Pregnancy is a time of great change in a woman's body, largely due to skyrocketing hormone levels. These hormones cause different symptoms in different women, but there are certain signs that occur to varying degrees in almost every pregnancy. If you have one or more of the following signs, you very well may have a bun in the oven.
Missed Period
The first sign that usually drives women to the drug store for a home pregnancy test is a missed menstrual period. If an embryo has implanted in the uterus, menstruation usually ceases. While many home pregnancy tests tout accuracy rates of 99 percent, a study published in 2004 in the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" found that levels of the hormone measured by the tests vary considerably in the first few days after a missed period. The study recommended that the test be taken at least a week after a missed period in order to reach the 99 percent accuracy rate.
Nausea
Another common symptom of pregnancy is nausea, that queasy, stomach churning feeling that may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Commonly referred to as morning sickness, nausea often occurs early in the day but may actually crop up anytime during the day or night or last all day. Rising levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and estrogen cause the nausea. Nausea can begin as early as the second week of pregnancy. You can combat the nausea by eating simple foods such as crackers that do not have a strong taste or smell.
Tiredness
Mild tiredness or sheer exhaustion may strike at various times during pregnancy, starting as early as two weeks into the pregnancy. According to the MayoClinic, rising levels of the hormone progesterone and lower blood pressure levels and blood sugar combine in the early weeks of pregnancy, draining energy. Drinking small amounts of caffeine, chewing mint-flavored gum, or going for a brisk walk can help increase your energy levels.
Sore Breasts
Starting as early as one to two weeks after conception, many pregnant women experience changes in their breasts. Hormones cause the breasts to swell and become uncomfortable and tender. Wearing a well-fitting, supportive bra can help.
Food Cravings and Aversions
"Sweetie, could you please pick up some pickles and ice cream on the way home?" This combination may be your poison while pregnant, or possibly some other food not usually a part of your diet. Other pregnant women simply become more ravenous for their usual go-to treats, such as chocolate. BabyCenter.com reports that about half of all women crave at least one food during pregnancy, particularly sweets, and this starts around two to three weeks after conception.
