The key signs for pregnancy are a missed period, sore and tender breasts, and heartburn, which usually comes later. I would say you definitely have the symptoms of pregnancy if you are experiencing any one of these. A scheduled visit to your physician is in order. Many women buy the "over the counter" tests, but I find a visit to your personal doctor will relieve you of all doubt and you will know definitely before you leave the office in most cases. Sometimes these over the counter products can give you a negative reading when you really are pregnant.
Some other signs you should look for is an increased discharge in you panties. This is a natural occurrence as the vagina starts preparing itself for birth. This is due to changing hormones and increased blood circulation. The discharge should not have an odor. If it does, contact your physician as this may be some type of infection you need medication for. If this is happening, just wear a panty liner. In the beginning it may be a bit uncomfortable but you should never douche or wear a tampon. To do this may introduce bacteria that could cause additional problems.
For every woman the signs are different. While some spend the morning vomiting their guts out others go from day to day with absolutely no symptoms. The only symptoms I had was a missed period and breast tenderness. With my second child I was on the pill and continued to take the pill for three months before I was told I was pregnant. I was still getting a cycle every month. I had the flu and had severe diarrhea. They think this is when I got pregnant. The pill I was taking just was coming right back out of my system.
These are some additional symptoms you can look for.
- Implantation Bleeding: 6-12 days after conception, the egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. This can cause vaginal bleeding. Some woman experience spotting or what they call a light period. This can also cause cramping so many women mistake this as a regular period.
- Missed Menstruation: This is a missing or light menstruation for more than two months. If you missed your menstrual cycle for the first month this is a sign of pregnancy. Some woman continue to bleed lightly and mistake this for a regular period. If your cycle is lighter than usual, then you should get a pregnancy test. This light bleeding can go on for 3-4 months and a woman will think they are having a regular cycle.
- Fatigue: Many women who are otherwise active go through days where they can hardly keep their eyes open. This is just your body letting you know you need to get more rest because you are pregnant. So many women ignore this sign and think they are just overworked.
- Nausea- or Morning Sickness: You just can’t keep anything down. This will usually show up about 2-8 weeks after conception and will normally stop after the first trimester.
- Darkening of Areolas: The nipple may get darker than usual. Your breasts are preparing for the baby’s sucking.
- Food Cravings: You crave for any and all types of food. This can last throughout the entire pregnancy.
