Early Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy; however, one of the most significant pregnancy symptoms is a delayed or missed menstrual cycle. Understanding the signs and symptoms of pregnancy is important because of each of these maybe related to something other than pregnancy. Some women experience signs and symptoms of pregnancy within a week of conception. For other women, pregnancy symptoms may develop over a few weeks or maybe not present at all. Below is a listing of some of the most common pregnancy signs and symptoms. If you have been sexually active and experiencing any of the following, it is important to take a pregnancy test.

Implantation Bleeding:
'Implantation bleeding can be one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms. About 6 to 12 days after conception, the embryo implants itself into the uterine wall. Some women will experience spotting as well as something cramping.
Other explanations: Actual menstruation, altered menstruation, changes in birth control pills, infection, or abrassion from intercourse.

Delay/Difference in Menstruation:

A common pregnancy symptom leading a woman to test for pregnancy. When you become pregnant, your next period should be missed. Many women can bleed while they are pregnant, but typically the bleeding will be shorter or lighter than a normal period.
Other explanations: Excessive weight loss/gain, fatigue, hormonal problems, tension, stress, ceasing to take the birth control pill, or breast feeding.

Backaches:
Lower 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.

Headaches:
The 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.

Frequent Urination:
Around 6 to 8 weeks after conception, you may find yourself making a few extra trips to the bathroom.
Other explanations: Urinary tract infection, diabetes, increasing liquid, ortaking excessive diuretics.

Food Cravings:
Whiile 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 entore pregnancy.
Other explanations: Poor diet, lack of certain nutrient, stress, depression, or impending menstruation.

Swollen/Tender Breasts:
Swollen or tender breasts is a pregnancy symptom, which may begin as early as 1 to 2 weeks after conception. Women may notice changes in their breasts; they maybe tender to the touch, sore, or swollen.
Other explanations: Hormonal imbalance, birth control pills, impending menstruation can also cause your breasts to be swolen or tender.

Fatigue/ Tiredness:
Feeling fatigue or more tired is a pregnancy symptom, which acan also start as early as the first week after conception.
Other explanations: Stress, exhaustion, depression, common cold or flu, or other illnesses can also leave you feeling tired or fatigued.

Nausea/ Morning Sickness:
This well known pregnancy symptom will odten show up between 2 to 8 weeks after conception. Some women are fortunate not to deal with morning sickness at all, while others will feel nauseated throughout most of their pregnancy.
Other explanations: Food posoisoning, stress, or other stomach disorders can also cause you to feel queasy.

Darkening of Areolas:
If yoyu are pregnant, the skin around your nipples may get darker.
Other explanations: Hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy or maybe a leftover effect from a previous pregnancy.

How Does a Woman Becomes Pregnant?

Pregnancy occurs when an egg is fertilized by a sperm, grows inside a woman's uterus, and develops into a baby. In humans, this process is takes place about 280 days or 40 weeks.

The Doctor will use certain terms in discussing a woman's pregnancy. Some of the following definitions are useful:

•  Intra-uterine pregnancy: A normal pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg is implanted in the uterus and as embryo grows.
• Embryo: The term used for the developing  fertilized egg during the first 12 weeks of gestation.
• Fetus: The term used for the developing embryo after 12 weeks of gestation.
• Beta Human Chorionic Gonadotropin: This hormone is secreted by the placenta and can be measured to determine the presence and progression of the pregnancy. Urine or blood can be tested for its presence, and it is the hormone measured by a home pregnancy test. A positive result means a woman is pregnant; however, this test result can stay positive for several weeks after delivering a baby or after a miscarriage.
• Trimester: The length of time of a pregnancy is divided into 3 sections called trimesters (about 3 months each). Each trimester has particular events and developmental markers. For instance, the first trimester builds the foundation of the different organ systems.
• Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD): To estimate your delivery date, add 7 days to the date of your last normal menstrual period and count back 3 months. Ex, if your last menstrual period was june 1, 2010, your EDD will be on March 8, 2011.

Moms To Be

Congratulations! You are now embarking on the greatest journey a woman will ever take - your pregnancy!
We know that the next 9 months will be full of excitement and expectation for you. We want to support you evry step of the way, that is why we are giving you this helpful guide.

Here you will find mopre information about what is happening to your body and your growing baby, as well as suggestions on how to prepare for a healhty pregnancy and childbirth.

Here is to a healthy and happy beginning of the greatest journey you will ever take!