Pregnancy Symptoms

Pregnancy symptoms can vary widely from woman to woman. If you suspect that you’re pregnant the most obvious sign is, of course, a missed period, but not everyone will skip their period during the very early stages of pregnancy.

To make matters more complicated, the signs that you are pregnant can easily be misinterpreted as symptoms of other things. The best way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.

Learn more about the Symptoms of Pregnancy.

Also if you are trying to become pregnant, find out more about how to prepare your body for this special time like learning more about prenatal tests you should take, how to develop healthy habits for pregnancy, and get information on the best diet and exercise to do when trying to conceive.

Find out more about what you should be doing for preconception care.

Signs that You are Pregnant

Delay/Difference in Menstruation This is the most obvious and common pregnancy symptom. If you are pregnant you will probably miss your period, or you may have a period that is shorter and lighter than your periods usually are. It may also start earlier or later than usual. However, this is not always a sign of pregnancy; any excessive weight gain or loss, hormonal problems, stress, or stopping the birth control pill can bring on a delay or difference in menstruation. Implantation Bleeding Approximately six to 12 days after concept, an embryo will implant itself in the uterine wall. This can cause cramping and spotting in some women. This can also be mistaken for menstruation, or can result from infections or changes in oral contraception usage. Quick Tip: A heating pad can help with the cramping if you are avoid taking painkillers in case you are pregnant. Nausea/Morning Sickness This is probably the most well known of all the signs that you might be pregnant. Usually morning sickness will start within two to 8 weeks after conception. Despite being called “morning” sickness, nausea can occur at any time during the day. Some women may never experience this, or only feel sick during part of their pregnancy, others continue to feel nauseous for the entire time they are pregnant. This symptom can be mistaken for food poisoning and other stomach ailments. However, severe nausea or morning sickness can be signs of hyperemesis gravidarum, which can have very serious side effects.  For morning sickness relief, check out our article on cures for morning sickness. Quick Tip: Some women suffering from morning sickness find it helpful to eat small meals throughout the day, or munch on soda crackers when they begin to feel nauseous.