What are pregnancy signs and symptoms?
Not all women have typical early pregnancy symptoms. In fact, only about 1 in 2 pregnant women have these symptoms, and there is nothing wrong if you are pregnant and have no symptoms at all at first. Like most things in pregnancy, signs and symptoms are not the same for all women, and they are different from one pregnancy to the next. After all, every woman is different as are her experiences of pregnancy. Typical pregnancy symptoms are often not diagnosed because they may overlap with menstruation issues. We list some of the most common early symptoms of pregnancy here but it is important to realize that many of these symptoms may be caused by other things besides being pregnant. So keep in mind that the fact that you notice some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you are pregnant.
The only way to tell for sure that they are related to pregnancy is to do a pregnancy test. Some women experience them within a week after ovulation, fertilization and conception. In other women, they may develop much later, well after a missed period and/or positive pregnancy test. As stated earlier, other women may never have any symptoms at all. The most significant sign of a pregnancy is a late or missed menstrual period, but the only definitive diagnosis is a positive pregnancy test. Early pregnancy symptoms and signs typically include nausea, breast tenderness, fatigue, mood swings, light bleeding, implantation bleeding, and a missed period but there are so many others. Read on to learn all about pregnancy symptoms and signs.
Metal Taste in Mouth
I have a metal taste in my mouth. Could this mean I'm pregnant?
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Could I Be Pregnant with These Symptoms?
The "Could I be Pregnant with these Symptoms?" question comes in many different forms and shades. The best possible answer which applies to most if not all of these questions is:
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Early pregnancy symptoms No. 2
These are pregnancy symptoms as described by BabyMed members.
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I have pregnancy symptoms or sign. Could I be pregnant?
I am having no pregnancy symptoms and no pregnancy signs. Could I still be pregnant?
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Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Shortness of breath is common during pregnancy, but there are ways that
you can work to ease the feeling of exhaustion.
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Missing the Pill Once
Implantation bleeding is typically just a couple of drops. If you just
missed one day of birth control pills, and especially if you are
bleeding now like a regular period on time, chances are that you are not
pregnant,
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Early Pregnancy Symptoms of BabyMed Members No. 3
Early pregnancy symptoms as described by BabyMed members in 2007.
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Exhaustion, Postpartum
The baby has finally arrived and it feels like that boost of nesting energy left too quickly. Many moms feel postpartum exhaustion and simply need a bit of time to rest-up while her body is changing, yet again, and trying to return to normal.
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Tingling Hands (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
Carpal tunnel is an injury associated with overuse of your hands, the symptoms of which are tingling and pain. During pregnancy, these symptoms are not associated with overuse, but fluid retention and swelling.
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Energy, Increased
Some women experience extra energy during pregnancy that is oftencalled the 'nesting instinct'. Nesting often occurs closer to the end of pregnancy, but is not uncommon for the duration of gestation.
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Breasts, Leaky (Postpartum)
When nursing, women often have to deal with leaky breasts. Milk dripping or spraying from the breasts can be uncomfortable and messy.
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Sciatica - Pregnancy Symptom
Sciatica refers to the pain one experiences along the sciatic nerve. The
longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve runs down your spin, over
you hips and buttocks, and down your legs.
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Visible Abdominal Vein
The visible vein in your abdomen is due to the fact that an increased blood supply is necessary to move nutrients, vitamins, and life sustaining oxygen back and forth between you and your baby.
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Varicose Veins and Pregnancy
The increased demand on the body during pregnancy requires additional blood, which results in an increased volume. This increase in blood volume can cause additional pressure on blood vessels leading to varicose veins.
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Gums, Bleeding and Sore
In the mouth, swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy are just a
side-effect of higher hormone levels that nearly every pregnant woman
must suffer with.
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Appetite, Increased
During pregnancy time, a woman's body will need additional calories, not just to
help the baby grow, but to keep her healthy as well. As caloric needs
increase, hunger may increase as well.
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Forgetfulness
Pregnancy induced forgetfulness is a common part of having a baby. It is not uncommon, however, for women to forget things that seem imprinted on the brain like their own cell phone number or home address.
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Nipples Sore/Cracked, Postpartum
After giving birth, you are looking forward to healing and living your life as a new mother. Breastfeeding is a crucial part of the growing connection between you and your baby but dry, cracked nipples are a common part of the breastfeeding process.
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Migraines
Headaches and migraines are completely different creatures of pain. Migraines cause extreme head pains and can leave moms-to-be writhing in the dark. While hormones are thought to be part of the cause, there are other causes for migraines as well.
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Metallic Taste (Dysgeusia) During Pregnancy
Hormone changes affect a woman's sense of smell, so why would the sense of taste not be affected as well? Estrogen fluctuates widely during pregnancy, which could mean a nasty metallic taste in the mouth, also known as dysgeusia.
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Symphysis Pubic Dysfunction
Relaxin is the hormone responsible for the weird feelings and pain associated with symphysis pubic dysfunction. Relaxin works to loosen ligaments and joints in preparation for giving birth.
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Chloasma, The Pregnancy Mask
During pregnancy a mask of discoloration, chloasma, on the face that can occur. But chloasma, or the pregnancy mask, is just a natural part of pregnancy.
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Flatulence and Gas
Though flatulence doesn't fall under the umbrella of "beautiful aspects" it is a common symptom during pregnancy.
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Snoring
During pregnancy, women tend to experience nasal congestion and stuffiness that can increase the chances of snoring and sleep apnea. Weight gain, especially excess weight gain, can also attribute to an increase in snoring.
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Breasts, Leaky (Colostrum)
When the final stages of pregnancy grow near, hormones are released that activate milk glands to begin production. At first the milk produced is thick and full of protein for easy digestion by the baby. This milk is called colostrum.
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Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which you may feel the need to constantly move your legs and/or you have unpleasant sensations in them. RLS is uncomfortable, but relatively harmless.
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Feet, Increased Size
Tummy, breasts and feet all grow during pregnancy. While the first two are expected, women are often surprised when their favorite shoes no longer fits.
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Protruding Navel
Protruding belly buttons are not linked to labor, but they are linked to
the growing baby. As space grows tight your baby will push organs,
fluid, and the belly button out of its way in order to stretch, grow and
thrive.
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Fecal Incontinence, Postpartum
Having a baby often causes a woman to lose control of her bodily functions. Fecal incontinence, or inability to control bowel movements and gas, may be common during and after, but that does not make it any less embarrassing.
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Pelvic Girdle Pain
The pelvic girdle is made up of the pelvis and lower back bones, joints and muscles. With a growing baby in your abdomen there is little doubt that you will, at some point during the pregnancy, experience pain in the pelvic girdle. Unlike most pregnancy pains, pelvic girdle pain is not necessarily associated with hormonal increases.
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Sweating Postpartum
After giving birth, the same hormones that helped you retain fluids throughout your pregnancy, help you get rid of a all that extra fluid by any means such as sweating and urinating.
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Saliva, Excess
Excess saliva is one of the many of symptoms of pregnancy. Excess saliva can be nauseating and even increase morning sickness.
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Rupture of Membranes (amniorrhexis)
You may think you have wet yourself, but in fact the membrane of your amniotic sac has ruptured, an indication that your baby is on the way -- right now!
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Swollen Legs, Ankles and Feet During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Swollen legs, ankles, and feet during pregnancy and the postpartum/postbirth period can be normal or a sign of more serious problems such as a blood clot in your leg.
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Clumsiness And Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women often have trouble keeping their balance. Slipping, tripping and generally having trouble walking from one place to the next can be an inconvenient side effect of pregnancy, but one that nearly every pregnant woman must deal with.
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Morning Sickness
Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting can be among the first pregnancy symptoms and signs beginning around 4 weeks to 6 weeks gestation.
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Braxton Hicks Contractions And False Labor
Braxton Hicks contractions aka false labor pains are the body's way of preparing for birth. For new moms and seasoned mothers-to-be alike, it can be difficult to know if labor is beginning or not.
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Cervical Mucus Changes
Cervical mucus changes are common throughout the natural menstrual cycle that women experience each month.
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Mucus Plug and the Bloody Show
A "bloody show" occurs when the cervix dilates in preparation for labor, and the cervical mucus plug loosens and washes out of the body, resulting in a "bloody show".
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Thick Creamy White Discharge, or Milky White Vaginal Discharge
A thick creamy milky white vaginal discharge is normal and could be the first pregnancy sign and symptom.
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Vaginal Bleeding and Spotting
Vaginal bleeding will look just like a normal menstrual period with bright, fresh blood or large amounts of old blood. Spotting may be mixed with other fluids and appear light and sporadic.
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Pelvic Pressure In Pregnancy: Causes And Treatment
Your baby's growth is consistent over the 40 weeks of pregnancy, but you may not notice any pelvic discomfort or pressure until well into the third trimester.
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Breast Changes and Pain
Women often complain about breast tenderness and pain. In the beginning, the pain can be attributed to the sudden increase in progesterone and estrogen. As the pregnancy reaches later stages, milk production and the activation of milk ducts can be to blame.
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Nasal Congestion and Nosebleeds During Pregnancy
Blood volume increases during pregnancy, and this increase in can cause swelling of nasal tissues, congestion and pain.
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Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
Hemorrhoids affect between 20 and 50% of pregnant women. Here's how to cope.
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Faintness and Dizziness During Pregnancy
Feeling faint during pregnancy is common and could be the body's way of saying, 'I'm too hot!' or it could just be a natural reaction to growing a baby inside.
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Implantation Bleeding or Period: Am I Pregnant or About to Start My Period?
If you have spotting and think it might be implantation bleeding you may pay very close attention to your body. However, a pregnancy test will rarely be positive at the time of implantation bleeding.
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NSAID Medications Increase Miscarriage Risk
Women who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) around conception are more likely to suffer a miscarriage than women who did not take the drugs.
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Hair Loss and Pregnancy
Pregnancy is one of the few times in life when hair growth is sustained
for around nine months. Normal hair growth cycles follow a 90/10 ratio.
About 90% of the hair follicles are in the growing state at any given
time.
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PMS is Associated with Early Pregnancy Symptoms
Researchers from the Institute for Clinical Psychology and
Psychotherapy in Dresden, Germany recently published a report on the
parallel between premenstrual symptoms (also known as premenstrual
syndrome or PMS) and pregnancy symptoms.
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