Could You Be Pregnant? Spotting Early Pregnancy Signs

Are you hoping for an addition to the family? There are many early pregnancy signs that will pre-warn you of a new arrival long before it's time to buy a home pregnancy testing kit.

Do You Have These Signs?

If you are in tune with your body's rhythms you could spot the signs as early as 6 to 12 days after conception.

Here are some of the signs to look out for.

If you've been feeling so tired that you can hardly get through the day then this may be a sign that you are pregnant. Extreme fatigue is one of the most common early signs of pregnancy and can happen within a few days of conception. 

Physical Changes

Another common early symptom is breast ten

derness and darker skin around your nipples. If your bra feels like an old-fashioned corset and you can't bear to lie on your front then this too may be a sign of pregnancy.

Women who experience breast tenderness during menstruation often also experience this when they are pregnant.

Spotting

You may also notice some spotting or light bleeding. This is normal; it happens

when the egg implants itself into the uterine wall between 6 and 12 days after conception. You may also experience some cramping at this time.

Food

If your food doesn't taste quite the way it used to, or you have cravings for strange food combinations, then these are also early pregnancy signs.

Some women experience a metallic taste in the mouth while others may get an inexplicable longing for pickles and ice cream or some other odd mixture. If this happens in conjunction with some of the other signs listed here then you might be pregnant.

Morning Sickness

While morning sickness usually happens later in pregnancy, some women experience nausea as early as a few days after conception.

Also, a few weeks after conception you might find that you have to urinate much more frequently -- in fact, you're always in the bathroom. That is also an early sign that you might be pregnant.

Backaches and headaches may also signal a pregnancy.

One of the most reliable early pregnancy signs is a missed period. This is the time to get a home pregnancy kit and confirm that you are expecting a baby.

On their own, some of these signs may not be significant, or could signal other health issues, but taken together there's a good chance that a new baby is on the way.

About Pregnancy, First Trimester Bleeding, and Blood Clots

Overview
Normally, pregnant women stop having menstrual periods, but vaginal bleeding may still occur during pregnancy. Although the bleeding can be worrisome, it is most common for women during the first trimester, the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Up to 10 percent of women may experience abnormal bleeding during a pregnancy and women expecting multiple babies have more incidences of vaginal bleeding, according to MedlinePlus. Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is abnormal and requires evaluation to determine the cause and seriousness of the condition.

Symptoms
Bleeding during pregnancy ranges from slight spotting to heavy bleeding similar to menstrual flow. Spotting may come and go or stop completely without treatment. The blood may appear pink, bright red, dark red or brown. Blood clots can also occur. In addition to the bleeding, women may experience abdominal or back pain.

Causes
Fifteen to 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, usually within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. One of the first indicators of a miscarriage includes vaginal bleeding. An ectopic pregnancy is a condition when the embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Bleeding may occur due to a rupture of the fallopian tube while the embryo grows. Additional conditions for bleeding in pregnancy include an irritable cervix, a cervical infection or cervical cancer. As the pregnancy continues, the cervix may cause bleeding due to inflammation and irritation. This bleeding tends to be light.

Tests and Diagnosis
In early pregnancy, a blood test to measure levels of human chorionic gonadotropin, or hCG, helps determine if the pregnancy is continuing to develop or if a miscarriage is imminent. The hCG levels can also help determine an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound may help determine the cause of the bleeding. A physician may perform a pelvic exam to check the condition of the cervix.

Treatment
Treatment for bleeding during pregnancy depends on the cause for the bleeding. Some causes, such as an irritable cervix, require no medical treatment. Serious conditions, such as placenta previa or a placental abruption, need immediate evaluation by a physician to help prevent life-threatening complications to the baby.

Prevention
Preventing abnormal bleeding is not always possible during pregnancy. Eating a nutritious diet, taking prenatal vitamins and routine visits to a physician helps to increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy. Avoiding the use of drugs and alcohol will help reduce the chances of a miscarriage.

Do Not Neglect Your Second Trimester Pregnancy Diet

There is no limit for the advice that you will get for second trimester pregnancy diet. In case you are diabetic, then you will have to follow a diabetic diet plan during pregnancy. A healthy diet ensures that you have a healthy and smooth pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. Let us have a glimpse of what is regarded as the best pregnancy diet by doctors.

Fresh Fruits And Vegetables

Around 3-5 servings of vegetables and fruits are important for a healthy diet. Deep yellow and dark green leafy veggies are a boon for you and your baby. Keep sweet fruits handy with you, to combat cravings for sweet things. Make sure that you eat in variety to get all the required vitamins and minerals.

Lots Of Fiber

Your diet must contain lots of fiber to fight constipation, which is very common at this time. It encourages smooth bowel movement and eases this pregnancy symptom.

Diary Products

Don't forget your glass of milk during pregnancy! Remember, you need plenty of calcium during this time.

Low Fat Foods

This is not the time to gorge on that huge, spicy cheeseburger. Take a break for processed and junk food. They are loaded with fats. In case you are unable to control your craving, once a month indulgence is okay. Remember, the more pounds you put over your body, the more difficult your pregnancy will become.

Limited Sugar

Sugary foods are yummy, but unhealthy. They make you fat. And fat is always stubborn. Excessive weight opens doors for hemorrhoids, gestational diabetes, and complications.
In addition to this, keep in touch with your doctor to detect any nutrient deficiency. It can be corrected through supplements, in combination with a strict second trimester pregnancy diet plan.

Third Trimester Pregnancy - Getting Ready To Welcome Your Baby!

At last, you have reached the third trimester pregnancy stage! Good! This is the time for preparing to welcome your baby. You should get busy increasing your knowledge about childbirth and nursing so that things get easier for you as your pregnancy progresses. 

Your Baby At This Stage

Don't worry about the fetal growth of your baby at this pregnancy stage. Your baby is fully-grown.

Your Body At This Stage
Constipation, indigestion, gas, swelling of hands and face, cramps, headaches, and backache are going to disturb your peace of mind at the third trimester pregnancy stage. Avoid strenuous physical activity completely.

Ways To Combat Symptoms
Practicing relaxation techniques and taking a balanced diet are the keys to fighting the third trimester pregnancy symptoms. You should practice deep breathing and adopt a positive attitude. The happier you are, the more easily you will be able to face this tough pregnancy period.
Remember to check out your calcium levels to rule out deficiency. You need extra vitamins, minerals, and calcium in the third trimester pregnancy stage due to the increasing demands of the new life growing inside you. Stay cool. If you move or take deep breath and notice that your contractions have disappeared, then it's false labor or Braxton Hicks contractions.
The exercises and the diet that you took in the beginning of pregnancy period will show its results now. Get complete knowledge about third trimester pregnancy stage and feel the joy of becoming a mother!
You may want to check out my other guide on early pregnancy signs and pregnancy stomach.