There are a few common symptoms that let you know that you are pregnant.
- Missed period - If you have a regular 28/29 day cycle, then being late or missing a period is a pretty good sign that you may be pregnant however there are other factors that can delay periods see Could I be pregnant? so its usually better to look for more than one sign of pregnancy than just delayed period. If you have a more irregular cycle, or have just come off the Pill or other hormonal contraception, then a late period may NOT be an indication that you are pregnant.
- Nausea or morning sickness - can occur not just in the morning but all day long. It can be as severe as throwing up or just feeling off your food. Alot of women find that their sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy, and smelling food cooking can make you feel sick. You may also find that you are absolutely starving but the thought of actually eating food is revolting or alternatively finding something that you feel like eating is very difficult.
Nausea or morning sickness generally wears off at the 12 /13 week point. Not all women feel nauseous and different prganancies can produce different symptoms.
- Frequent urination - the desire to pee frequently is a pretty good sign of pregnancy and can start very early.
- Sore Breasts - are another sign of pregnancy but some women experience sore breasts before bleeding. Increase in breast size, soreness and the darkening of the nipple area are key.
- Fatigue - it takes ALOT of energy to grow a baby, so you may feel really tired during pregnancy. Take it as a hint and rest up, cause once that beautiful baby arrives regular sleep can be a thing of the past for quite some time.
- Mood Swings and raging hormones - the sudden changes in hormone activity as your body adjusts to its new pregnant state can cause emotionality and mood swings. Again this can be pre-menstrual, but if it continues and your period just doesn't come, then it could be a sign.
- Spotting - A woman may spot (lightly bleed) 9-10 days after fertilisation. It is not a normal period and it is perfectly normal. However, once it is done and you are confident you are pregnant, you should not spot anymore. If you do bleed at all during pregnancy see your doctor.
So these are the most common signs of pregnancy, some of them can be confused with PMS so the more you have the better. If you think you may be pregnant, take a home pregnancy test or see your doctor and find out for sure. Then, take good care of yourself.
Written by Nadia MacLeod