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Difference between revisions of "Signs of Pregnancy"

 
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'''Watching for Signs of [[Pregnancy]]'''
 
'''Watching for Signs of [[Pregnancy]]'''
  
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The signs of [[pregnancy]] can be divided into three groups - possible, probable, and positive.
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[[Pregnancy]] is a time when you will focus on your body in a way you never have before. It's important to learn to read the signs of [[pregnancy]] -those that indicate [[pregnancy]], those that alert you to a problem, and those that assure you all is well.
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[[File:Pregnancy-Week-6.jpg|250px|thumb|left]]
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Your first concern will be whether or not you're pregnant. Some of these signs will appear quickly, while others take a little longer to show. Tender, swollen breasts are one of the first signs for many women, along with overwhelming fatigue and increased urination. Nausea or vomiting can show up at any time of day (though most typically in the early morning), and certain tastes and scents that never used to bother you may now be overwhelming.
  
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Possible signs of [[pregnancy]] are the first to occur, most in the first weeks. While they are associated with [[pregnancy]], they can all be caused by other factors. A missed period (amenorrhea, absence of menstruation) is the sign most commonly associated with [[pregnancy]], but it can have a number of other causes, including illness, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances. And remember that some women may have a very light period or some spotting when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. So if you suspect [[pregnancy]] but aren't sure because there was a little bleeding, best to play it safe and have a test.
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A missed period is the sign most women associate with signs of [[pregnancy]] - but if your periods are irregular or you haven't been keeping track, you might be a few weeks pregnant before you realize something is happening. Of course, all these symptoms can have other causes, so be sure to call your doctor as soon as you suspect [[pregnancy]].
  
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Morning sickness - at any time of day - is another of the typical signs of [[pregnancy]] that might be something else as well: disease, infection, or food poisoning. Tender, swollen breasts can mean [[pregnancy]] or PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Frequent urination could be from baby hormones, or could mean a urinary tract infection or diabetes. There are many other reasons why you may feel the overwhelming fatigue that often accompanies early [[pregnancy]].
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During your [[pregnancy]] your body will undergo an amazing number of changes. [[Pregnancy]] affects every [[system]], so it's not unusual to realize that suddenly your skin is breaking out, you're having a lot more gas, and your nose is constantly stuffed up. These symptoms are simply side effects of the way your body changes to create the ideal growing environment for your baby.
  
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Probable signs of [[pregnancy]] tend to appear a little later. Some, such as the softening or your uterus and cervix, may be visible only to your medical practitioner. But even this could be caused by a late period, so is not proof in itself. Enlargement of your uterus and abdomen could be due to a tumor, fibroids, or a baby. And those fluttery, butterfly-type of sensations down low in your abdomen could be fetal movements, or they could be gas.
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There are some symptoms that indicate a problem - though not always. Vaginal bleeding can be frightening, and should always be reported to your doctor. But remember that many women will experience some light bleeding or spotting when the fertilized egg is implanting into the uterine lining - a process that happens close to the time you'd expect your period. And some spotting, especially in the first trimester, is not unusual. But always check with your medical practitioner, especially if bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by pain. It could be a [[miscarriage]] or an ectopic [[pregnancy]].
  
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If you have only one or two of the possible or probable signs of [[pregnancy]], you may or may not be pregnant. If you've missed a period, are throwing up every morning, and are running to the bathroom every twenty minutes, chances are the [[Pregnancy Test|pregnancy test]] will come back positive.
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Mild aches and pains are common signs of [[pregnancy]]. Some, such as backache or leg cramps, can be strong at times. But in general, any pain - particularly abdominal or back pain - should be reported to your doctor. In [[pregnancy]], it's always better to be safe than sorry.
  
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But clinically speaking, there are just three positive signs of [[pregnancy]] that could have no other explanation. The first is visualization of the embryo or gestational sac through ultrasound. This can be done as early as four to six weeks after conception. There's also no mistaking the fetal heartbeat, which can be detected around twelve weeks. Finally, there's no other explanation for fetal movements strong enough to be felt through the abdomen. It's a sure sign that those movements will soon be seen, not simply felt!
 
  
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Back to [[Becoming Pregnant]] or [[All About Pregnancy]]
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Return to [[Pregnancy]] page.
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[[Category: Encyclopedia]]
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[[Category: Pregnancy Index]]
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[[Category: Glossary]]

Latest revision as of 22:56, 29 May 2015

Watching for Signs of Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a time when you will focus on your body in a way you never have before. It's important to learn to read the signs of pregnancy -those that indicate pregnancy, those that alert you to a problem, and those that assure you all is well.

Pregnancy-Week-6.jpg

Your first concern will be whether or not you're pregnant. Some of these signs will appear quickly, while others take a little longer to show. Tender, swollen breasts are one of the first signs for many women, along with overwhelming fatigue and increased urination. Nausea or vomiting can show up at any time of day (though most typically in the early morning), and certain tastes and scents that never used to bother you may now be overwhelming.

A missed period is the sign most women associate with signs of pregnancy - but if your periods are irregular or you haven't been keeping track, you might be a few weeks pregnant before you realize something is happening. Of course, all these symptoms can have other causes, so be sure to call your doctor as soon as you suspect pregnancy.

During your pregnancy your body will undergo an amazing number of changes. Pregnancy affects every system, so it's not unusual to realize that suddenly your skin is breaking out, you're having a lot more gas, and your nose is constantly stuffed up. These symptoms are simply side effects of the way your body changes to create the ideal growing environment for your baby.

There are some symptoms that indicate a problem - though not always. Vaginal bleeding can be frightening, and should always be reported to your doctor. But remember that many women will experience some light bleeding or spotting when the fertilized egg is implanting into the uterine lining - a process that happens close to the time you'd expect your period. And some spotting, especially in the first trimester, is not unusual. But always check with your medical practitioner, especially if bleeding becomes heavy or is accompanied by pain. It could be a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy.

Mild aches and pains are common signs of pregnancy. Some, such as backache or leg cramps, can be strong at times. But in general, any pain - particularly abdominal or back pain - should be reported to your doctor. In pregnancy, it's always better to be safe than sorry.


Return to Pregnancy page.