According to the National Institutes of Health, a normal pregnancy begins at the onset of your last menstrual period and concludes with a healthy delivery. Missing one or more periods is the traditional indicator of pregnancy, although there are a variety of symptoms. Be aware most signs of pregnancy can also indicate other conditions, so see your gynecologist if you think you may be expecting.
Minor Spotting and Cramps
A minimal amount of vaginal bleeding or spotting is often the first sign you are pregnant, according to AmericanPregnancy.org. The bleeding, which is lighter in color than menstrual discharge, begins as early as 10 days following fertilization, when the egg attaches to the lining of your uterus. Cramps are also common at this time.
Cravings
Hormone changes are at their most dramatic during the beginning of a pregnancy, reports the Mayo Clinic. These changes cause intense cravings for some foods, such as pickles and ice cream, and dislike for others, such as fried foods.
Queasiness or Sickness
You may notice queasiness during the day or night as soon as two weeks following conception. The sickness results primarily from escalating levels of estrogen that cause your stomach to empty at a slower pace. A heightened sense of smell is also common, so you may need to avoid certain foods in order to reduce your risk of nausea.
Breast Discomfort
Tingly or tender breasts can indicate a pregnancy in the early weeks after conception, reports the Mayo Clinic. Your breasts may also feel as if they weigh more and are full.
Tiredness or Fatigue
Levels of the progesterone hormone begin to escalate in the first stages of pregnancy. This rise--accompanied by low blood sugar levels and low blood pressure--results in feelings of sleepiness.
Mood Swings
Your first trimester is often characterized by dramatic mood swings, according to the National Institutes of Health. Hormones flooding your body may also trigger crying spells and periods of intense emotion.
Dizziness
Low blood sugar in the early stages of your pregnancy can cause you to faint. A decrease in blood pressure and the dilation of your blood vessels can also result in feelings of dizziness.
Accelerated Basal Body Temperature
The Mayo Clinic reports that your basal body temperature--or your oral temperature when you wake up each morning--rises slightly after ovulation. This rise will become normal until your pregnancy reaches its conclusion and you begin another menstrual cycle. If you track your basal body temperature to know when you are ovulating and notice the temperature has been high for two weeks, this could be a pregnancy indication.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development: Pregnancy
- American Pregnancy.org: Pregnancy Symptoms---Early Signs of Pregnancy
- The Mayo Clinic: Getting Pregnant: Symptoms of Pregnancy: What Happens Right Away
- Signs of Pregnancy.org: Early Signs of Pregnancy
