First Signs of Being Pregnant

The first signs of being pregnant vary greatly from one woman to another. Some might see major changes from the first week after conception and others might not know until they have missed a period. Women might experience all, some or none of these signs. These may be experienced throughout the duration of the pregnancy or during the first trimester. If you are wondering 'what are the first signs of being pregnant', here are the common few for the earliest detection of pregnancy.

Signs of Being Pregnant in the First Month
Pregnancy results in a lot of changes in the body. These changes can be experienced in a varied asperity. The very first signs of being pregnant can be confusing, since many a times, they are similar to an expected menstruation.

Food Antipathy and Craving
Some women feel a sudden aversion to their favorite food, others develop a liking for the food they disliked earlier. These variations are mostly due to the hormonal changes that occur in the body, especially during the first trimester.

Aches and Fever
Due to the hormonal surge, women experience frequent, mild headaches, pregnancy back pain and a high basal body temperature. Basal body temperature is the oral temperature just after waking up. If it remains high for more than 15 days in a row, it may be due to pregnancy.

Darkening of Aureoles
The darkening of the skin around the nipples is a sign of successful conception, though it may also be due to hormonal imbalance or a remnant of earlier conception.

Breast Tenderness
The breasts become heavy, swollen, tender and some may even experience a sharp pain or a tingling sensation. These changes can be seen as early as two weeks after the conception.

Nausea and Vomiting
This is one of the classic pregnancy symptoms. Nausea during pregnancy may begin as early as two weeks into the pregnancy and may last till the entire duration of it. Morning sickness, as it is famously known as, can occur at any time of the day and is due to the increased estrogen levels.

Constipation
Constipation in early pregnancy is a common occurrence. This is due to release of progesterone ,which causes slow movement of food in the digestive tract.

Spotting or Cramping
It is also known as implantation bleeding. This occurs when the embryo attaches itself to the inner uterine wall. It occurs around 10 to 15 days after fertilization. The spotting is pinkish or brownish in color and may sometimes be accompanied with cramps, similar to menstrual cramps.

Fatigue
Fatigue during the first few months is common. It occurs due to an increase in the levels of progesterone. Also, lower blood sugar levels and pressure may result in tiredness. This is one of the first signs of being pregnant.

Frequent Urination
The embryo produces hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) hormone due to which, the fluid content of the body increases. The uterus starts becoming larger and this increases pressure on the bladder. Hence, the need to urinate increases.

Mood Swings
This is common in the first trimester but can be seen throughout the gestation period. Frequent changes in the mood, especially crying for no reason can be seen in the women. This is due to the hormonal fluctuation in the body.

Missing a Period
This is one of the few very first signs of being pregnant. Many women get alerted only when they miss a period. Although, it could be due to other reasons like stress, illness, weight fluctuation or quitting the contraceptive pill, missing a period is considered as one of the surest signs of being pregnant.

When you experience a mix of these first signs of being pregnant, you might actually be pregnant. But, do not solely depend on these pregnancy symptoms and always take a home pregnancy test to be sure. And if the results are positive, contact your family doctor or a gynecologist as soon as possible.