Pregnancy Symptoms
Do you think you might be pregnant? Do you feel queasy, have tender breasts, and find yourself craving food you don't normally enjoy? These are some of the early signs of pregnancy, but they could also be caused by other things, too. It isn't really possible to know for sure until you've taken a pregnancy test and talked with your doctor. However, there are some symptoms that may alert you to the possibility that you're expecting.
Pregnancy tests work because a fertilized egg will produce a hormone called hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) four days after conception. This hormone can be detected in your blood and urine. Testing for this hormone will let you know for sure if you're really pregnant. You may want to consider getting tested if you have some of the following signs:
Tender breasts:
You may experienced increased sensitivity, fullness, or heaviness within a few days of conception. About two weeks after conception the area around your nipples may start to enlarge.
Spotting:
When the developing egg implants itself in your uterine wall, you may experience a small amount of bleeding, It is much scantier than a period, and is sometimes mixed with a yellowish discharge.
Food cravings:
We've all heard about the pregnant women who crave pickles and chocolate ice cream. If you suddenly crave foods that you aren't usually all that interested in, it could be a sign of pregnancy. Many women also begin to crave increased amounts of vitamin C, iron, and salt.
Nausea:
"Morning sickness," can make you feel ill at any time of the day or night. Some people have a slight case of nausea, while others feel that they have a bad stomach virus. Other people never get morning sickness at all.
Fatigue:
The early changes of pregnancy may make it difficult to stay awake at school or work, even when you've had a full night's sleep.
Bloating:
If you don't get your period, but you still feel bloated, it could be a symptom of pregnancy.
Increased urination:
You may need to go to the bathroom more than usual.
Questions?
If you think you may be pregnant, be sure to see your doctor or get a pregnancy test done at your local Planned Parenthood, where you can also get counseling and answers to any questions you may have about your options.
Unique Wall Art - Jonni is a sculptor as well as a writer. See her unique sculpted wall art, including her adorable unicorn and an loving, animal-filled Nativity, can be seen at Wall-Art-For-Kids.com
©2006 Jonni Good
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