When Should I Take
a Pregnancy Test?
Pregnancy Symptoms:
Missed period:
The absence of the menstrual period (amenorrhoea) is often the first sign of possible pregnancy.
However, some women experience light bleeding around the time of expected menstruation. Apart from pregnancy, amenorrhoea can be cased by other factors including:
*Excessive exercise
*Stress
*Hormonal imbalances
*Breastfeeding
Morning Sickness
Around hald to two thirds of all pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness, ezpecially in the first few months. The symptoms include nausea and vomiting. For most women, morning sickness begins around the fourth week and resolves around the 12th week. Apart from pregnancy, nausea can be caused by other factors including:
*Food poisoning
*Gastrointestinal disorders
*Some type of infection
Breast Changes
Durinf pregnancy, the breasts become fuller, swollen and tender. Most women report that the sensations are similar to those experienced in the days prior to menstruation. Other breast changes related to early pregnancy include a darkening of the skin around the nipple (areola) and more prominent veins across both breasts. Apart from pregnancy, breast changes can be caused by other factors including:
*The effects of hormones during the lead-up to menstruation
*Oral contraceptive pills
*Hormone imbalances
Fatigue
Many newly pregnant owmen report feelings of overwhelming tiredness. This is thought to be caused by the massive increase in the sex hormone progesterone. In most cases, energy levels rise in about the fourth month of pregnancy, when the placenta is working properly. Apart from pregnancy, fatigue can be caused by other factors including:
*Stress
*Hectic life style
*Insufficinet rest and sleep
*Poor diet
*Anaemia
*Chronic illness
*Lack of exercise
Frequent Urination
Pregnancy prompts increased levels of body fluids and greater kidney efficiency. The swelling uterus also presses against the bladder. Most women start experiencing more frequent urination within the first few weeks of conception. Apart from pregnancy, frequent urination can be caused by other factors including:
*Urinary tract infection
*Diabetes
*Diuretic medications
Mood Changes
Some newly pregnant women experienced mood changes that are similar to those felt in the days leading up to menstruation, such as irritability or weepiness. Other pregnant women experience feelings of elation. It is thought that the pregnancy hormones influence the brain chemicals and cause the mood changes. Apart from pregnancy, mood changes can be caused by other factors including:
*Impending menstruation
*Stress
*Life events
Food Cravings
Around eight out of ten pregnant women experience cravings for at least one particular food. Between 50 and 80 per cent also experience aversions to particular foods they previously enjoyed. According to some theories, a craving indicates a deficiency in the diet. Most nutritionists recommend that cravings be accomodated, as long as they don't dominate and replace more important foods. Apart from pregnancy, food cravings can be caused by other factors including:
*Poor diet
*Stress
*Hormonal changes in the lead-up to menstruation