Signs of Pregnancy

Overview:

Pregnancy can't be diagnosed until after your period is due & many women are curious as to what the signs of pregnancy may be. Those two weeks between intercourse & actually testing can feel like an eternity.

You may begin to notice some early symptoms of pregnancy from 7-10 days post ovulation. Not everybody will experience these symptoms though. Early signs of pregnancy may include;

Nausea/morning sickness: Contrary to the name, morning sickness can in fact occur all day long. It may range from mild nausea to extreme vomiting (this is known as hyper emesis) & often requires hospitalisation. I suffered from extreme nausea almost as soon as I fell pregnant, and days before my period was due. A heightened sense of smell may also be a contributing factor. Everyday aromas such as coffee or garlic that didn't bother you in the past may have you racing for the bathroom when you become pregnant. You may also find that you no longer like foods you used to enjoy.

Frequent urination: Another common symptom of early pregnancy is increased urination. This is caused by the hormonal changes occurring.

Sore breasts/change in shape: Tender & swollen breasts can occur in the early days of pregnancy. This may be accompanied by a tingling sensation, increased size of & or darkening of the areola.

Metallic taste in mouth: Some women report a metallic taste in their mouth during early pregnancy. There is no known cause for this.

Tiredness: High levels of progesterone in the early days of pregnancy can cause extreme tiredness & fatigue.

Mood swings: There are many hormonal changes occurring which can lead to mood swings & weepiness.

Spotting: This may occur around the time of implantation (around 8 days after ovulation when the egg burrows into the endometrial lining). The cramping is similar to period cramps & you may notice a small amount of pink or brown blood.

Sleep disturbances: Restless may also occur in early pregnancy.

Cramping/bloating: Period like cramps that occur around the time your period was due are common. Many women are convinced their period is due any moment as a result of this cramping. It is completely normal & shouldn't cause concern unless it is accompanied by bleeding.

Missed period: A good indicator that you are pregnant, especially if you have a regular cycle.

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by something else. Morning sickness may be food poisoning, sore breasts can also occur prior to your period etc.

When can I take a pregnancy test?

You should take the test the day after your period was due. Testing before this time may result in a false negative.

The pregnancy test should be taken first thing in the morning. This is because the urine is strongest (due to the fact you probably haven't urinated for several hours), and contain higher levels of hormone as a result.

When should I see my doctor?

If your period hasn't arrived, see your doctor who can order a blood test to confirm pregnancy.

Also see:

Packing Your Hospital Bag, Baby Proofing A Home, Cradle Cap, Reflux in Babies

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a doctor & should not be considered a replacement for a doctors visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only & should not be used for  the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.