Common signs of early pregnancy can include:
- missed or skipped period – know that it is not uncommon to have some spotting when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus.
- nausea, with or without vomiting
- food cravings
- breast tenderness and increased size
- fatigue
- sleepiness
- constipation
- heartburn
- occasional headaches
- occasional faintness or dizziness
- Irritability, mood swings or easy crying.
As the pregnancy progresses you will notice many changes in your body including but not limited to:
- increase in appetite
- leg cramps
- backache
- lower abdominal aching, buttock and pelvic discomfort
- Increase in vaginal discharge – this becomes heavier and contains more mucous as the pregnancy progresses.
- skin darkening on abdomen, nipples and/or face
- varicose veins
- hemorrhoids
- swelling of the ankles/feet
- nasal congestion
- occasional nosebleeds
- difficulty sleeping
- clumsiness, difficulty getting around
- impatience and restlessness
- fatigue
- extra energy
- fetal movement – the characteristic of which changes as the pregnancy gets further along.
Miscarriage
You may spot slightly when the fertilized egg implants in the uterus; however, let your doctor know if you have any bleeding. A miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. Most (80%) of miscarriages will occur prior to 12 weeks and most are because of an abnormality with the specific pregnancy. This does not mean your next pregnancy will end the same way. Stresses and women’s activities do not cause a miscarriage.