Pregnancy Symptoms

You probably will not notice any symptoms until the time comes when you notice you're missing your period or even a couple weeks after that. Pregnancy symptoms will vary from woman to woman with some experiencing most of them and others noticing just a few. Be aware that many of these symptoms can have other causes, so be sure to visit your physician for pregnancy verification.

Missed menstrual period

This is the most obvious pregnancy symptom, yet it is important to remember that a missed period can also be caused by other factors including a change in diet or exercise, sickness, medications, and stress.

Tender, swollen breasts

Sensitive, sore breasts are caused by your body's hormone levels increasing. This soreness may mimic the soreness you feel right before your period--but worse.

Frequent urination

During pregnancy, the amount of fluids in your body increases. Your kidneys then have to process this additional fluid which results in your bladder filling more frequently than normal.

Extreme fatigue

Extreme tiredness during early pregnancy may be caused by rapid increases in hormone levels.

Spotting

Another symptom of early pregnancy is spotting or implantation bleeding (sometimes referred to as early pregnancy bleeding). This light vaginal bleeding lasts just a day or two (in contrast with the duration of a normal period) and typically takes place around 12 days after conception. If this spotting is accompanied by pain, please be sure to see your physician immediately as it may be a sign of ectopic pregnancy.

Morning sickness

For most women, morning sickness (nausea/vomiting) takes place around a month after conception. Pregnancy related nausea can actually take place at any time during the day or night. It can vary from an occasional queasiness to overwhelming nausea & vomiting.

Abdominal bloating

Changes in hormones during early pregnancy may make you feel bloated, even before you've begun gaining much weight.

Increased sensitivity to oders

Certain foods or smells you used to like may become completely repulsive to you.

High basal temperature

If your basal temperature remains high for 18 days, then you are probably pregnant.

Other pregnancy symptoms

Other symptoms may include having frequent headaches, feeling faint, experiencing constipation, and heartburn.