Whether you are expecting or unsure, it is important to be aware of pregnancy symptoms. It is important because the sooner you know the sooner you can take action to take care and prepare yourself for a pregnancy. For example, the sooner you know, the sooner you can refrain from ingesting substances that can be harmful to an unborn child, i.e. alcohol, caffeine, and other such products.

While not all women experience the same symptoms is good to be aware of all that can potentially affect you. Some symptoms may last an entire pregnancy term, while others can come and go for a short period of time and then never show up again. Some believe that this might be due to how well one has taken care of them selves along the way, before and during a pregnancy period. If one is already healthy, the idea is that they will have a better, stronger immune system that can withstand some of the most common pregnancy symptoms. Many of the common pregnancy symptoms follow below.

First of all, the most common and prominent of all pregnancy symptoms is a missed period especially if one experiences regular periods. The best way to find out is by taking a home pregnancy test. Typically, one must wait a full week after a missed period to take a home pregnancy test to ensure its accuracy. Once a test reveals that you are pregnant, be sure to see a gynecologist or your practitioner right away to confirm and get started on early pregnancy care. Another of the many pregnancy symptoms is a high basal body temperature reading that remains high for more than eighteen days.

Some pregnancy symptoms are very similar to what a woman experiences pre and during a menstrual cycle. For example, bloating is a common symptom quite common to most women who are about to get their period or are on their period. Another common menstrual-like symptom is experiencing tender, swollen breasts caused by an increase in hormones. Still another is the common symptom of fatigue which can also be caused by an increase in hormonal production.

Feeling nauseous and an increased sensitivity to odors are two other common pregnancy symptoms. Though there is not a clear scientific understanding as to why this occurs, these symptoms are often accurate predictors. Some women do not experience nauseous feelings to the extreme, while others may find themselves running to the bathroom to vomit often. The increased sensitivity to odors can often make women steer clear of certain foods and crave others, voraciously.

Some other pregnancy symptoms are frequent urination, due to increase fluid intake as well as the broadening and darkening of the areola, or nipple, area. Some women also experience constipation, heartburn, headaches, and mood swings. Backaches are also a common symptom.

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About the Author

Azzam Sheikh Facilitator 'Strengthening families, strengthening communities' parent programme. pregnancy resource center