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So advanced it's easy. 1 800 321 Easy
Understanding Your Pregnancy SymptomsYou may experience certain physical signs and symptoms that may indicate that you are pregnant as early as within a week of conception.
Other early signs may emerge over the first few weeks. That said, pregnancies
differ between women and even from pregnancy to pregnancy. The most common sign
is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. Please note, however, that before you
assume that the presence of any of the following signs indicates that you are
pregnant, there may be causes related to something other than pregnancy. Implantation BleedingIf you experience spotting or cramping between
periods, this may be an indication that implantation of your embryo into the
uterine wall has occurred. This light bleeding can be one of the earliest
pregnancy symptoms, taking place bout 6-12 days after
conception. Other Explanations: Spotting and cramping can be attributed to non-pregnancy causes, however. Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pill, infection, or abrasion from intercourse may all mimic implantation bleeding. Therefore, this sign can not be in any way considered to be conclusive. Delay/Difference in MenstruationIf you have skipped or experienced a delay in your
anticipated menstruation period, this may be an indication that you are
pregnant. However, many women can experience some breakthrough bleeding while
they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period. Other Explanations: Delayed or skipped periods can be
caused by excessive weight gain/loss, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension,
stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast-feeding. If you have
been sexually active and have missed a period, the American Pregnancy
Association
recommends that you take a test to be certain. Swollen/Tender BreastsIf you have swollen or tender breasts or notice
changes of any kind in your breasts, this may be a sign of pregnancy that can be
experienced as early as 1-2 weeks after conception. There are other possible
explanations, however. Other Explanations: Your breasts may become tender, swollen or experience other changes due to hormonal imbalance, birth control pills or impending menstruation (PMS), among other causes. Therefore, changes in your breasts, alone, are not conclusive that you are pregnant. Fatigue/TirednessIf you feel fatigued or more tired than usual, you may
be experiencing a pregnancy symptom. Many women report a feeling of exhaustion,
starting as early as the first week after conception. At the same time, there
are other possible explanations. Other Explanations: You may simply be stressed or overly tired due to external circumstances. You may also be depressed, or fighting off the common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling fatigued. Nausea/Morning SicknessThis well-known pregnancy symptom will often show up
between 2-8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate to not deal with
morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseous throughout most of
their pregnancy. Other Explanations: Nausea can also be caused by food poisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders. Even if it looks, acts and feels like "morning sickness", it will be important for you to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are actually pregnant. BackachesLower backaches may be a symptom that occurs early in
pregnancy; however, it is common to experience a dull backache throughout an
entire pregnancy. Other Explanations: Impending menstruation, stress, other back problems, and physical or mental strains can mimic this common sign of pregnancy. HeadachesThe sudden rise of hormones in your body can cause you
to have headaches early in pregnancy. Other Explanations: Dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, impending menstruation, eye strain, or other ailments can be the source of frequent or chronic headaches are possible causes. Frequent UrinationAround 6-8 weeks after conception, you may find
yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom. Other Explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid intake, or taking excessive diuretics can mimic this sign of pregnancy. Darkening of AreolasIf you are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may
get darker. Other Explanations: You may be experiencing hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or changes in the appearance of your areolas may be a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy. Food CravingsWhile you may not have a strong desire to eat pickles
and ice cream, many women will feel cravings for certain foods when they are
pregnant. This can last throughout your entire pregnancy.
Other Explanations: Poor diet, lack of a certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation can send you to the food cabinet. Even if it looks, acts and feels like pregnancy cravings, it will be important for you to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are actually pregnant. Adapted from "Pregnancy Symptoms" and reprinted by permission from the American Pregnancy Association |
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