Advertisement
 
DO THIS:TEST YOURSELFGREAT GUIDESQUIZ YOURSELF
 Hormonal health
Am I pregnant?

Here are some of the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Remember that these symptoms could also have other causes.

A missed period (amenorrhoea) – this is the most reliable sign of pregnancy. If you usually have regular periods and you are late, you should consider having a pregnancy test. Some women may experience bleeding earlier than their expected period and for a shorter duration (see implantation bleeding). In rare cases women have light periods throughout their pregnancy.

 
Advertisement
Changes in your breasts - breasts become larger and tender to the touch. Veins may show up more and the skin around the nipples,(areola) may darken.

Headaches – a common complaint early in pregnancy. They usually disappear by mid pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting – affects about 50% of pregnant women. The term “morning sickness” is often used as nausea and vomiting is usually worse in the morning but it can happen any time of the day or night. It can start after missing the first or second period and continue up to the time the fourth period (16th week of pregnancy) has been missed.

Frequent urination (micturition) – more urine is formed due to an increased blood flow to the kidneys.

Feeling exhausted or sleepy – the body is adjusting itself physiologically for the pregnancy. Physiologically a pregnant woman becomes a super human being. All systems work harder: heartbeat is 40% faster, oxygen intake increases and carbondioxide decreases, kidneys increase its output. Early in pregnancy many women complain of fatigue and a desire to sleep for longer periods. This remits by the fourth month of pregnancy.

Food cravings – some women may also lose their liking for certain foods or drinks. An aversion to coffee is particularly common. In rare cases, women have been known to eat non-food substances such as soil or coal. This condition is called Pica.

Increased vaginal discharge without soreness or irritation – due to the cervical glands secreting more mucus as a result of high levels of oestrogen manufactured by the placenta.

More links:
Are you eating to optimise your pregnancy? Do our QUIZ to find out.
Can you do exercise while you're pregnant? Click here for more info.
Do you have problems with infertility? Chat to others in our INFERTILITY FORUM
Visit Health24’s Pregnancy Zone


 
Print this article
 Rate this article
Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent

 
Previous article: Next article:
Women and pregnancy in SA Could I be pregnant?
Sign up
 *Daily tip
 Newsletter
 Special offers
*Stand a chance to win R1000 every month!
 OTHER ARTICLES
Babies shaped human breast
Benefits beyond birth control
Cervical cancer screening more accurate
Hormone Therapy: The latest
Hormone therapy preventing heart disease?
Hormones to smile about
Smart pads do it all for you
Women and pregnancy in SA
Am I pregnant?
Could I be pregnant?
Decoding breast cancer
Endometriosis - blocking the path to fertility
GynaeDoc - top 5 questions
Half of hysterectomies unnecessary
Pregnancy tests
Helfte van histerektomies is onnodig
Women choose patch over Pill
The pros and cons of a hysterectomy
Heavy periods (menorrhagia)
Doctors, diet and morning sickness
Early signs of pregnancy
Morning sickness tips
Tall tales about pregnancy

Fascinating facts
One type of body language is universal - women worldwide flirt with the same expressions: they lift their eyebrows and make eye contact, tilt their head down and to the side, and then look away.

 

Advertisement

 Sponsored links
 Health24 links
 Get a Quote




  

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.