Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Thinking that you might be pregnant? The physical signs vary from woman to woman--and pregnancy to pregnancy. However, there are a few common symptoms that indicate you might be pregnant:

Missed Period: This is, by far, the most common sign that you might be pregnant. (Almost every pregnant woman stops menstruating during her pregnancy.) But it's not just missed periods that can be a sign of pregnancy. Any irregularity--such as light spotting or an extremely short period--also suggests that you might be pregnant.

Sickness And Nausea: Not every woman experiences "morning sickness," so this is not a reliable indicator of pregnancy. However, some women do feel nauseous during the first trimester. Generally speaking, this feeling of illness or tummy upset can get worse in the morning, around certain foods, or in the presence of certain scents.

Fatigue: Along with "morning sickness," many women experience unusual fatigue. They'll lack their usual energy and will simply feel more tired throughout the day.

Breast Changes: Again, this is not experienced by every woman in the very early stages of pregnancy. But some pregnant ladies notice changes in their breasts at the very beginning. Breasts may become sore or tender, enlarged or the areolas may even darken in color.

Water Retention: Some women notice more bloating and water retention during the early stages of their pregnancy. This can mimic PMS symptoms, causing many women to believe their period is imminent.

Frequent Urination: If your liquid consumption hasn't significantly increased, but you feel the urge to urinate more often, you may be pregnant. Reasons for this vary, but one is that your uterus is growing and it squeezes your bladder.

Other: Pregnancies are very personal, and women experience a wide range of symptoms. Some of them are less common than others. Other signs of pregnancy include dizziness, bright yellow urine, backaches, headaches, food cravings, food aversions, irritability, heartburn, constipation, and nasal congestion.