The following are common early signs of pregnancy. However, symptoms of pregnancy are not the same for every woman. In fact, your own symptoms may actually be different from one pregnancy to another.
The pregnancy hormone HCG (human choriogonadatrophin) rises rapidly through the first trimester, then falls early in the second trimester. Morning sickness (or all day or evening sickness in some cases) seems to be linked with the rise and fall of the hormones.
Pregnancy symptoms can also vary in their intensity, frequency and duration. The following early signs and symptoms of pregnancy checklist is only a guideline.
Missed Menstrual
The first pregnancy symptom is the missing period. It is called as Amenorrhea. For a woman who has a regular menstrual period and has had unprotected sexual intercourse and if her menstrual period fails to occur on the expected date, it must be concluded that she is pregnant.
Morning sickness - It is present in 50% of cases and is more pronounced in first pregnancy. It appears following the missed period till the end of first trimester. It can be in form of nausea on rising from the bed or vomiting and loss of appetite.
Nausea and vomiting
This symptom usually shows up two to ten weeks after conception. The degree in which you feel sick varies from none to full fledged vomiting. The terminology for this nausea is "morning sickness" by can happen at any time of the day. Hormone changes in your body cause this symptom.
Tender, swollen breasts
Your breasts may provide one of the first pregnancy symptoms. As early as two weeks after conception, hormonal changes may make your breasts tender, tingly or sore. Or your breasts may feel fuller and heavier.
Unusual fatigue. You may feel tired as your body prepares to support the pregnancy. Your heart will pump faster and harder, and your pulse will quicken. To combat fatigue, rest as much as you can. Make sure you're getting enough iron and protein. Include physical activity in your daily routine, such as a brisk walk.
Frequent Trips to the Bathroom: Even before missing a period, most pregnant women report having to go to the bathroom more often. You may even have to get up during the night! This occurs after the embryo has implanted in the uterus and begins producing the pregnancy hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This hormone triggers frequent urination.
Faintness and dizziness
As your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy. Early in pregnancy, faintness may also be triggered by low blood sugar.
Darkening of areola (breast nipple)
This can be one of the first symptoms which can appear as early as one week after conception and then throughout pregnancy.
Fatigue and tiredness
Fatigue and tiredness are symptoms experienced by many women in the early stages of pregnancy. The cause of this fatigue has not been fully determined, but it is believed to be related to rising levels of the hormone progesterone. Fatigue is another symptom that may be experienced early, in the first weeks after conception.
