Usually the first most common sign of pregnancy is a missed menstrual period. There are a variety of home pregnancy tests that are available without the need of a prescription. Some tests detect pregnancy as early as the first day of the missed period. They all use a urine sample for the basis of the test and results are available in 1 to 30 minutes. One brand I use is the brand Quickvue, which can use a urine or a blood sample and have a result within minutes. A few women may never have a positive pregnancy test at anytime during their pregnancy because their levels of pregnancy hormone is not high enough to be picked up by the pregnancy test. But this is unusual. Vaginal blood spotting may occur during implantation of the embryo (blastocyst) as it attaches itself to the uterine wall (called implantation bleeding), while new blood vessels are being formed.

MoonDragon's Lab Information & Tests - Home Pregnancy Tests

MoonDragon's Lab Information & Tests - Home Pregnancy Test Sensitivity

Most signs of pregnancy begin to appear at about 6 weeks of pregnancy.

Morning sickness (nausea, vomiting, food and smell intolerance) is another early sign of pregnancy. Approximately 50-70 percent of pregnant women will have some degree of nausea or vomiting. This may be "morning sickness", simple nausea, or just an aversion to certain foods that would normally appeal to you. For some women, food odors may cause nausea. The symptoms usually continue for about 6 weeks, then subside as the second trimester begins. A very small percentage of women will have some degree of nausea and vomiting throughout their entire pregnancy. Eat lightly throughout the day, and try food high in protein. Munching crackers or dry toast early in the morning can help. Avoid greasy, spiced foods. Do not worry if you cannot eat a lot, but do not try to fast, and at least drink juice. Apricot nectar helps some women, as does powdered ginger, ginger tea, mint tea, vitamin B-6, or acupuncture. Nausea can tire you out, rest often.

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information - Morning Sickness

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information - Hyperemesis Gravidarum

It is absolutely normal to feel very tired, even exhausted. Fatigue is a common sign of early pregnancy but will usually subside as the second trimester begins. Get a good night's sleep and nap when possible. Your body is working hard, growing a baby.

Frequent urination is another sign due to the pressure of the growing uterus against the bladder wall and hormonal changes.

Breast changes are also common in early pregnancy. Many women will have breast tenderness and swelling as the milk glands begin to develop. Because the blood supply to your breasts increases, the veins become more prominent. Many women begin to notice an increase in breast size and the darkening and increase in size of the area (areola) around the nipples.

Food cravings. Most food cravings are for food items. These cravings are usually something that your body needs, but your diet is lacking. Giving into your food cravings once in a while is fine as long as you are eating a well balanced, nutritious pregnancy diet along with the cravings. Other cravings called "pica" is not normal and should be avoided. This is where the woman craves non-food items, such as dirt, paint chips, newspaper or other dangerous substances. There is a nutritive imbalance in your body if you are having these cravings. It is important to talk to your midwife and possibly contact a homeopathic or naturopathic practitioner for a remedy.

Some women have in increase in clear, non-irritating vaginal secretions. As hormones cause vaginal changes, women are more susceptible to yeast infections. These infections can be treated holistically using diet and herbs, or over-the-counter preparations (be sure to ask you midwife before attempting any treatment as not all herbs or medications are safe during pregnancy). If your discharge is yellowish, check with your midwife.

At about the 10th or 11th week of pregnancy, your pelvic bone joints begin to loosen up and become more movable because of the pregnancy hormone relaxin.

To maintain bowel regularity, eat foods high in fiber content and fresh fruits and vegetables and drink a lot of water. Follow your nutritional guideline. Toward the end of the first trimester, you will begin to gain weight. This is normal.

RELATED LINKS

MoonDragon's Nutrition Information & Pregnancy Guidelines

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Pregnancy Concerns

MoonDragon's Health & Wellness: Pregnancy Related Problems & Disorders

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MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information Index

MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips

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