Pregnancy: The Good News

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.