Am I Pregnant?
What an exciting
yet anxious time, awaiting the answer to the question, Am I Pregnant?
For some women,
realization of being pregnant occurs moments after conception. For others, it
may take several pregnancy tests, mounds of symptoms and a growing belly to
convince them.
Pregnancy is
different for everyone. There are some common signs experienced by most women.
Keep in mind, some women will experience all of the symptoms of early
pregnancy, while others may have only a few.
Common Signs of Pregnancy:
This is the most common sign of pregnancy leading women to test
for pregnancy. Although some women will experience implantation bleeding around
the time of their period, it is usually lighter and shorter than their regular
period.
Some women may notice changes in their breasts such as tender to
touch, sore or swollen. These changes are usually caused by increased levels of
the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Making a baby is causing your body to work overtime during the
first trimester. Most women tend to gain some of their energy back in the second
trimester.
Some women are fortunate to escape the experience of morning
sickness. Despite the name “morning sickness”, symptoms can occur any time
during the day and/or night.
Finding yourself taking a few extra trips
to the bathroom? This is due in part to the increase levels of body fluids and
great kidney efficiency, not to mention, the growing uterus that is pressing
against the bladder.
Some women experience mood changes that are similar to those felt
in the days just prior to their period, while others experience feelings of
jubilation.
Hormonal changes in the body are thought to cause food cravings
first experienced during the first trimester.
Just
remember:
If you suspect you are pregnant, confirm it with your health
care provider, since most symptoms can be caused by other factors such as stress
or illness.