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Early Signs of Pregnancy
It isn't difficult to spot the early signs of pregnancy when you know what to look for. Every pregnancy is different, even for the same woman, but nevertheless, certain signs, especially two or three of the following together, can be a strong indication that you've conceived. A urine test is most reliable from two weeks after a missed period, although a positive result may show up after just a few days, but before even this stage you may notice other changes in your body:Tender, swollen breasts or nipples: Contrary to popular opinion, missing a period isn't always the first sign of pregnancy. Very early on you may notice that your breasts feel tender or full. This is caused by the sudden increase in the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. A missed or late period: A missed period doesn't always mean pregnancy but if you suspect you may have conceived, you can buy a urine testing kit from a pharmacy or ask for a test at your local doctor's surgery or family planning clinic. As mentioned above, although a test can be positive a few days after a missed period, a false negative result can also occur at this time. Therefore, a test taken two weeks after a missed period is the most reliable indication of whether you are pregnant or not. Tiredness or unusual fatigue: The rapid changes that pregnancy causes to your body often result in feelings of fatigue. The hormone progesterone, in particular, steps up its production considerably and this on its own can cause you to feel sleepy and lethargic. Light bleeding or spotting: When a human egg has been fertilised it implants itself into the lining of the uterus. This happens 10 to 14 days after conception and can cause very light bleeding or spotting. This is often so slight that you could easily miss it but if you know what to look for, it can be an extra early indication that you may be pregnant. Slight cramping pain: This can feel very like period pain and again, occurs very early on and so may not be especially noticeable. It's caused by the uterus expanding, causing muscle spasms. Emotional swings: Again, these may be hard to distinguish from pre-menstrual tension but the changes in your hormone levels can mean that you feel unusually emotional about things or burst into tears more easily than usual. Morning sickness: Nausea, with or without actual vomiting, can occur not just in the mornings but at any time of day. It's some way down our list of early pregnancy symptoms here because most women don't experience it until weeks 4 to 8 onwards. However, a few women experience morning sickness from as early as the second week after conception. Running to the bathroom!: For most women, this symptom makes itself increasingly felt during the first three months onwards, as the growing uterus presses against the bladder. For a few, however, increased visits to the bathroom can be yet another indicator. If you notice just one of these signs, it may not be significant on its own. If you have been trying for a baby for some time, it can be an emotional rollercoaster looking out for the longed-for symptoms and it's all to easy to imagine signs that aren't there. Two or three together, however, can add up to a pregnancy! However, if getting pregnant was the last thing on your agenda right now, you may try to deny the signs until they become really obvious. The problem with this denial is that the earlier you know for certain, the easier it will be to avoid health problems and make informed and balanced decisions - before your hormones become really rampant. If you should feel desperate or isolated at this time, there are many people and organisations that can offer help and advice: don't nurse your problems to yourself but seek help. In many parts of the world it is hard to get objective advice about unwanted pregnancy but a good place to start could be the Marie Stopes International website, which has world maps and different types of services depending on where you are. In the UK, try the Marie Stopes UK website.
If you are actively trying to conceive, then for more detailed information see Stages in Pregnancy For more information on pregnancy, click early,signs,pregnancy
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