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What are Some Signs of Pregnancy?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,778
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Early signs of pregnancy really vary, so it may not always be difficult to tell if you are pregnant or not based solely on a missed period or a suspicion that you might be. Many women don’t realize they are pregnant at first, and may not realize for quite a while if they have irregular periods or simply don’t keep track of their cycles. Degree to which you notice signs of pregnancy may depend on if you suspect that you are pregnant, and exactly which symptoms emerge or are felt to a noticeable degree.

Of course a missed period may mark one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, but again, not all people miss their period. To confuse matters, about six to twelve days after a woman becomes pregnant, she may have something called implantation bleeding. This may look like an unusually light period and can be accompanied by some cramping. This symptom can account for why so many women don’t realize they’re pregnant for a couple of months.

Another sign that can accompany early pregnancy is tender and swollen breasts. Again, there are a number of women who would interpret this as a premenstrual rather than a pregnancy sign. A clearer indication may be darkening of the areolas, which is the skin around the nipples. Female genitalia may also look darker in color than usual.

Other early signs of pregnancy include nausea, though not all women suffer morning sickness, cravings for food, or feeling tired or dizzy. Unfortunately these may all indicate other things like coming down with the flu, or simply being hungry. Early cravings for food aren’t that unusual, though women with nausea may find that many foods are actually repellent, or that some strong tasting or very aromatic foods taste or smell different.

Frequent urination may be one of the signs of early pregnancy, but it can also indicate bladder infection. Some additional signs can include backaches, headaches, and mood changes. Especially in the early stages of a pregnancy you may experience all or none of these symptoms. It’s a good idea to take any early signs of pregnancy you may be experiencing as a potential indication of pregnancy and at least perform a pregnancy test at home, especially if it has been about four weeks since your last period. Pregnancy tests are increasingly more accurate, and studies do show than early prenatal care can have significant benefits for you and your new baby.

If you’re unsure, a doctor or clinic can also perform pregnancy tests, and can do so earlier with blood tests. More than any other signs of pregnancy, a positive blood or urine test is the best first indicator. If you appear to be experiencing many of these symptoms and do not have a positive test, you should consider checking with your doctor to rule out other health conditions.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

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Discussion Comments
By ElizaBennett — On May 18, 2011

@robbie21 - That works, but I started to save a lot of money on pregnancy tests when I started doing the Fertility Awareness Method. From taking my temperature every day, I knew exactly when my period was due and didn't have to obsess about whether it was too early to test, etc. And when I finally did get pregnant with my son, I knew his exact due date because I knew when I ovulated. I recommend it to everyone, whether you're trying to conceive or trying not to.

By robbie21 — On May 18, 2011

It's so easy to obsess over every little thing. I know I've had times where I think, "I feel a little queasy today--could I be pregnant?" But remember that it's hormone levels that cause symptoms, so if your pregnancy test is negative, whatever symptoms you're feeling are caused by something else. If you find yourself worrying about (or hoping for) pregnancy every month, just buy cheap three-packs of pregnancy tests and repeat as often as necessary!

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
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