Signs of early pregnancy vary greatly for each woman. Some women may show several signs of pregnancy, while other moms-to-be show very few, if any, physical signs. The symptoms may also be attributed to lifestyle and body changes and do not confirm pregnancy. The best way to confirm if a woman is pregnant is through a blood pregnancy test.
Amenorrhea
Missing a period is one sign a woman may be pregnant. Increased hormone levels prevent the uterus from shedding its lining. However, some women continue to have a period or spotting even when pregnant. Missing a period can also be caused by other factors include certain medications, weight loss or gain, physical exercise and breast feeding.
Morning Sickness
Many women experience morning sickness during the first few weeks of pregnancy. The feeling of nausea and wanting to vomit is strong in the morning hours. Many pregnant women are overly sensitive to specific aromas and smells. According to The University of Maryland Medical Center, the increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body may cause nausea. Uterine growth, increased stomach acids and enhanced smell capabilities also may be the cause for morning sickness. Nausea can also be caused by food poisoning, infection and motion sickness.
Breast Tenderness
Because the body's level of progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy, the breasts swell and become sensitive to touch. Tenderness may begin a few days after conception. Some women may experience milky discharge, though breast discharge is more common in later stages of pregnancy. Breast tenderness is also caused by taking some forms of birth control, menstruation and fibrocystic breast condition.
Darkening of the Areolas
The skin around the nipples, the areolas, will continue to darken as the breasts prepare to hold milk. The skin may also become dark when a woman tans, experiences hormone changes or the onset of puberty.
Cravings
A woman may have very strong cravings for specific types and flavors of food. Cravings are caused by the changes in hormones in a woman's body. Other causes for cravings include beginning menstruation, diet and stress.
