Top Ten Pregnancy Symptoms

If you have any of these pregnancy symptoms, be sure to take an at home test. If it is positive, it is important that a mother-to-be receive prenatal care early in pregnancy.

Your doctor will tell you to take prenatal vitamins with folic acid in them to prevent birth defects in your baby as soon as you know for sure that you're pregnant. Please note that pregnancy symptoms differ from woman to woman. while some have few, others have more.






Missed Menstrual Period
A missed cycle can be a sign of pregnancy. It is usually the first indicator, although some women claim to know they are pregnant before they miss a period.

Fatigue
Extreme fatigue can be another indicator of pregnancy, especially if other symptoms are present. A nap a day can help a pregnant woman maintain normal daily activities.

Tender Breasts
Tender swollen breasts are another early symptom. While tender breasts are a symptom of an impending cycle, enlarged breasts are not. Sore and swollen breasts with a tingling sensation can be an early indicator of pregnancy.

Nausea and Morning Sickness
morning sicknessNausea can be a sign that a woman is pregnant. Many women say that they've had nausea up to two weeks before an expected monthly cycle and before any other symptom. Eating crackers before getting out of the bed in the morning can help and eating several smaller meals instead of larger ones can help with nausea.

Headaches
Headaches in early pregnancy are a common symptom and begin at about the 6th week. A quick nap can help prevent headaches in a mother-to-be.

Preeclampsia or toxemia can begin with headache and can be dangerous to a pregnant woman. If you are pregnant and have this symptom, be sure to call your health care provider immediately.

Spotting
Spotting is a common symptom in pregnancy. Some women report what seems to be a short light period before the onset of other symptoms. This may be implantation bleeding and not a monthly period at all (when the egg implants itself into the lining of the uterus). If you are pregnant and you experience spotting check in with your doctor as spotting is also an indicator of miscarriage in early pregnancy.
Light Headedness
Some pregnant women experience actual fainting and light headedness.

Constipation
Hormonal changes can affect the digestive system and cause constipation. Drinking plenty of water and exercising can help. A pregnant woman should ask her doctor for recommended exercises while pregnant.

Heartburn
Heartburn can be symptom in months 1-9. In months 1-4, heartburn is caused by hormonal changes. In months 5-9, the baby can cause pressure on a pregnant woman's organs. Eating frequent smaller meals and remaining in an upright position at least an hour after eating can help.

In pregnancy, with some fathers-to-be, it is difficult for them to understand the life that is within their mate. It is beneficial for the mother and father to be at the first ultrasound together as it seems to help fathers-to-be form a mental picture when they see movement of their baby on the ultrasound screen. Anticipation soon grows!