25 Signs of Pregnancy

During pregnancy, there are many changes that a woman can expect. While a woman may not experience all of the signs of pregnancy, it is likely that she will experience many of them.

Menstrual Changes and Vaginal Discharge

One of the most obvious signs of pregnancy is a missed period. Sometimes, a woman may mistake implantation bleeding, which occurs six to 12 days following conception, for a light period; however, implantation bleeding is a sign of pregnancy. Vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy. However, should this discharge become foul smelling or blood streaked, a trip to the doctor is warranted as these may be signs of pregnancy complications.

Increased Temperature

During ovulation, a woman will experience a slight increase in body temperature. This rise in temperature will remain past ovulation if conception occurs.

Breast Changes

Pregnancy can cause tender and swollen breasts. Additionally, the areolas may become noticeably darker.

Aches and Pains

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause some women to experience headaches, which may last the entire pregnancy. Mild lower abdominal pain, much like that of a sore muscle, is common during pregnancy. This stretching of pelvic ligaments occurs when the ligaments that support the uterus begin to stretch to accommodate the pregnancy. As the center of gravity changes to accommodate the pregnancy, backaches may become a problem.

Fatigue

Starting as early as one week following conception, extreme fatigue may be present. This fatigue is the result of increased energy used for the placenta and fetus to grow.

Water Retention and Increased Need to Urinate

Water retention may cause a pregnant woman to feel bloated. Eating salty foods may increase this sign of pregnancy. During the first and third trimesters of pregnancy, a woman will usually make more trips to the bathroom. In the first trimester, increased urination is the result of increased hormones. During the third trimester, increased urination is because of pressure on the bladder caused by the baby dropping.

Nausea, Vomiting, Cravings and Aversions

Nausea and vomiting, which are also known as morning sickness, are common beginning in the sixth to eighth week of pregnancy. Pregnancy also causes women to crave certain foods; however, food aversions are also common. A food aversion occurs when you dislike foods you usually like. Some pregnant women experience a condition known as pica, which requires medical attention. This is craving non-food items such as dirt, clay or starch.

Fetal Movements

Sometime around 20 weeks into the pregnancy, a woman will begin to feel fetal movements. These are light fluttering sensations that can feel like butterflies in the stomach.

Clinical Signs

When a woman becomes pregnant, her body begins to manufacture human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). There are urine tests and blood tests that can be used to confirm the presence of this hormone. During pregnancy, the vagina and cervix will develop a bluish tint. Around nine to 10 weeks into the pregnancy, a practitioner can usually hear the baby's heart beat by using a Doppler instrument. An ultrasound or sonogram provides you with definitive proof that conception has occurred. As early as 22 days after conception, a fetal heart beat may be seen on the ultrasound.

Expanding Waist and Stretch Marks

As the baby grows, a woman may notice her waistline expanding. In the beginning of pregnancy, this expansion may be likened to bloating. Stretch marks, which are caused by the expanding of the skin, are common during pregnancy, especially on the stomach, breast and buttocks.

Acne and Saliva Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy cause some women to develop acne. This may occur on the face or body. A pregnant woman may experience excess salivation or a metallic taste in her mouth. When these signs occur, they will usually remain the entire pregnancy.

Lightheadedness, Abnormal Hair Growth and Linea Nigra

The placenta and baby require increased blood flow to the abdominal area. This takes blood away from the rest of the body, which may cause lightheadedness. A woman's hair may grow faster and thicker during pregnancy. However, this may also lead to hair growing on undesired areas, such as the face, breasts or stomach. Linea nigra is a dark line that is common during pregnancy. This line runs from the belly button down to the pubic bone.