Archive for December, 2011

When a fertilized egg implants itself in the uterus of a woman she becomes pregnant. The entire period of nine months when the woman carries the fetus is the pregnancy or the gestation period. There are usual signs and symptoms which determine pregnancy.

The first sign of pregnancy is missing the regular menstrual cycle although a missed period need not always be pregnancy. It could be the cause of hormonal imbalances, stress, and illness. I could be also due to polycystic ovary syndrome where the periods occur after many months. So the other signs of pregnancy taken into account are the tenderness and the size of the breasts.

The next indication of pregnancy is morning sickness seen in most of the women which comes nausea and vomiting. This starts from the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy and sometimes starts from 2 weeks of pregnancy. The level of nausea and vomiting varies from woman to woman. Although this sign fade away by the second trimester some woman experience it throughout pregnancy. Tiredness and exhaustion also follows after this during pregnancy.

Frequent visit to restrooms due to the pressure of the uterus on the bladder is another symptom of pregnancy. Sensitivity to odor and taster also begins in the first trimester along with craving for certain foods. Though these are the signs of pregnancy it is better when confirmed by a physician after routine clinical tests.

Confirmation of pregnancy is done with the help of home based test available at eh local store which reveals the presence of HCG in the urine. Once when the test gives a positive result consult your health provider for a second opinion to affirm pregnancy through clinical tests.

Blood tests taken also give a clear history of any abortions and any other problem in the pregnancy. The obstetrician confirms pregnancy through physical examination after 4 – 6 weeks. The soft uterus and the thick vaginal tissues affirm pregnancy. The above mentioned information is just for bringing about awareness in the symptoms of pregnancy. All treatment, medications and affirmations are best when done under medical supervision.

Pregnancy is one of the most joyful moments of womanhood. But this may differ in the case of an unwed mother or a teenager who has had unprotected sex. Married couples rejoice the occasion and wait to hold the bundle of joy in their hands. From the time the fertilized egg implants in the uterus, hormonal changes take place which results in physical and emotional changes in the woman. When the body responds to the hormonal changes the signs and symptoms of pregnancy occur. Here are ten regular symptoms of pregnancy:

1. Recurrent Urination – This is an early sign of pregnancy. The hormone Human chorionic gonadotropin” secreted on the implantation of the embryo results in frequent urination mostly from 7-12 days after ovulation.

2. Mild spotting – This takes place when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus. This is not heavy like that of the menstrual flow.

3. Rise in body temperature – It is normal to have a rise in temperature during ovulation and also during the early stages of pregnancy.

4. Missed Period – A woman with a regular menstrual cycle can determine pregnancy when she misses one although there can be many reasons to have a missed period which could be due to food, medicines, hormonal imbalances, stress or illness.

5. Exhaustion – As the body starts tuning to the new hormonal level the pregnant woman experiences tiredness and fatigue.

6. Cramps – Uterine cramps start during the early stages of pregnancy due to the movement, exercise and orgasm.

7. Morning sickness – Nausea and vomiting takes places in the first trimester of pregnancy. It happens at any time of the day or sometimes early in the morning. Some women experience it throughout pregnancy while some lucky ones do not experience it at all.

8. Sensitive Breasts – Due to the change in the hormonal levels the breasts become heavy and tender.

9. Darker Areolas – The area around the nipples change color and become darker with the bumps becoming more striking which is found in the early stages of pregnancy.

10. Constipation – As the intestines calm down and have less function due to hormonal changes the pregnant woman tend to have constipation.

Doubts about pregnancy and its symptoms are very common the time you feel you have conceived. Although a missed menstrual cycle and morning sickness indicate pregnancy, there are many physical changes a women experience which are pleasant but affect your day to day life activities. Detailed information about pregnancy is available from many sources like family planning centers, doctors chamber and also from the internet. Every woman varies in their pregnancy and so are the signs and symptoms. The same woman experiences different symptoms each time she is pregnant and so morning sickness need not be a real factor. Some woman never experience morning sickness at all in their gestation periods.

Now let us find out how to determine your pregnancy before going for tests. The early signs of pregnancy are soft, tender and enlarged breasts. This is because of the growing level of hormones which disappear after the first three months. The pregnant woman due to the high level of the hormone progesterone feels severe exhaustion. Some have little bleeding caused by the implanted embryo n the uterus. The other signs are morning sickness (sometimes it happens in the afternoon or in the evening) which some lucky woman never experience, recurrent urination due to excessive fluid in the body, aversion to some smell due to high estrogen level and also enlarged abdomen. Finally the missed period if you do not have a irregular menstrual cycle indicates you to have a home tests done for pregnancy.

Sometimes it so happens that you take a home test too early that the result is negative. Never lose heart take another test after a few more weeks. Once you find the result positive get ready for the clinical tests given by the ob/gyn. They will affirm your pregnancy clinically and prescribe the necessary prenatal vitamins and also the future appointments for regular check ups. You can browse the internet for more detailed information about pregnancy which can help you to have a safe, healthy and pleasant experience of pregnancy.