Symptoms of Pregnancy

For a woman having a regular monthly cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period, or sometimes women who are pregnant have a very light period, losing only a little blood. Other signs are:

     
  • Feeling sick, not necessarily in the morning, but at any time.  
  • The breasts may become larger and tender. Veins may become prominent and nipples may darken and stand out.  
  • Increased frequency in passing urine.  
  • Tendency for constipation.  
  • Tiredness.  
  • An increased vaginal discharge without any associated complaint.  
  • A metallic taste in the mouth.  
  • Dislike for certain things like tea or coffee or fatty foods.  
  • Increased liking for certain things like spicy foods.

Pregnancy test can be carried out on urine samples, as early as from the first day of a missed period-that is, about fourteen days after the conception.
A positive test result is almost definitive of pregnancy. If the test is negative, it is less reliable. It can be repeated after a week, or a doctor can be consulted.

Provided by ArmMed Media
Revision date: June 14, 2011
Last revised: by Andrew G. Epstein, M.D.