While the most well-known pregnancy symptom is a missed menstrual period there are also other symptoms of pregnancy that you may want to be aware of. It is also true that some women may not miss a menstrual period right away or they may just think their periods are being irregular. If you are trying to become pregnant or even if you are hoping that you are not pregnant, it is good to know some of the other symptoms of pregnancy.
One of the common pregnancy symptoms can actually be misleading as it may lead you to believe that you will be having a period soon is implantation bleeding. Implantation bleeding is often one of the very first symptoms in early pregnancy. Approximately 6 to 12 days following conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall.
This can sometimes cause some spotting as well as cramping so even though they really are pregnant, many women may think that their period is well on its way and they are not pregnant at all. If you have slight spotting and/or some cramping, you may still be pregnant or you may not. Be on the lookout for other symptoms and make sure to count the days for your next period. Spotting can also be caused from actual or altered menstruation, changes in hormonal levels from birth control pills, infection or abrasion from intercourse.
Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Missed Period
The most commonly recognized pregnancy symptom is a missed menstrual period. The majority of women will miss their period when they become pregnant, however, there are a few women who bleed when they are pregnant, however, the bleeding is typically shorter and lighter than a normal period. If you miss your period and you may be pregnant, you should consider taking a pregnancy test.
You can miss your period from other reasons also though, such as excessive weight gain or loss, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, tension and stress, changing birth control methods, such as ceasing to take the pill, some illnesses and breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and not having a period you can still become pregnant so if you don’t want another pregnancy right away you should take precautions.
When Do Pregnancy Symptoms Start?
Another common occurrence of pregnancy symptoms are swollen or tender breasts. Swollen or tender breasts due to pregnancy can occur as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception. If you are pregnant your breasts may be tender to the touch, sore or swollen. Of course, if you are not pregnant you breasts may also be tender to the touch, sore or swollen due to hormonal imbalances, birth control pills, impending menstruation, in fact, swollen and tender breasts are also a common symptom in PMS so if you have sore or tender breasts and you think you might be pregnant, look for additional symptoms and of course, take a pregnancy test.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a huge symptom in pregnancy and while you are pregnant you may feel more fatigue than you ever felt in your life. Feeling fatigue or more tired due to pregnancy can start as early as one week after conception. Of course, fatigue can also be caused by stress, lack of sleep, exhaustion, the common cold or flu and other illnesses.
Morning Sickness (Nausea)
One of the most common pregnancy symptoms is nausea and morning sickness. Despite the name of morning sickness, it does not only happen in the morning or even more often in the morning. Morning sickness in pregnancy can happen anytime of the day or night, despite what you have eaten or not eaten, drank or not drank.
But nausea can also be caused by food poisoning, stress, changes in hormonal birth control methods or even the common stomach flu. If your nausea is morning sickness caused by pregnancy it typically shows up between the 2nd and 8th week after conception. Usually it passes by the second trimester, however, there are a few women who will suffer from morning sickness for the entire 9 months.
Lower Back Ache
Lower backaches can also be a side effect of pregnancy symptoms. Lower backache shows up in early pregnancy but more often it is just something that a woman experiences throughout the pregnancy. As the baby grows, there is more pressure put on your spine and core muscles which can lead to backaches. Backaches can also be caused by stress, physical or mental strains or impending menstruation.
Other Pregnancy Symptoms
A sudden rise in hormone levels in your body from pregnancy can often cause headaches in the early stages. However, headaches are rather common and they can be caused by such things as dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, eye strain, and again impending menstruation. Headaches can also be caused by the rise in estrogen that happens after ovulation.
Around 6 to 8 weeks following conception, you may find that you are having increased urination. The baby will push down upon your bladder and as the baby grows this problem can get worse. However, increased urination is not only caused by pregnancy but it can also be caused by more serious diseases, such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection.
When you are pregnant, the skin right around your nipples on your breasts, or the areola can get darker. However, a darkening of the areolas can also be caused by hormonal imbalances not related to pregnancy or even as a leftover symptom of a previous pregnancy.
Food Carvings
There has long been the joke about pregnant women craving pickles and ice cream and it often runs true. While it may not be specifically pickles or ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain food when they are pregnant. Sometimes it can even be attributed to a nutritional deficiency in the body that the craving will take care of. Pregnant women also often develop aversions to certain foods and this can last throughout the pregnancy and sometimes even beyond. Sometimes a woman will never really like that food that caused the aversion in pregnancy again, even after the pregnancy is over.
If you think you might be pregnant you are advised to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests that you can buy in any drugstore are usually quite accurate. If you have pregnancy symptoms make an appointment to see your health care professional soon so you can enjoy a healthy pregnancy.
Resources
- Early Pregnancy Symptoms (Web MD)
- Symptoms of Pregnancy (Mayo Clinic)