Pregnancy Symptoms
There are many signs of pregnancy, but not all are felt by every woman. Some women may experience all of these symptoms, while others may never experience some of them during the entire pregnancy.
Remember that every pregnancy is different and every baby grows at a different rate. This is only to be used as a guide.
If you feel you may be pregnant, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor for a pregnancy test.
If you take a home pregnancy test, you may want to hold on to it as a keepsake if it’s positive so have a container handy to put it in.
If you’re still unsure about whether you’re pregnancy or not, here’s a list of the signs and symptoms you may experience during each trimester.
1st Trimester
(Weeks 1 – 12)
- Absense of your period (Amenorrhea)
- Morning sickness (nausea and/or vomiting)
- Feeling fatigued
- Emptying your bladder frequently
- Tingling, tender or swollen breasts
- Increased vaginal discharge (leukorrhea)
- The areola (area around your nipple) may get darker
- The blue veins in the breasts may be more noticeable
- Little bumps (elevated glands) around your nipple
- Food cravings or aversions
- Faintness or dizziness
- Constipation, heartburn, indigestion, bloating and flatulence
- Headaches
- Emotional
Note: Many of these symptoms continue into the second and/or third trimesters.
2nd Trimester
(Weeks 13 – 26)
- Morning sickness may start to subside
- Weight gain
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Bleeding gums while brushing teeth
- Nosebleeds
- Increase in appetite
- Ankles, feet, hands and face may swell a little (edema)
- Small amounts of colostrum coming from your nipples
- Varicose veins and/or hemorrhoids
- The first signs of fetal movement are felt
- Aching abdomen along the sides and the lower area (due to stretching ligaments)
- Leg cramps
- Faster heart rate
- Aching back
- Linea nigra (dark line down the center of the abdomen)
- Pregnancy mask (pigmentation changes on your face)
- The skin of your abdomen may itch from stretching
- Absentmindedness
Note: Many of these symptoms will continue into the third trimester.
3rd Trimester
(Weeks 27 – 42)
- Strong fetal movement that can be felt and seen from outside the stomach
- Increasing vaginal discharge (you may need to wear pantyliners)
- Protruding navel
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble sleeping
- Braxton Hicks contractions
- Feeling awkward or clumsy
- Pressure in the pelvic or hip area
- Frequent urination
- You may do the famous pregnancy waddle.
- A baby!
If you’ve confirmed that you are pregnant, congratulations! You’re performing a miracle in your tummy. You may have all kinds of questions and concerns. I know I sure did. I read my pregnancy bible every night which helped ease a lot of my fears. I highly recommend it:
What To Expect When You’re Expecting
