First Signs of Pregnancy

When you ask some mothers-to-be about the first moment they discovered they were pregnant, they'll say, "I just knew." However, for many mothers, this intuitive sense of pregnancy is only a myth! Thankfully, the body does chance with the addition of the tiny embryo, and if you know what they are, it can be easy to spot the first signs of pregnancy. Here are a few signs that you have a little one on the way:

Lack of Menstruation: The first thing that tips of most women is the skipped period. It is important to remember, though, that cramping and light spotting may still occur during the first month. You may also suspect pregnancy if you experience bleeding mid-month. This is known as implantation bleeding and usually happens about two weeks after fertilization takes place. This usually looks quite different than normal menstruation, and is most often gone quickly.

Morning Sickness: Nausea is the other traditional sign of pregnancy. Like the name implies, many newly pregnant women experience illness in the morning, but this nausea can happen any time of the day. Morning sickness occurs as early as two weeks after conception and, for some unlucky women, lasts during the entire pregnancy. As one of the first signs of pregnancy, this sickness happens because the body is not used to the higher level of estrogen and because the sense of smell is heightened.

Fatigue and Mood Swings: Pregnancy causes drastic hormonal changes in the body, and this in turn causes mood swings and fatigue. You may or may not experience this, as every person reacts differently and shows different first signs of pregnancy.

Headaches and Dizziness: When you're pregnant, the flow of blood is quite different. Blood flows to the most important parts of the body, so your brain may receive less in order to provide more to the baby. This can cause headaches or dizziness. Again, every person reacts differently.

Tenderness of the Breasts: Many women say that one of the first signs of pregnancy is the tenderness of their breasts. Your hormones swing drastically to accommodate the baby, which can cause your breasts to swell and feel tender. They may also feel heavier and, as the pregnancy draws on, will begin to grow.

Raised Temperature: When speaking about the first signs of pregnancy, it is important to note that one of the most common is a raised body temperature. Don't be worried if you are running a fever unless that fever is higher that a few degrees or your otherwise feel ill. The body is simply attempting to provide a warm, welcoming home for the fetus growing inside of you.

No one expects you to "just know" that you are pregnant. Therefore, pregnancy tests are readily available and often serve as one of the first signs of pregnancy. If you choose to have unprotected sex, keep your eyes open for these signs so that you can see a doctor as soon as possible.