It can be extremely frustrating wondering about the possibility of being pregnant, especially before time to take a home pregnancy test. The first signs can be very obvious in some women. Others, very faint and hard to recognize, only showing a few to no symptoms. There are several signs of pregnancy to look for.
- Missing a period: This is the most easy to recognize sign of being pregnant. There are other causes for missing a period such as stress, changes in weight and hormone imbalances. After becoming pregnant there can be some spotting and this is sometimes mistaken for a period. This is what is known as the implantation of the embryo and is usually much lighter than a normal period.
- Soreness and tenderness in breast: Very often the breast will become sensitive and very sore. They can even swell a few days after conception. For others the breast might not become sore until a few weeks later. During the first 3 months of pregnancy, the first trimester, the area around the nipple will darken and blue lines will appear on the breast.
- Urgent and constant need to urinate: Just after a few weeks of becoming pregnant many woman will experience the frequent need to pee. Some woman might even think they have a bladder infection.
- Nausea: Some people refer to this as morning sickness although it can occur at any time of the day, for some not at all. This can include vomiting but not all women experience this. Morning sickness can occur as early as 2 weeks along but usually does not begin until the 6th or 8th week.
- Fatigue or Tiredness: Many woman feel extremely tired or sleepy during the first trimester.
- Heighten Senses: Heightened smell and taste are something many woman will notice but not always. She might even start having food cravings in the early months.
Although not all woman experience symptoms, these are the most common. When a woman suspects she is pregnant it is a good idea to take home test about a week after missing a period. Although many test say as early as the first missed day a test will give more accurate results several days after. If a test reads negative and she thinks it is a false negative she should schedule an appointment with her doctor for a blood test. This test is considered 100% accurate a week after becoming pregnant.
