When a woman finds out that she is pregnant a whole burst of emotions will go through her mind and body. She might feel excited, surprised, nervous, delighted, scared and so many other emotions. After the first wave of emotions has passed the first thing that will be on her mind is the need to tell someone about her pregnancy and spread the news.

A woman will more than likely tell her partner first that she is pregnant. It can often happen that he is by her side waiting for the colors to show on the home pregnancy test she has just bought, or she might do it herself and then take him for a nice dinner to tell him the happy news. There are also many other creative ways on how to announce your pregnancy to your partner. It can be even a lot of fun to find a way to let him know in an unusual and unexpected manner.

After the partner the next on the list are her closest family members and friends. In most cases and if the pregnancy is wanted a woman will be anxious and filled with excitement to tell the happy news to everybody she knows and cares about. Pregnancy is such an exciting time for any couple and it is even hard to hide the happiness you are experiencing.

Some years ago it was thought wise not to tell people about the pregnancy during the first trimester. The risk of miscarriage is highest in the first three months of pregnancy and the data collected from hospitals about miscarriages supports this argument. Most of the people still think it is better to let people know when these first three months have passed. It would be difficult to tell the bad news rather delaying the good news.

Nowadays, women have completely different approach to this matter. Some women are eager to share the news as soon as they find out that they are pregnant and cell phones have made this a lot easier. Even if a friend is working or is perhaps unreachable by phone, there is text messaging allowing instant messages to be sent and received right away!

Your pregnancy will be big news for everybody so regardless of when you want to announce it, making a plan on how to do it is a good idea. Same as with announcing it to your partner, there are various creative ways in which you can announce the pregnancy to your closest family members and friends. Of course, the exact manner in which you will announce your pregnancy will differ depending on your relation with the group of people you plan to tell. In example, announcing it to your best friends will surely differ from announcing it to your grandparents.

There are many interesting and creative ways to announce that you are going to have a baby. If it happens that you just have had your very first ultrasound, use the opportunity to share the news with a picture. The phrase “a picture can say thousand words” seems perfect for this situation. Another creative way of announcing your pregnancy to the family members is increasing the family tree and leaving the space empty for the newcomer. The blank family trees are available on the internet and are downloadable. You can download one and fill in the necessary information. Another way to announce it is to wear a funny T-shirt. There are many T-shirts available in the markets which have “announcing good news” imprinted on them.  Get a T-shirt with the saying you like the most and wear it on the next big family get-together or a night out with your best friends. As soon as somebody notices your T-shirt, you will be receiving congratulations without any need to explain anything.

Technology is another way, although it is not so personal.  You can send out a cute e-card, email or announcement!  Perhaps you have a family website you could announce it on.  If it is a family website, you could update the site to show the different stages with pictures and blogs.  It is amazing how the Internet connected people who are living in different time zones even. Having family far away is sometimes hard but having the updates online would make it convenient for those far to see how things are going.

How you choose to share the good news with the rest of the world is your decision. To shout it out loud, make a fun announcement or just keep quiet and let your expanding tummy tell the news for you in a few months, will be all up to you. There are many women that only tell the happy news to their closest family members and a best friend. One must remember that every person who hears the news will react differently to the situation. Some will be happy, and some may even start to plan a baby-shower!

Announcing that a baby is on its way is a happy news to most of the families.

There is a reason why young girls like to play with dolls and always want to have their favorite doll or dolls by their side. It’s the caring nature of women that already comes out at such a young age. Many girls pretend to have their dolls as their baby and most of the girls already play a role as mother figure on a very young age. What they basically do is take care of the doll and preferably do not lose it out of sight. Buckling the doll up on the back seat and tucking in the doll before bedtime are just few of many signs that show how caring the girls can be at such young age.

The girls also seem to have a lot of fun with their dolls and take pleasure in playing with them and nurturing them. You can link this to being pregnant in a way since the same caring and mutual love awaits you.

The joys of pregnancy actually begin before you get pregnant. First of all, making the decision whether you and your partner want to have a baby or not can give joy. Knowing that both you and your partner are up for having a baby is really nice since you can already start talking and thinking about things and of course, look forward to you getting pregnant. I’m sure that most of the people that read this do not mind the extra sexual intercourse a couple often has in order to make a baby either. So as you can see, there is plenty of joy you can have before your pregnancy.

Once you realize that you missed your period and also figure out that you’re not just ‘running late’ you can take this as a sign of being pregnant and head to the store to buy a pregnancy test. It’s quite normal to be in some kind of stress, get anxious and have a few dozen questions floating in your head when you take your first pregnancy test but once you see that the result of the pregnancy test is positive all this will fade in most cases, except for the fact that you can’t wait to tell your partner.

When you do get to tell your partner and he has already agreed that it would be great to have a baby, and even if there were no plans, you can expect a great feeling of mutual love and a lot of joy when telling him about your pregnancy in most cases. The bond between the both of you when you tell your partner about your pregnancy is so strong and special that it will be a life lasting memory. Even though you will be the one carrying your child, both you and your partner have a deep connection with the child.

It is known to get quite tough for women during the first months of pregnancy. Some physical pain will occur but you can take pleasure out of the many nice things that are bound to happen in that period as well. Think in example about hearing the first heartbeat of your baby. Moments like these make all the pain go away and give you the feeling you can take on the world. You will be perfectly aware of the fact that a living being is growing inside of you and that is a delightful feeling.

When the first weeks of your pregnancy are behind you it is time to go for an ultrasound in order to see if the developments in your body and the baby are doing as they should. Every time you will go for an ultrasound you will have different results since the baby is moving inside the womb and this makes the angles different. No matter how the ultrasound looks like, especially the first time it will be a great pleasure for both you and your partner to see your baby.

At some point during your pregnancy you will start to feel that your baby is moving. In the beginning you can hardly feel it but even then it is a joyful feeling. Every baby is different and some move a bit more than others but once you do feel your baby move inside of you the sensation will become stronger. At some point the ‘small movements’ turn into kicks and elbows being given by an American Football player. It’s not that bad but you will definitely be aware of the movements your baby makes and this is a magical feeling that you can only experience during pregnancy.

Being pregnant is an extremely joyful experience which can be shared with your partner. When you walk through your town or city and see a pregnant woman you don’t have to wonder why she has a glow on her face since being pregnant is beautiful and a big joy for most women.

Being pregnant is a joyful experience, from the day you decide to have a baby till the day of the delivery.

Every woman is different and every pregnancy is different. Even if you already had a baby there is a great chance that your second pregnancy will be different. When it comes to complications that may occur during the pregnancy, not all women experience the same things. For some women pregnancy is easy as a breeze, and a very joyful and exciting experience. Well, apart from the morning sickness if they have it! Unfortunately, there are some women that experience complications from day one.

Complications can happen at any time during the pregnancy and can last for any period of time.  There are some normal complications that may occur throughout the pregnancy and there are some fatal complications that may occur to both the mom and baby.

Ectopic pregnancy

“Ectopic” is a term used for something that is misplaced. Ectopic pregnancy is a common complication. The egg does not arrive in the uterus, but instead attaches itself outside the uterus. If the egg attaches itself to the fallopian tubes then it is considered a tubal pregnancy. The egg could attach to many areas inside the female. If it attaches to anywhere outside of the uterus it means that the pregnancy cannot continue. There is no way to take the egg from another part and place it in the uterus. If this condition is not detected early then the woman would experience great pain. This pain would be caused by the fallopian tube rupturing. Whether detected early or late during the pregnancy, the pregnancy must be terminated.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is one of the common complications.  This is when the baby is born within the first-trimester. There are various causes for this to happen, and even causes that cannot be explained. Usually spotting may occur when this happens, but spotting does not necessarily mean that you are going to miscarry. If a woman notices that she is spotting she should contact her physician right away.

Couples are often very discouraged when they have a pregnancy that ends with miscarriage.  Statistics show that over half of those couples that go through this, whether planned or not will conceive again within a year.

Preterm labor

Preterm labor is another of the more common complications. This is when the baby is born before the due date, but not in the first-trimester. Again there are many assumptions and theories why a preterm labor may occur. As for symptoms, a woman may see spotting or even have a heavy bleeding. She may even feel cramps as if getting her period. If a woman has contractions she is considered to be in premature labor. How the baby is going to be will be determined by the week when it is delivered. The closer the woman is to her due date, the better the chance for a healthy baby.  In today’s world of medicine it is fascinating how the small babies can survive being delivered prior to due date. Well trained and professional neonatal units and specialists give babies the chance to survive. With the advancement in technology it is possible for premature born babies to have a healthy life and grow to be of normal size.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is another complication that may occur. A woman is tested for gestational diabetes at 24-28 weeks of her pregnancy.  The test is to see how high her glucose level is. If the woman’s test is positive, she will have to pay extra attention on her health and diet. Those daily cravings for chocolate ice-cream and pizza will have to stop. Regular checks will be done to keep this condition in check. In some cases, women that test positive for gestational diabetes will later in life develop diabetes.

Low amniotic fluid

Low amniotic fluid is another complication that may occur. The amniotic fluid surrounds the baby and it shouldn’t be too low since it is needed for baby’s growth, moving, kidney function and to protect baby from any bumps.  An ultrasound should be the first means of confirming if this complication occurred. During the ultrasound, the fluid level can be measured.

Minor complications

There are also plenty of minor complications that may occur during pregnancy.  The day to day ailments could be considered as a complication as well and same goes for back pain and bloating/swelling a woman endures during her pregnancy. There are many variants of uncomfortable and painful states that a woman may go through during her pregnancy and of course, it all depends on an individual and how she takes it.

Every pregnancy brings many happy times but also some hard days and emotions. These emotions vary woman to woman, and pregnancy to pregnancy. With the help of today’s technology all of the potentially dangerous situations can be avoided since any potential complications can be diagnosed early enough to be treated properly.

Once you find out that you are pregnant, do regular ultrasounds and tests in order to prevent any possible complications that may occur.

Once the conception takes place, it is time for a baby’s prenatal development to begin. Prepare yourself for the vast changes that will occur during the 38 weeks of pregnancy, which are divided in three phases/trimesters.

All three of these phases are important for proper and healthy development of a child.  During the first trimester most of the development is linked with external body structures, development of nervous circulation system, and the sex of the child becomes evident. If the woman takes care of her health both physically and mentally then there is less chance of worrying about this phase.  In the second and third trimester the baby starts to move, and hear and becomes aware of the environment around it.  Women and those around her play a major role in keeping the baby relaxed and calm. The baby becomes familiar with the mothers sounds and listens to it.  Talking in a positive matter with low stress levels will make both the mom and baby content. Even the food mother takes during pregnancy matters. The babies get a strong tendency of liking that food once they start to eat.

It is very important during pregnancy that the woman takes care of her nutritional needs.  Eating a well balanced diet is important for both mom and her baby, and a woman will definitely have an appetite.

The mothers can form a strong bond with their baby by spending some time reading or singing to it every day. This will not guarantee that a baby will grow up with the love for literature or music however, but both are a very relaxing activity. The child actually does not understand what you are reading but research suggests that babies become calm when they listen to something rhythmic.  Pregnancy in general can be a very stressful time, and this is a great way to just let loose, laugh and keep your mind on the positive side. The effects of heartfelt laughter are bound to impact a fetus positively.

Along with taking care of the baby the health of the mother is a very important factor for a successful pregnancy.  Proper sleep and amount of sleep is of great importance.  At night, when you lay down to sleep, try not to sleep on your back. The additional weight will sit straight on your spine, especially in the second and third trimester and therefore it is advisable to sleep on the side. It should be your left side preferably, since this position guarantees that your baby is getting the needed oxygen. Using pillows to make you comfortable is very common!

Keep your body movable.  Going for a short and relaxing walk everyday will be enough. No hard exercise is needed since you are not preparing to run a marathon. A little exercise will help you a lot during the labor. Walking does wonders to the cardiovascular system of pregnant women simply because it helps them stay fit while avoiding agitation to the ankles and knees. Walking is the safest activity and should be kept as a routine throughout the whole pregnancy.

Start with a relaxing walk that should last about half an hour. Don’t push yourself to the point where you will feel any kind of exhaustion or even worse, breathlessness. If you do this your body will be forced to use more oxygen, which automatically means, less oxygen for your baby.  Do not start the exercises on your own however.  Consult with your health professional first.

It is very important to avoid any alcohol intake or smoking at this time. Excessive drinking can cause the mental retardation to the baby, impairment of motor coordination attention, memory and language issues. Smoking should also be avoided. The weight of the baby drops down severely which can cause a premature birth, impaired breathing and cancer in later childhood. If you have a strong desire for a drink, consider drinking a bit of red wine. However, if you are able to overcome your drinking desire (and you should), consider taking a glass of fresh juice! During the pregnancy it is advisable to avoid coffee intake as well. However, if you are used to drinking coffee, take it in considerably smaller amounts and make it mild.

Enjoy your time alone before the baby arrives. Take a bath, read a book or just do your favorite hobby. Relaxing and putting your feet up while watching a great movie is a great way to calm any stress.  Enjoy time out with family and friends.  This is the time to go to a show with a friend or dinner with family. Once the baby arrives these opportunities may not happen so often.  Sharing your thoughts of happiness and even any concerns should be done at this time. It is best to be comfortable with your thoughts now instead of later!  If you feel healthy, happy, revived and loved, so will your baby!

Taking care of yourself during the pregnancy is essential for the wellbeing of both you and your baby.

Usually the pregnancy is divided into three phases which are called trimesters. All three stages are characterized by the development period of zygote, embryo and the fetus.

First Trimester

The first trimester has three stages included in it.  The most initial one happens when the ovum is fertilized and a zygote is formed.  This zygote then multiplies and forms a structure called a blastocyst that feeds and protects the developing organism by means of a yolk sac, placenta, and umbilical cord.  From 3rd to 12th week of fertilization the zygote is transformed into the embryo and then the fetus. During this time the brain and spinal cord start to appear.  Along with its heart, muscles, ribs, backbone and digestive tract begin to develop.  This stage ends with the rapid increase in the size of the organism which can now safely be called a baby. At this stage, the nervous system and organs become organized and connected.  The baby starts to do activities like kicking, thumb sucking, mouth opening, and rehearsal of breathing.  This is the time when the doctors can tell you the exact sex of the baby as it will be evident in this stage.  The heartbeat of the baby can now be heard as well through a stethoscope.  At the end of third month the first trimester is finished.

Second Trimester

The second trimester begins between 17 and 20 weeks. The new being is now grown large enough that the mother can feel its movements.  A white cheese like substance called the vernix protects the baby’s skin from chapping during the long months spent bathing in amniotic fluid.  White, downy hair appears over the entire body which helps the vernix to stick to the skin.  At the end of the second trimester many organs of the baby are well developed and most of the brain’s neurons are in place.  The brain growth means new behavioral capacities.  The 20 week old fetus can be stimulated as well as irritated by sounds.  If a doctor looks inside the uterus with fetoscopy, fetuses try to shield their eyes from the light with their tiny hands.  This indicates that sight has begun to emerge in this stage.  Even though there has been a lot of development, if the fetus was born at this time, it would not survive.  Its lungs are immature and the brain cannot yet control breathing and body temperature.

Third Trimester

If a fetus was born during the final and third trimester it would have a chance of survival.  This time starts from 25th week till the end of the pregnancy at the 38th week.  This is the point where a fetus can survive.  If the baby is born between the seventh and eighth month, it usually needs help with breathing. Although the brain is mature enough, the lungs are not ready to inflate and exchange carbon dioxide or oxygen. The brain continues to enlarge and its intelligence increases.  It is proved that during these weeks fetus spends more time awake and it listens to the environment around it.

Up until twenty weeks baby does not show any signs of waking.  In the 28th week the heart rate variability shows signs of alertness.  The fetus is wake 11% of the time and this time rises to 16% near its birth.  If mother is taking any kind of medicines or drugs during this time, it can be very dangerous for the baby’s development.  The babies who are cycled between quiet and active periods tend to be more calm babies and have a predictable sleep and wake schedule. This simply means that if mother keeps a proper sleep and wake schedule, the baby will adapt to it.  If the mother is not having proper rest, is highly active and irregular in her routine, then evidently her baby will be very difficult to handle.  The baby may be fussy, upset by new experiences, irregular in eating and sleeping.  Therefore, the parents of highly active fetuses should be prepared for extra challenges!

The third trimester brings greater responsiveness to external stimulation.  Around 24 weeks, the fetus can feel pain. It is at this time that the pain killers should be used in any surgical procedure the mother is undergoing. By the 25th week the fetus reacts to the sounds with body movements. During this time the kinds of stories which are being read to them or songs being sung by the mother become familiar sounds.  During the final three months, the fetus gains weight and will receive the antibodies needed from its mother’s blood that protect it against the illness. During the last weeks most fetuses assume an upside-down position, partly because of the shape of uterus and because the head is heavier than feet.  Growth slows, and birth is about to take place.

To know more about these three particular phases means to know more about your baby’s development stages.

Not long ago, women were delivering babies at home. Today, practically all children are born in the hospitals.  We have learned from experience that the safest place for the delivery of a baby is at a hospital that offers good maternity care. The doctor will almost certainly want you to have your baby in a hospital and he will make the arrangements with the hospital for you.

Hospital facilities

Hospitals vary a good deal in the kinds of accommodation they offer, in the services they provide, in the regulations they expect patients to comply and, in some cases fees they charge. Almost all hospitals have private rooms as well as wards with two, four, or more beds. No matter what the expenses are, the life of the mother and the baby is what matters most.  Hospitals have all the available facilities which could be needed in any emergency.

Counseling services

If there are any social problems occurring, the facility of counseling services is available. The counseling service will discuss the issues with the mother and father, or those it concerns. With resource and knowledge the family will get through any issues they have.

Decorating the baby’s room

The fun part is choosing the scheme, color and commodities that will be placed in the room.  Usually the baby stays in the main bedroom where mom is, but there is always the baby’s room.  Along with the decorating, many items can be purchased before baby arrives home. Some of those things may be clothes, towels, bath items and toys. There is also furniture to buy such as a crib, dresser, lamp, mobile, stroller and so much more. A baby shower is usually the event where mom gets a lot of these items.  It makes it an afternoon of, “ahhhh’s” and “ohhhh’s” from all of the ladies attending!

Prepare the siblings

If it is not your first born then it is very important to make other siblings accept the fact of having a new person at home. It is common that children get jealous when they see their mother catering to someone else so try to keep your other children involved in the process of shopping and selecting colors for the new baby. The more they join in the more excited they will be to have the new bundle arrive! Siblings to the unborn baby can share their thoughts, toys, songs so they have developed a bond beforehand.  Knowing they have an important job of being a big brother or sister tends to increase their importance in the whole situation.

Hospital expenses

As soon as you can, find out what your hospital expenses are going to be. Know exactly what each item includes, how payment is to be made, and when payments are due. If you don’t have insurance, go with a plan according to your budget. Some hospitals will charge separately for the delivery room, for anesthetics, and for nursing care for mom and the baby. Other hospitals charge a lump sum that covers everything. Have a clear understanding about this, so that you will not be surprised at the end.  Perhaps you have hospital insurance or belong to some group that provides hospital services for its members. In that case re-read your policy carefully including the fine print to be sure just what it covers.

Pack bag for mom and baby

Make a list of things that will be needed at the hospital. There should be one for mom and a separate one for the baby. The list will also help when it is time to come home from the hospital so nothing is left behind. Keep this bag accessible so if the labor pains start you can immediately grab it and head off to the hospital. This bag needs to contain all the necessary items for the mother such as clothes, medication, toiletries, slippers, pen and writing pad, etc. Also, you should have a special bag for the baby, since most hospitals do not supply diapers, creams or clothing. Checking with the hospital will make preparing of the baby’s bag so much easier.

Invite family to be around

When the birth is near it is very helpful and encouraging to have someone near you. Whether it is a family member, friend or your partner, just knowing that they are close if you need any help is comforting. Sharing the responsibility at home once you are done with the hospital is a great option if you are able to have it.

Prepare yourself

To be ready for the upcoming responsibilities you should start to prepare yourself and get used to the idea of having a baby around. Talk it over with your partner or family members that will be around to help you out. This will help in managing the routine at home and how it will change when baby arrives. Try to understand that it will take time for you to adapt to the new situation.

You can never fully prepare for the new arrival but talking with your partner and having open communication with the loved ones will surely help. 

Just as every woman is different so are the signs of being pregnant.  Some women don’t have any symptoms other than a missed period. Others have every possible symptom from emotional to physical. It all depends on a woman. There are some women that can just tell they are pregnant and they are even able to determine the exact day! If you suspect that you are pregnant here is a list of all the possible signs of pregnancy.

Missed period

One of the first signs that a woman is pregnant is, as already mentioned, a missed period. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be pregnant if you do have bleeding.  If bleeding occurs, it is not a true menstrual flow, but can be mistaken for one.

Basal Body Temperature

A clear sign of pregnancy is also the change in a woman’s BBT (Basal Body Temperature). If BBT is higher than usual and it remains high for two weeks or more it is a definite sign of pregnancy.

Exhaustion

Another sign of pregnancy is exhaustion . Whether you have an active life style involving physical activities or not, you may feel extra exhausted while pregnant. This happens due to exertion of the body since the baby starts taking all the essential nutrients it demands from its mom. Therefore, moms tend to feel hungry and have a need for food more often than in normal circumstances. Not eating enough however, may cause fatigue. Having other children at home may also cause more exhaustion than usual. Not being able to nap through the day, whether due to caring for other children or working full or part time, will mean an early night to catch up!

Hunger

Hunger! No matter how much pregnant women eat, they never seem to be satisfied.  When they wake up they are hungry.  After eating a large dinner, they are hungry again.  Yes, the baby uses up energy therefore needing it replenished.  Hormones can play a role in this as well.  Cravings are also known in pregnancy.  Perhaps it is the “stereo-type” of a pregnant woman wanting pickles and ice cream.  Most crave something at some point during the pregnancy and it can be anything.  These cravings can also happen at any time of day or night.  Just ask the men who have hunted stores in the wee hours of the morning, not being able to find the “right” item to cure the craving!

Mood change

Mood swings are another sign of pregnancy.  A woman could be on a high, singing and be happy then switch to a great cottonelle commercial with all the tears she is shedding the next minute!  Hormones are a factor in this.  These hormonal changes affect the levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain). Mixed emotions can also cause this. Being excited and happy in conceiving all the way to being scared and worried for caring for a newborn can cause a bunch of different emotions.

Frequent urination

Frequent urination is also a sign of pregnancy.  Through the pregnancy, the baby grows, putting pressure on the bladder, causing the woman to feel the need to go more often.

Breast changes

Some women may have breast changes as a sign of being pregnant.  In the beginning stages of pregnancy the breasts may become slightly sore or extremely sore.  This may only happen when a woman is not wearing a bra, therefore not receiving the proper support. The breasts may also become larger. Nipples may also change in the appearance.  The nipples and the skin that surrounds the nipples, (areolas) could become larger and darker.

The small glands on the areolas may raise and become bumpy. These glands have a purpose of producing an oily substance that will prevent the nipples from becoming too dry and cracking.

You may be one of many women that don’t have any symptoms or slight symptoms of breast changes in pregnancy.If so, keep in mind that it has nothing to do with the ability to have a successful pregnancy.  It also has nothing to do with having the ability to breastfeed.

How to know for sure?

One of the most accurate tools for confirming pregnancy is a home pregnancy test. After following the instructions carefully, you may have your answer in a matter of minutes. The tests are 98 percent accurate.  If this shows positive, visit your physician straight away so you can do a few needed blood tests and an ultra sound.  The ultra sound is also useful in determining how far along the pregnancy is.  Measurements and sizes are recorded so a close due date can be given.

Whether a woman has none, one, some or all of the pregnancy signs, there are no two pregnancies that are alike. If you suspect you are pregnant or know you are, seek and follow the advice of your physician.

The result of fertilization is the formation of a zygote in the fallopian tube which gradually moves from the fallopian tube into the uterus to get itself implanted there. From this point onwards one can state that pregnancy has commenced. The symptoms and signs of pregnancy are many and one has to be on the look out all the time. One of the best ways to find out if you are pregnant is to visit the doctor, who will conduct a urine or blood test to confirm pregnancy. If you wish to confirm the pregnancy at home you can do so by buying a home pregnancy test kit which is available in the market at a reasonable rate. One can get an accuracy of above ninety five percent by using these testing kits at home itself.

Different symptoms and signs of pregnancy are experienced by different women, which indicate that she ‘could’ be pregnant. It is very important to learn about the earliest symptoms and signs of pregnancy. Symptoms vary from one woman to another once she conceives. Many women may not experience anything till about few weeks into the pregnancy. Experiencing some symptoms though, is a normal part of being pregnant.

Constipation:

This happens due to the increased levels of progesterone in the pregnant woman. Muscles that are in and around the uterus get relaxed due to the release of the hormone progesterone. Muscles need to get relaxed to aid the delivery process as well as provide enough space for the baby to grow. It may become difficult to pass feces as contraction of muscles in the intestine become difficult and this leads to constipation for the pregnant woman.

Implantation bleeding:

Many women experience implantation bleeding too, just a few days after the fertilization has taken place. Once the sperm and the egg fertilize together, the egg slowly travels to the uterus to get itself implanted within the lining of the uterus. The lining of the uterus is called the endometrium lining. When the zygote which is the fertilized product of the sperm and egg, implants itself in the lining there could be some shedding of blood which passes out of the vagina – also called implantation bleeding. There is slight spotting or bleeding which is one of the many symptoms and signs of pregnancy.

Cramping:

At the time of implantation many women also experience cramping. Once the implantation occurs there could be sight spotting and bleeding along with a cramping feeling in the abdomen.

Tender breasts:

One of the other symptoms and signs of pregnancy is developing tender breasts. The woman experiences a lot of changes in the breast after conceiving. As the breasts get prepared for feeding after the baby is born, they start becoming tender and can also increase in size. The areolas also appear dark during the pregnancy period.

Unusual cravings for food:

The pregnant woman may suddenly start develop cravings for different types of food. She may start liking a particular food which she never liked before. She may also start hating a particular food which she had always liked. Sudden food aversions and cravings are also some of the symptoms and signs of pregnancy which happen during the first trimester.

Morning sickness:

Vomiting and nausea is experienced by most women during the first trimester of pregnancy and sometimes it gets extended through the whole term of pregnancy also. The nausea and vomiting can be experienced during any part of the day, but is most common in the morning. As the woman enters her fourth month of pregnancy nausea and vomiting may slowly disappear.

Terrible mood swings accompanied by tiredness:

A lot of hormonal changes take place in the body of the woman during pregnancy and it is because of these changes that the woman experiences terrible mood swings as well as tiredness. The fatigue level is so high that she does not feel like working and may want to rest for longer periods.

Frequent urination:

As the uterus grows there is pressure in the bladder leading to frequent urination. The uterus grows in size to make space for the baby during the first trimester. Frequent urination may continue even up to the fourth month of pregnancy. Once the uterus enters into the abdominal cavity the frequency of urination usually stops.

With so many symptoms and signs of pregnancy and many more like headaches, backaches, varicose veins etc. you can certainly get the ’feel’ of existing pregnancy. To minimize these symptoms one can adopt a healthy diet, indulge in recommended pregnancy exercises, and take adequate rest. Of course nothing equals to the expertise and knowledge imparted by a good gynecologist. It helps to read and research to enjoy the many joys a baby brings into the world, and to get yourself harnessed for the tougher days ahead.

Even the slightest feeling is enough to excite you, but confirmation of pregnancy is a must. The most challenging days are the first two weeks of pregnancy as you start feeling the signs of pregnancy. A woman’s body goes through a lot of major changes during this period. There is great joy in the realization that there is a new life breathing within and this new joy changes your entire mindset. Pregnancy brings along with it a lot of mood swings too.  All these developments are related to hormonal changes but in the face of ignorance, they could bring on subsequent health deteriorating issues. It pays to research and garner advice at the right time.

A woman may not even notice any sign of pregnancy during the initial stage. During the first two weeks the fertilization and ovulation process takes place. To carry out the process of ovulation, the body also produces progesterone and estrogen in different amounts to prepare the body for pregnancy. An egg is released by the ovaries which gets fertilized and travels to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg reaches the uterus it attachés itself to the lining of the uterus and resides there for the next nine months.

Tenderness in the breasts:

This is one natural indication of pregnancy. Breasts become sore and tender, due to the hormonal changes in the body of the woman. The fertilization process involves a lot of hormonal changes in the body, resulting in fuller and heavier breasts. The breasts are actually in the process of getting ready to feed the baby after it is born.

Missed periods:

This is the most common thing experienced by most women. If the periods have always been regular and you miss a period for the first time it could indicate a pregnancy. This could also be accompanied with nausea, fatigue, vomiting, tiredness, cramping in the abdomen, and pain the lower back. These may not be experienced in the initial two weeks of pregnancy. There could be vaginal discharge with ovarian cramping too.

Mild bleeding accompanied by cramping:

Severe ovarian cramping may be experienced during the first two weeks of pregnancy, which is very similar to menstrual cramping. Cramping may be accompanied by spotting or bleeding. Once the fertilized egg attaches itself to the lining of the uterus one may experience such bleeding.

Vomiting and nausea:

These are the most common symptoms of pregnancy. The level of estrogen increases in the body thus leading to nausea and vomiting. There is an increased or deepened sense of smell during the initial stages of pregnancy too. Pregnant women feel nauseated with the slightest smell of cigarette smoke, paint or a particular kind of food.

Frequent mood swings:

A woman can start relating to the signs of pregnancy when she experiences terrible mood swings. She becomes emotionally unstable due to the hormonal changes taking place in her body. The pregnant woman may be happy at times and sometimes and alternatively – sad. She could suffer from anxiety and depression without a reason.

Tiredness and fatigue:

These are common symptoms of pregnancy due to the hormones released in the body of a pregnant woman. When the level of progesterone hormone increases in the body it can make you feel drowsy and expose you to increased blood production but a very low blood pressure. Energy levels in the body get depleted and you start feeling fatigue.

Craving for different foods:

Due to a lot of hormonal changes in the body a pregnant woman may experience different food cravings. She may want to eat a particular food desperately and will feel very uneasy till she gets it. Many a times the woman displays desire to eat a particular type of food that she disliked before. This is another common symptom of pregnancy.

Backaches and headaches:

Mild or severe headaches are also indicative of the initial stages of pregnancy. These are caused by hormonal change in the body during pregnancy. There could be sudden weight gain and the development of frequent backache. There are pregnancy exercises that help in relieving back pain.

Dizziness:

The blood pressure level as well as the sugar level drops significantly during the initial stages of pregnancy. Blood vessels get enlarged and as you experience low blood pressure and low blood sugar levels, you start feeling dizzy and lightheaded. Some women may even faint due to low blood pressure levels.

If you wish to enjoy motherhood and a safe pregnancy, it is necessary to harness a lot of care and precautionary measures during the entire term of pregnancy, till the time of delivery. If you are feeling the signs of pregnancy then regular visits to the doctor can help you handle subsequent health problems better. A happy term does result in a happy baby!

Most women are always prepared to face the earliest symptoms of pregnancy, but there are some who may not be prepared to face unusual developments. The first trimester of pregnancy can be very unpredictable at times, but whatever the developments, the woman has to cope with them. There is a lot of confusion and anxiety linked to these signs of pregnancy which makes it even more difficult to confirm or detect pregnancy. If you are pregnant for the first time then the extent of anxiety and confusion will be even more. If there are complications related to the pregnancy it can become more confusing! The best thing is to first approach the doctor, confirm the pregnancy and then follow his or her guidelines accordingly.

General symptoms of early pregnancy:

Some of the early signs of pregnancy which most women experience are vomiting, nausea, headache, abdominal pain, bloating, tiredness, fatigue, dizzy spells and itching. Each woman’s case is different as not all women display the all of these symptoms. Some women do not experience any discomfort at all till the last trimester of pregnancy. Some times you could be nauseous even if you are not pregnant, but if you are pregnant it results in panic to reach the doctor. The medical fraternity considers two external signs of pregnancy as enough to indicate a pregnancy.

Sometimes general flu as well as post menstrual symptoms is observed among the early signs of pregnancy. However these should not be mistaken for confirmed pregnancy until the gynecologist declares so. If there are two to three signs of pregnancy then a very good idea is to conduct the pregnancy test at home itself. The test can be done comfortably in the privacy of your home. Pregnancy kits are available in all medical stores at reasonable rates. The joy of confirming the pregnancy yourself is something no one or nothing can equal.

Some unusual signs of pregnancy:

It is important to know that besides the general symptoms that one experiences, there are some other unusual early signs of pregnancy. Hence it is important to assimilate comprehensive knowledge of the symptoms of pregnancy as the term progresses.

• Congestion in the nose and clogging of the nasal passage is one unusual symptom. You could experience sleepless nights due to this nasal congestion. Repeated clogging of the nose can be experienced along with or without the other general signs of a seasonal cold. There could also include bleeding from the nose at times.  It is best to consult the doctor in this situation.
• Unusual tastes may develop, and that too for particular metals! These unusual tastes develop to indicate of the onset of pregnancy. Drastic change in the hormone levels is the cause behind this. It is a very funny feeling to experience, but seen in quite a few cases.
• Gases and flatulence could be embarrassing for the woman, but part and parcel of the unusual early signs of pregnancy. With slight modifications in the diet, this can be reduced.
• Prominent veins sometimes develop and manifest around the upper arms and chest, becoming more prominent than usual. This does seem unusual as a sign of pregnancy and usually makes you worry a lot.
• Excess production of saliva is also one of the unusual early signs of pregnancy. A lot of saliva is generated in the mouth, bringing on nausea and an uncomfortable feeling in the initial stages of pregnancy. Drooling is also experienced during sleep.
• Cramped legs in the middle of the night are another development. You could experience pain in the legs, mainly due to leg cramps caused by a calcium deficiency. During your pregnancy a lot of calcium is utilized for the development of the fetus. Doctors normally advise calcium tablets to reduce the cramps.

The best remedy: Approach a qualified doctor

The best thing for you to do is first approach your doctor. He will be able to tell you in a jiffy whether you are pregnant or not. Tell him all the unusual symptoms you have been experiencing. If you have decided to get pregnant then you should be looking out for the early signs of pregnancy. This is necessary to ensure both; the health of the growing fetus as well as the mother.