Signs of Pregnancy

As the body transforms to accommodate its new tenant, a woman may experience some notable changes whether she realizes she's pregnant or not. These symptoms can range from very mild to severe, normally leading to a doctor's appointment to either confirm the pregnancy or to dispel notions that she's suffering from a variety of other conditions, ranging from appendicitis to the flu, to even menopause.

Missed Periods

A missed period is one of the most common signs of pregnancy. A woman's cycle is usually 28 days long and culminates with the shedding of the endometrial lining. This does not occur, however, when a woman is pregnant. Depending on the woman, a period may be delayed up to one week, which means that not every woman whose period does not start on time may be pregnant, it may simply be a delayed cycle. After one week, however, the missed period can become a very real sign of pregnancy. Aside from pregnancy, a missed period can also result from a drastic change in diet, weight or anxiety levels.

Morning Sickness

Though it's called morning sickness, this term for the nausea or vomiting that occurs while pregnant can actually strike anytime. These symptoms can begin as early as two weeks after becoming pregnant, and tend to last for 14 weeks. One of the main causes of nausea seems to be smells, as many doctors have theorized that pregnant women have a heightened sense of smell, making them more sensitive to cigarette smoke, perfume and cooked foods. Vomiting typically occurs because a pregnant woman's estrogen level rises quickly, disrupting the stomach and its contents. Some women also develop aversions to foods they used to enjoy, such as fried chicken or coffee, while other women have cravings for tastes and foods that they haven't tried or never enjoyed. These unique food choices and aversions tend to occur during the first trimester.

Breast Tenderness

Changes in a newly pregnant woman's hormonal levels often cause tingling, sore or tender sensations within the breasts. This is an easy way to discern whether or not one's nausea, vomiting or changing relationship with food is related to pregnancy or not. As the baby grows, so too can breasts. They may feel more filled out or heavy and become more sensitive to the touch. Nipples can also become tender, making it uncomfortable to change clothing or put pressure on your chest. You may also notice that your nipples become darker and appear larger.