Several earlier signs of pregnancy can help women determine if they need to take a urine or blood pregnancy test. This can prompt women to get earlier prenatal care, which can protect the health of mothers and babies throughout the entire pregnancy process. Several lifestyle changes can help manage these pregnancy chances so that they are tolerable.
Missed Menstrual Period
Missing a menstrual period is often one of the very first signs of pregnancy. However, other signs of pregnancy can appear before a missed menstrual period depending on the date of conception. Missing a menstrual period can also be a symptom of other medical conditions, so it is not always the most reliable indicator of pregnancy. When a missed menstrual period does occur as a result of pregnancy, the pregnant woman will not have another period for the duration of the entire pregnancy.
Breast Tenderness and Swelling
According to California State University, Long Beach, breast tenderness and swelling can occur as early as one to two weeks after fetal conception. Breast tenderness is defined as soreness or sensitivity of the breasts. Tenderness can also cause tingling of the nipples, particularly when a woman is in a cold environment. Breast swelling is caused by the rapid increase in hormones that occurs after conception. Avoiding caffeine and high-sodium foods can relieve some of the swelling and reduce discomfort, if breast tenderness and swelling is pregnancy related.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy. According to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, about half of all pregnant women experience nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy. This is sometimes accompanied by vomiting, but nausea and vomiting do not always occur together. Morning sickness can occur at any time, but the symptoms are usually worse in the morning. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates may ease the severity of morning sickness, especially when a woman eats small meals several times each day.
Fatigue
According to the March of Dimes, fatigue can occur early during pregnancy because the body produces more progesterone, which causes tiredness and sleepiness. It is important for pregnant women to get enough sleep each night to prevent fatigue during the day. Taking short naps during the day can help a woman get more rest so that her health is not put at risk by excessive fatigue. Eating a healthful diet that is rich in protein and other nutrients can also help combat pregnancy-induced fatigue.
Food Cravings
Food cravings can start early and continue throughout an entire pregnancy. These food cravings are not usually harmful, unless a pregnant woman is not getting enough nutritious meals and snacks. Supplement balanced meals with snacks that contain small amounts of protein and fat. These foods can sustain energy levels over a period of time, unlike carbohydrate-laden snacks that can cause a temporary spike in energy, followed by a period of fatigue and sluggishness.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination can occur six to eight weeks after conception. This early sign of pregnancy occurs because, as the developing fetus grows larger, the uterus expands. Because of how close the uterus is to the bladder, the enlarged uterus can put pressure on the bladder, causing the need to urinate more frequently. When frequent urination is a problem, avoid drinking large amounts of liquid at one time. Instead, drink small amounts of liquid throughout the day.
