Am I pregnant ? This is the most common question a women can ask. The signs and symptoms of early pregnancy are easy to recognize -even more so if when this is not your first baby. You may suspect or hope that your expecting even before you miss your period. If you experience one or more of the following signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Then these early  clues  may begin in the first few weeks after conception.

 

Tender or swollen breasts or nipples

 

One of the first physical changes of pregnancy is a change in the way your breasts feel. They may feel tender or tingly or even sore. They may also feel fuller and heavier. As early as two weeks after conception your breasts start to grow and change in preparation for producing milk. The reason for this is the increased production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone that occurs and the breasts and/or nipples are often  particularly painful during a first pregnancy.

 

 

Fatigue

 

Many women feel wiped out during pregnancy,especially in the early stages. This may be natures way of persuading mums to be to take extra naps, in preparation for the sleepless nights ahead. But theres also a physical reason for fatigue. During the early weeks of pregnancy your body is working hard to keep up with the changes that occur. This means increased hormone production,as well as the fact that the heart is pumping harder and faster due to the escalation of blood flow-necessary to bring nutrients to the growing fetus. Plus progesterone is a natural central nervous system depressant, so high levels of this hormone may make you sleepy. Another reason for fatigue and unusual tiredness during early pregnancy are the emotional extremes experienced often during pregnancy. Its not uncommon for a pregnant woman to burst into tears for no apparent reason other than the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this time. This symptom is also a sign to get more sleep before your baby arrives.

 

Slight bleeding or Cramping

 

Some women experience a small amount of spotting or bleeding very early in pregnancy about 10-14 days after fertilization. Known as implantation bleeding, it happens when the fertilized egg first attaches to the lining of the uterus. This type of bleeding is usually a bit earlier,spottier and lighter on color than a usual period and doesn't last long. Many women also experience cramping very early in pregnancy as the uterus begins to enlarge. These cramps are similar to menstrual cramps.

 

Nausea with or without vomiting

 

Nausea during pregnancy can occur with or without being sick. While morning sickness is  most common between weeks four and eight during pregnancy, many women experience this symptom begining about two weeks from their date of conception. It can occur any time of day, it seems to stem from the rapidly rising levels of estrogen produced by the placenta and the fetus. These hormones cause the stomach to empty somewhat more slowly, which could be part of the problem. Pregnant women also have a heightened sence of smell, so a variety of oders-such as foods cooking, coffee,perfume or cigarette smoke-can trigger nausea.

 

Food aversions or cravings.

 

Turning up your nose at certain foods is often the first hint that your pregnant. Even the smell of some foods may cause a wave of nausea in early pregnancy. One study suggests that pregnant women experience a unique aversion to coffee in early weeks of pregnancy. Meat and dairy products and spicy foods are other common objects of repulsion. Food cravings are common too, like most other symptoms of pregnancy, these food preferences can be chalked up to hormonal changes. Pregnant  women typically find that their food tastes change somewhat, especially in the first trimester,when hormones have the strongest impact.

 

Frequent Urination

 

Many pregnant women find themselves running to the bathroom more often than usual, during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is caused by the enlargeing uterus pushing on your bladder.

 

Headaches

 

If you are pregnant, you maybe troubled by frequent, mild headaches. Early in pregnacy, headaches may be the result of increased blood circulation caused by hormonal changes.

 

Constipation

 

Constipation is another common early indication of pregnancy. An increase in progesterone cause digestion to slow down, so food passes more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to constipation.

 

 

Faintness and Dizziness

 

Its common for pregnant women to be lightheaded or dizzy. These sensations usually result from circulatory changes as your blood vessels dilate and your blood pressure drops. Earley in pregnancy, faint feeling may also be triggered by low blood suger, if you are feeling dizzy please go to your  GP.

 

Raised basal body temperature

 

Your basal body temp is your oral temp when you first wake up in the morning. This temp spikes slightly soon after ovulation and remains at that level until your next period. If you've been charting your bbt to determine when you ovulate, its continued elevation for more than two weeks may mean you're pregnant. In fact bbt stays elevated throughout your pregnancy.

 

Are you really pregnant

 

Unfortunately these signs and symptoms arn't unique to pregancy, some can indicate your about to start your period or you may be getting sick. You can be pregnant without ever experiencing  these symptoms. The best way to tell is buy a pregnancy test kit or go to your local GPs office. Also take good care of yourself. You just might be pregnant.