SYMPTOMS OF BEING PREGNANT
Symptoms of pregnancy can be prevalent as soon as a few days after conception. Conception is the mating of sperm and a mature egg after ovulation. The sperm fertilizes the egg forming a zygote that is implanted in the endometrial lining of the uterine wall. Changes in hormone levels cause physical symptoms that are visible as well as symptoms that are clearly visible. Symptoms within the first days of pregnancy include are spotting, cramping and a white milky discharge and can occur 6 to 12 days after fertilization. The cramps are very mild and can be mistaken for menstrual cramps. The discharge can continue throughout the duration of the pregnancy as the result of thickening of the vaginal wall. The thickening of the vaginal wall results in increased growth of cells in the vaginal wall. Visible changes to your breast are noted as the hormone levels fluctuate within your body and are very noticeable in the first one to two weeks after conception. Changes include fuller heavier breasts, which are swollen or tender to the touch. Additional a darkening of the areolas; the area around the nipple; is common.
Hormonal changes to include elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen can cause changed that are characteristics of pregnancy. Higher levels of progesterone can cause low blood sugar and blood production to cause fatigue. While higher levels of estrogen cause nausea; a phenomenon known as morning sickness but it can actually occur at anytime throughout the day. Other symptoms of pregnancy include frequent urination beginning around 6 weeks after conception, constipation, mood swings, headaches and back pain. Dizziness and fainting spells can be common and are attributed to the lower blood sugar and blood pressure caused by increased progesterone levels. Additionally, food cravings and aversions are common based on hormone fluctuations and also are characteristics of pregnancy.
The most obvious symptom of pregnancy is a missed period. There may be other physiological reasons for missed periods or late periods, but one or more missed periods can be a sign of pregnancy. It should be noted that even women who are pregnant can still experience some bleeding and spotting this is referred to as implantation bleeding, and may not be as heavy or last as long as a normal period. A home pregnancy test is a sure way to tell if you are pregnant off hand. If you are pregnant and vaginal bleeding is increased or abdominal pain because severe or sharp then you should consult a physician immediately because there is the risk of the pregnancy being and ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is the result of the egg implanting in the fallopian tube. If the egg continues to grow the fallopian tube may rupture causing a potentially fatal condition.