to constipation. Mood swings The flood of hormones in your body in early pregnancy can make you unusually emotional and weepy. Mood swings also are common, especially in the first trimester. Faintness and dizziness As your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. Early in pregnancy, faintness also may be triggered by low blood sugar. 

Raised basal body temperature 

Your basal body temperature is your oral temperature when you first wake up in the morning. This temperature increases slightly soon after ovulation and remains at that level until your next period. If you've been charting your basal body temperature to determine when you ovulate, its continued elevation for more than two weeks may mean that you're pregnant. 

Missed Period 

Perhaps the most obvious early symptom of pregnancy is when you've missed your period. This possible sign of pregnancy is often what causes women to search for more details about the other pregnancy symptoms. Some women might only experience a much lighter period compared to their usual. You might not experience any of the pregnancy signs listed below until around the time you notice you've missed your monthly cycle. 

Just "Feeling" Pregnant 

This early pregnancy symptom may be the reason why you are checking this list right now.

Many women believe they have an intuition about pregnancy signs. Their intuition is often proven correct. 

Maybe you just feel different; tired, moody, queasy, lightheaded. You may also have heartburn, constipation, or find yourself making more frequent trips to the toilet. Perhaps you feel a dull ache or stiffness in your lower back, you have sore breasts or they seem overly sensitive, or you are simply not feeling like your usual self.

How can you really tell if you are pregnant? 

Unfortunately, these symptoms aren't unique to pregnancy. Some can indicate that you're getting sick or that your period is about to start. Likewise, you can be pregnant without experiencing any of these symptoms. Still, if you miss a period or notice any of the tip-offs on this list, you might want to take a home pregnancy test - especially if you're not keeping track of your menstrual cycle or if it varies widely from one month to the next. 

If your home pregnancy test is positive, make an appointment with your health care provider. The sooner your pregnancy is confirmed, the sooner you can begin prenatal care. If you are worried about possible early symptoms of pregnancy, you can put your mind at ease with a pregnancy test. More than just a pregnancy symptom, this is scientific proof positive of whether you are expecting a baby or not. 

Pregnancy tests work best if you wait to take them until at least a day or two after you miss your period. Even if the pregnancy test result is negative you should try it again a few days later to be sure. Source : www.kidspot.com.au