Some Early Pregnancy Symptoms You Might not Think About

Many women don't think about the possibility of being pregnant until after the period is missed and the test is taken. At that time, many early pregnancy symptoms may begin to make an appearance to confirm what is already known through the body's own response to the many changes taking place. Some of these early pregnancy symptoms may appear long before the period is missed. However, many women won't notice the signs at first, because they are not obtrusive enough to warrant much attention. By the time a woman hits the sixth or seventh week of pregnancy however, these early signs might be difficult to ignore.

What's up with Food?

Food aversions and cravings are common early pregnancy symptoms, but many women are surprised by how early these signs appear. When you look at charts of pregnancy symptoms week by week, these symptoms often show up much later in the term. However, challenges with different types of food can begin very early in the first trimester and will sometimes continue on throughout the pregnancy. In some cases, the aversions or craving may fluctuate slightly, so a woman who is craving one type of food during the first few months may switch to a completely different craving later on.

One of the reasons for these early pregnancy symptoms is hormones. The fluctuations in hormones can sensitize the nose to a variety of odors, and the odors are often the cause of the food aversion. The best way to deal with these early pregnancy symptoms is to take your prenatal vitamin on schedule every day to ensure that your body is getting the nutrients it needs throughout your pregnancy. Then try to cater to your aversions and cravings as much as possible while sticking to a healthy diet as much as possible.

Oh, My Aching Back!

Most women won't think about back problems as early pregnancy symptoms; after all, that extra weight hasn't started packing it on just yet! Many books that talk about pregnancy symptoms week by week will also list low back pain in the later months of pregnancy as the growing baby begins to put a strain on the mother's body. However, many women do experience low back pain as one of the early pregnancy symptoms as well. Once again, you can blame hormones for this discomfort as they prepare your joints and ligaments for the delivery of your baby at the end of your term.

There are many early pregnancy symptoms that can occur in the first few months. Some are well known, like morning sickness, fatigue and swollen breasts. Others make an appearance before many women expect them, like food aversions and low back pain. If you are ever concerned about any of the early pregnancy symptoms you experience, talk to your doctor.

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Is that a Pregnancy Symptom You are Experiencing?

The best way for a woman to determine if she really is expecting is to see a positive result on a pregnancy test. However, many women who are actively trying to get pregnant have a hard time waiting until that test can be taken. For some, a pregnancy symptom here and there may appear long before the next menstrual period is late. While these signs are not a sure fire way to predict a positive pregnancy test, they may provide some insight into what is going on with the conception process.

Changes to the Breasts

Many women will begin to experience swollen breasts that are tender as the earliest pregnancy symptom. These first signs of pregnancy can occur as early as a couple of weeks after conception has taken place, and is the result of hormone fluctuations that occur in the early stages of pregnancy. This early pregnancy symptom will often continue well into the first trimester and then ease up a bit until the end of the term.

Spotting

Some women have implantation spotting about ten day to two weeks after conception, as the fertilized egg implants into the wall of the uterus. This pregnancy symptom is much different from a regular period, because it occurs earlier and the blood tends to be lighter in color. It also doesn't last as long as a normal period and it is generally not as heavy. Some women also experience some mild cramping with this pregnancy symptom, similar to period cramping.

Fatigue

Most women get tired once in a while, but if you are dead tired more often than not, it may be a pregnancy symptom. Fatigue is often the result of the rising levels of progesterone that take place during the early stages of pregnancy. Most women find that fatigue tends to improve during the second trimester and then pick back up again in the later months as the extra weight takes its toll on the body and it is harder to sleep soundly with a protruding belly in the way.

Morning Sickness

The term "morning sickness" is a bit of a misnomer, since the nausea of this early pregnancy symptom can take place at any time of the day. Sickness like this can be caused by rising estrogen levels that keep the digestive tract from working as efficiently. It may also be due to an increased sensitization to smells during this time that can make some women feel nauseous.

These first signs of pregnancy may be the earliest pregnancy symptoms that a woman experiences, but they are not a definite diagnosis of pregnancy until the tip of that stick definitely turns pink. If you suspect that you are pregnant, talk to a doctor.

More about day by day pregnancy including FREE! chinese pregnancy calendar

18 Weeks Pregnant

You’re just about 50% through your pregnancy at 18 weeks pregnant. If you were having morning sickness, you should be feeling much better by now. . In fact, you should be feeling pretty energetic at this time in your pregnancy.

Many pregnant women are still feeling quite good at this point in the pregnancy. They are enjoying showing off the pregnancy, and they aren't too uncomfortable yet. Your belly should be showing to some extent now and you may need to switch to maternity clothes if you haven't done so yet.

By 18 weeks pregnant you’ll be experiencing the baby’s movements as small kicks and fluttering movements. As your pregnancy progresses these will be getting stronger. You can use this as experience in making an assessment of your baby’s general wellbeing by the amount of movements you experience.

Don’t try to fret too much about your weight at 18 weeks pregnant, as long as you are eating well and healthy. Most women may have put on about nine or ten pounds or so. By making good food choices you'll gain less excess weight.

Every calorie should be made to count as you are making a new person to bring into the world! Be sure to continue to eat fruits, vegetables and protein foods and cut back on desserts that a high in sugar. Drink plenty of water as contractions will occur due to dehydration.

It is better to eat several small meals per day than three large ones. You'll maintain a good blood sugar level without overeating. This strategy also works well as baby grows larger and your stomach gets squeezed by your growing uterus.

Staying healthy by exercising is also very important. Even if you only take a walk around the block or the mall a few times a week, you'll feel better and your labor will go easier than if you didn't exercise.

You may also become aware that at about 18 weeks pregnant it is harder to be comfortable when sleeping. You may need to experiment with different sleeping positions. It may be helpful to use extra pillows or a body pillow made for pregnant women.

Enjoy your pregnancy and your changing body. It’s only for a short time so you may as well enjoy it as best you can. Visit http://www.healthyclicks.org for articles on pregnancy many other health issues.