First time mothers-to-be may find the symptoms and effects of pregnancy to be hard to determine. Here are some things to look for.
Tenderness in the breasts: Although breast tenderness can be due to other factors such as caffeine intake and menstrual periods, many women experience breast tenderness as the earliest sign of pregnancy.Many women report a change in the tenderness of their breasts only 2 weeks after conceiving, even before they have missed their first period.If you have been trying to get pregnant, this might be the first sign of your success.
Fatigue:Again, today's busy women may feel tired for many reasons, but if sleepiness or exhaustion is unusual for you, it could be a hint that you are pregnant.Many women suffer from fatigue as early as 1 week after conception, and many times this feeling may last throughout the pregnancy.Chronic tiredness may also be due to stress, depression or the common flu, so rule these factors out first, and see your doctor.You may need vitamin supplements and be encouraged to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle to minimize the fatigue you may be experiencing.
Frequent urge to urinate: Commonly thought of as a symptom of more advanced pregnancy, many women experience this early on in their first trimester.Ruling out common problems such as urinary tract infections or diabetes is important if you have this symptom, however, when matched with other symptoms such as nausea and breast tenderness, frequent urinary needs may point to pregnancy.
Headaches:Most women suffer from tension or migraine headaches at one time or another, however, if this seems unusual for you, and is just one of many symptoms described above, it may be a signal of pregnancy.Hormonal changes often trigger headaches in women, and can be seen as a signal to a menstrual period, or pregnancy.Ruling out things like stress, caffeine of other substance withdrawal, or foods such as chocolate and nuts may be the first step in addressing an increase in headache.For extreme headaches or migraines, see your doctor.
If you suspect you may be pregnant, the best way to know for sure is to see your doctor for a blood test.This can be done effectively even before the first missed period, and will allow you and your doctor to discuss your needs both physically and mentally early on in your pregnancy.Proper prenatal care is important in giving the life inside of you the best opportunity for health and happiness throughout his/her life. Know your body and do not ignore the signals it gives you to indicate a change in your physical condition.
