All the Real Signs of Pregnancy

Many signs of pregnancy, such as a missed menstrual period and morning sickness, are very common and easy to recognize. Many women, however, experience bleeding that could be mistaken for a menstrual period, and not all women develop morning sickness, so knowing all the real signs of pregnancy is helpful if you ever suspect you may be pregnant.

Absence of Menstrual Period

Probably the most recognized sign of pregnancy, a missed menstrual period is a very common sign of pregnancy. There are other reasons why someone may have a late or missing period, such as stress or changes in your weight (either gaining or losing weight can affect the menstrual cycle), so don't consider a missed period to be a definitive sign that you are pregnant.

Unusual Spotting

Implantation bleeding occurs when the embryo implants in the uterine wall. Occasionally, the woman may experience minor spotting when this occurs. Implantation spotting typically occurs at around two weeks post conception, and is frequently mistaken for a light period. If you're at all uncertain, take a pregnancy test to ensure you're receiving appropriate pre-natal care, if appropriate.

Food Aversions

Food aversions are often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy, occurring even before a missed period. Coffee and greasy foods are common culprits. Food aversion can be combined with morning sickness or occur on its own. A woman experiencing food aversion will find the sight, smell or idea of a particular food or group of foods unappetizing.

Food Cravings

Food cravings are a commonly recognized sign of pregnancy. Sometimes food cravings encompass an entire group of foods, such as fresh fruits or foods that are salty, or they are very specific, such as for a particular type of hamburger. Food cravings can be strong and difficult to ignore. As long as you generally have a well-balanced diet and are healthy, there is little danger in indulging in foods that you are craving.

Nausea

Often referred to as morning sickness, nausea can last all day and prevent adequate intake of nutrients. Your obstetrician will keep an eye on your weight, but most women, even those with extreme cases of morning sickness, don't experience problems in their pregnancy associated with nausea.

Dizziness

As the body prepares to support a pregnancy, the blood vessels dilate, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure. This can result in dizziness or even fainting. If you experience this sign of pregnancy, mention it to your obstetrician as it can also indicate low blood sugar.

Headaches

Hormonal changes can lead to mild headaches early in the pregnancy. If you experience a severe headache, contact your physician to rule out other medical problems.

Mood Swings

Mood swings are another result of hormonal changes early in the pregnancy. You may find yourself crying one minute and irate the next. Mood usually stabilizes toward the end of the first trimester, or the first three months of pregnancy.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common sign that occurs very early on in the pregnancy. Fatigue often develops within the first two weeks after conception. Rest as much as possible, and look forward to the second trimester, when many people find that the fatigue diminishes.

Frequent Urination

The body produces more waste products as it works to support a pregnancy. This increase in waste products leads to an increase in the frequency of urination. Later in the pregnancy, the weight of the baby places pressure on the bladder, and will again increase the frequency of urination.

Changes in Breasts

The breasts undergo many changes early in pregnancy. They may feel heavier, more sensitive and become larger. The areolas, or the pigmented portion around the nipple, may become darker and more pronounced.