10 Pregnancy symptoms: Early signs of pregnancy

Either you want to get pregnant or not, it's important to know the symptoms of a pregnancy, as each of them can be related to a health problem.

The symptoms of pregnancy vary from woman to woman and each pregnancy is different. If you know your body very well, you can figure it out immediately after conception if you are pregnant. But most women discover their pregnancy after 6-12 days after ovulation, while others realize it only when their menstruation occurs later than usual, or skip a menstrual cycle. Here are the most common symptoms of pregnancy:

1. Food cravings

It is already a cliché, but the fact that you crave after a food or another may indicate a pregnancy. Of course, it's your body may present a lack of nutrients, but if the appetite is accompanied by other symptoms listed below, it is very possible for you to be pregnant.

What else could it mean: - A poor diet, nutritional deficiency, depression or stress.

2. Darker nipples

If the skin around the nipples gets darker, you could be pregnant, but it can also be the sign of a hormonal imbalance unrelated to pregnancy.

What else could it mean: - A hormonal imbalance or "reminiscences" of a previous pregnancy.

3. Slight bleeding or cramps

The position of the embryo in the uterus may cause bleedings, which indicates early signs of a pregnancy. This happens about 6-12 days after conception, when some women may have cramps or brownish fluids.

What else could it mean: - Altered menstruation, infection or wounds after sexual contact.

4. The fatigue

The high level of progesterone during pregnancy can make you feel very exhausted, although you did make more efforts than usual. This symptom of pregnancy may occur in the first week of conception.

What else could it mean: - Stress, exhaustion, depression, cold or flu.

5. Frequent urination

Once implanted the embryo, it begins to secrete the HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), about 6-8 weeks from conception. You feel the need to go to the bathroom more often.

What else could it mean: -Urinary infection, diabetes, and diuretic or liquids abuse.

6. Swollen and more sensitive breasts

When you're pregnant, the breasts become fuller and more sensitive to the touch, a sensation that is similar to what you feel during menstruation, but more pronounced. These changes of the breasts occur in 1-2 weeks from conception.

What else could it mean -Hormonal imbalance, effects of contraceptives, menstrual cycle;

7. Back pain and headaches

The back pain and headaches may be signs of an early pregnancy, being caused by the sudden increase of the hormones level.

What else could it mean: - The menstruation symptoms, stress, and back problems, dehydration, physical or mental overwork.

8. Nausea

Ever since the first days of pregnancy, it is possible to pass through states of nausea. Usually, most pregnant women have nausea at 2-8 weeks after conception. Despite the common name of 'morning nausea', they can occur at any time of day and night. But there are also women who have no nausea during pregnancy.

What else could it mean: - Food poisoning, stress, digestive problems;

9. Delayed/ changed menstrual cycle

After getting pregnant, the next menstrual cycle should disappear. For many women, the menstruation continues during pregnancy, but it is shorter and easier. If you had sex and your menstruation stops, you should try a pregnancy test.

What else could it mean: - a significant weight loss or weight gain, fatigue, hormonal imbalance, tension, stress.

10. Positive pregnancy test

The pregnancy test done at home is reliable in 99% of cases. It is recommended to be done after a few days since the menstruation's delay; only then the HCG level is high enough for the test to be conclusive.