|
Because every woman is created differently not every pregnant woman will experience the same early signs of pregnancy. The only way to be certain that you are in fact pregnant is to have it confirmed by an obstetrician. A positive beta HCG test, which is a blood test that can be taken about two weeks after conception, is the most definite sign of pregnancy.
One of the earliest signs of pregnancy that is usually missed by many unsuspecting women is an increase in body temperature. When a woman ovulates, her body temperature will increase slightly usually one or two degrees then gradually go back down if the egg is not fertilized. If the egg is fertilized then instead of the body temperature going back down it will remain at the higher temperature or even increase a few more degrees. Many women who are trying to conceive keep track of their daily basil body temperature and are the first to notice this early sign.
Another early sign of pregnancy is implantation bleeding; this is bleeding that occurs when the embryo reaches the uterus and implants itself in the thick uterine lining or wall. Implantation bleeding will usually occur within the first eight days of conception. The color and amount of blood will vary but is usually light pink or brown and it will have a very light flow often described as spotting or staining. Either this sign is missed or not experienced at all by many pregnant women therefore it is rarely heard of.
Tender, swollen breasts are the next sign to look for in early pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your body immediately starts to prepare for breast-feeding. The milk ducts or glands in your breasts start to produce colostrum, breast tissue increases and blood flow to your breast will increase during the first few weeks after conception because of the increase of pregnancy hormones released by your body. This dramatic change will cause your breast to become very tender to touch and swollen, but the pain and swelling will start to subside after a few weeks.
An increased need to rest is another classic sign of pregnancy. Because your body is so busy, creating a new life it needs much more rest. Many pregnant women have a strong desire to nap throughout the day and sleep longer at night. Feeling tired during the first trimester is your body’s way of letting you know to take it easy and the feeling should be replaced with a bit more energy during the second trimester.
Because of the increased blood volume and hormones, you may notice some changes in the pigment of your skin. The areole, which is the darker area of the breast that surrounds the nipple, will darken and usually gets little bumps on it similar to large goose bumps. As your genital area becomes engorged with blood, it will cause the vagina and cervical tissue to darken from a light pink to a dark blush. The skin on the palms of your hands might turn red or light brown. Many women also experience dark spots on their face and sometimes other parts of their body that could range in color from a light orange to a dark brown.
The most talked about sign of pregnancy is the frequent need to urinate. Again, this sign can be blamed on the increased blood volume, but it can also be blamed on the fact that your body is also creating a lot of extra fluid for the baby to live in for the next nine months. As your kidneys process this extra fluid it creates the need for extra trips to the bathroom. The fact that your expanding uterus is pushing up against your rapidly filling bladder does not help.
By three weeks after the time of conception, most women have noticed a lack of menstruation. Some women will experience a light period while others will continue to have their period for several months, although this occurrence is very rare, so it is important to be in tune to your body. If you are experiencing any of the early signs of pregnancy or just feel pregnant take a home pregnancy test. A home pregnancy test measures the amount of HCG that is in your urine and can be purchased just about anywhere. Always call your doctor if you feel that something is just not right. Keep in mind that some women will never experience any of the early signs of being pregnant while other will experience them all.
| 
