Archive for the 'Early Signs of Pregnancy' Category

Nov 4th 2009 What are the Earliest Signs of Pregnancy?

If you wonder whether you could be pregnant, you may want to learn the earliest signs of pregnancy. Not everyone experiences all the early symptoms, and some people experience no symptoms at all. But if you’re experiencing a few of the following, there’s a good chance you might be pregnant.

Tender and swollen breasts are one of the very first giveaways that you might be pregnant. Pregnancy hormones can make your breasts tender to the touch two weeks after conception. This is one of the earliest pregnancy signs. Hormones related to your menstrual period can also cause tenderness, however, so this sign alone is probably not indicative of whether you are pregnant or not.

Tiredness and fatigue is another early pregnancy sign that can tip you off that you may be pregnant. The hormone progesterone surges during early pregnancy, and this can cause sleepiness and fatigue.

Spotting or cramping can be another sign of pregnancy. Some women mistake the spotting and cramping for a menstrual period, but pregnant women can experience bleeding known as implantation bleeding. When the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus, light bleeding can occur. If you experience a shorter period with lighter-colored bleeding, it may signify pregnancy.

Some women experience nausea and even vomiting only two weeks after conception. Nausea, likely caused in part by a surge of the hormone estrogen, can cause nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, and this can last for weeks and months.

There are several other small signs of pregnancy that may be experienced early on in the pregnancy. While none of these smaller symptoms can prove you are pregnant, they may be experienced early in pregnancy. Some of these symptoms include headaches due to hormonal changes, constipation and irregularity, fluctuating moods caused by surging hormones, and dizziness or fainting due to falling blood pressure.

If you experience any of the above pregnancy symptoms and suspect you may be pregnant, you may wish to take a pregnancy test. You can also speak to a doctor about your concerns, and should definitely make an appointment with a healthcare provider once you confirm that you are experiencing the earliest signs of pregnancy.

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Oct 27th 2009 Early Signs of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Diet

Many women who begin experiencing the early signs of pregnancy wonder if there is a special pregnancy diet they should follow. Pregnancy is an exciting journey that brings a new life into the world. To protect your own health and the health of your unborn baby, it is important to eat a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy.

Healthy eating during pregnancy

A healthy pregnancy diet is essential for the growth and development of your baby, right from the time you experience the early signs of pregnancy. It can be difficult to eat right during the first months of pregnancy because nausea and vomiting can be concerns. If you struggle with nausea or vomiting, do what you can to eat a diet that is well balanced. A prenatal vitamin can help you get the vitamins and minerals you need.

For optimal health, it is important to eat a diet that consists of a variety of foods. You should eat several servings of fruits and vegetables, as well as several breads and grains. You will also need a source of dairy products and a protein source. Protein can be found in meat, fish, eggs, poultry, nuts, and beans.

Your fruits and vegetables should be varied, and try to eat several different colors of vegetable. This ensures that you get a variety of vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy pregnancy diet. You should be getting 3-5 servings per day of both fruits and vegetables.

Water is another important part of a healthy diet. Water plays a significant role during pregnancy. Because your body will increase in blood and fluids, you need the water to keep yourself hydrated. Drinking enough fluids will keep you hydrated, prevent constipation, and help prevent bladder infections during pregnancy. Be sure to drink at least 64 ounces during the day.

During pregnancy, you will probably consume about 300 more calories per day to accommodate the baby growing inside of you. To make these calories count, be sure to avoid fats and sweets as much as possible and eat foods that are rich in vitamins, protein, or minerals. A prenatal vitamin is a good supplement to a healthy diet, ensuring that your body always gets the vitamins it needs.

Eating right for you and your baby takes a little extra time and effort, but it is worth it. Not only will you feel better, but your baby has a better chance of growing properly as well. Once you begin experiencing the early signs of pregnancy, you should talk with your doctor about the right diet for pregnancy.

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