Are You Pregnant? 8 Early Signs to Watch For
Getting positive pregnancy test results can be a wonderful experience, especially if you've been actively trying to conceive. While some women need a medical conformation, you may be able to tell even before.
You could be pregnant if you are experiencing any of these symptoms shortly after you've had sexual relations during the fertile period:
Nausea
Nausea is the number one early pregnancy sign.
According to pregnancy statistics, 75 percent of pregnant women get morning sickness, which is nausea upon waking. It occurs because of the rapidly increasing hormones in the body. While this nausea normally only lasts in the morning and only during the first trimester for most women, a small percent of women, experience it all day long and throughout their term.
The severity of nausea varies from woman to woman. It may or may not cause vomiting.
Strange Smells
Some women experience a stronger or more pronounced sense of smell during pregnancy. It may be a good thing, or it may add to your nausea.
Pay close attention to how you experience food and perfume smells, and note any major changes. If you experience any negative side effects from a heightened sense of smell (i.e. nausea), you’ll likely want to know what smells to avoid.
Missed or Abnormal Period
A missed or abnormal menstrual period is on the top of the list of early pregnancy signs. It usually stops altogether, but you may be one of the rare women who has an extremely light period. Implantation bleeding (usually thought of as a light period) is normal and happens when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.
Fatigue
Just as the pregnancy hormones can make you sick, they can also make you feel tired. Running out of energy and wanting to sleep all the time is a very common sign of early pregnancy. It happens because you're sharing your iron, calcium, and other nutrients with your growing baby.
Sore Breasts
Many mothers report having tender breasts when they’re pregnant. Even if your breasts aren’t tender, they might feel heavier or fuller than usual. You may even notice color changes in the nipples.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is another early (and unwelcomed) sign of pregnancy. This is yet another side effect of a woman’s increasing hormone levels. What’s really happening is blood flow in the pelvic region increases, leading to increased urination.
Headaches
Headaches can befall pregnant women because of the hormonal changes and deprivation of certain nutrients. Chances are you’ll experience headaches throughout your pregnancy.
Lightheadedness
Lastly, lightheadedness and fainting are signs of early pregnancy. Once again, hormonal changes are the cause. Hormones surge and alter a woman’s glucose levels or blood pressure, resulting in dizziness.
If you have one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, you may be pregnant. You can take an over-the-counter urine pregnancy test to confirm, but then you should follow up with your doctor who will test your blood. If the results are positive, you'll move on to seeing an obstetrician. If you’re not pregnant, your doctor can work with you to determine the cause.
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Drs. Anthony Agrios, M.D, Joseph lobst, M.D. and their highly capable nurse midwives, nurses and support staff offer Gainesville, Lake City and surrounding areas in Florida the most complete, personal care for women during pregnancy and all stages of life. Everyone from the front-desk assistant to Drs. Agrios and lobst take special care to carefully listen to all of your questions and concerns and make you feel welcome.
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