10 Early Signs Of Pregnancy HDFS 301/Sp16

Good prenatal care is one of the most important parts of a healthy pregnancy. However, if you don’t even know you’re pregnant, how can you avoid teratogens, dangerous environmental substances that could harm your unborn baby? Early detection of pregnancy is key in helping to ensure that your baby will have a healthy nine months of prenatal development (Berk, 2010, p. 115).

1. Menstrual Cycle

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Your period is late… One of the most commonly known pregnancy indicators is a missed menstrual cycle. If your period is late, that could mean your body is preparing your uterus for a new baby! After conception, hormones are secreted that signal for the lining of the uterus to prepare for a baby (Berk, 2010, p. 95).

2. Breast Changes

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Increase in breast size and sensitivity may indicate that your body is preparing to produce milk for your baby. The hormonal changes due to pregnancy signal for the milk glands to begin growing! Now is a great time to start thinking about breast-feeding your baby… there are so many benefits including balanced nutrition and protection against disease for your baby, and aid in post pregnancy weight loss for you! (Berk, 2010, p.172).

3. Cramps

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Pain in the lower abdomen is caused by implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall. These could feel similar to period cramps, but without the period. Before taking any medications to counteract them, consult a doctor! Prenatal exposure to nonprescription drugs including aspirin can potentially lead to developmental problems (Berk, 2010, p.104).

4. Fatigue

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Forget tired, you’re exhausted! However, it’s no wonder because you’re not just working for one person, but now two! You need more energy for this process, but avoid the coffee as caffeine is proven to increase the risk for a low birth weight (Berk, 2010, p.104).

5. Hunger

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Speaking of being tried all the time, you’re also hungry. Always. You aren’t just feeding one person anymore. Now you’re feeding two! Proper intake of food during pregnancy highly influences the healthy development of the baby (Berk, 2010, p.112).

6. Nausea/Vomiting

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The only time you might not be hungry is when morning sickness strikes… Although the reasons behind this are not entirely understood, current research shows it might be caused by the hormonal changes from the development of the placenta. If this becomes overly disruptive, it might be classified as pernicious vomiting. Consulting your doctor in any cases of uncertainty is highly recommended (Berk, 2010, p.116).

7. Frequent Urination

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Increase in urination and the potential for urine leakages caused by pregnancy are common in nearly all women. Unfortunately, it may discourage you from exercising because it would be another strain on your bladder. However, continued light exercise throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk for maternal health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, so don’t be deterred! (Berk, 2010, p.111).

8. Vaginal Secretions

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This is what might replace your period for the next nine months. Once again, those hormones are the culprits, although not all women experience this. However, some sexually transmitted diseases can also cause increased vaginal secretions. If untreated, an STI could cause problems for you and your developing baby (Berk, 2010, p.110).

9. Mood Swings

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Pregnancy is known to cause an emotional roller coaster. This is due to all the hormonal changes occurring in your body. Though this is completely normal, severe emotional stress can put babies at risk for many developmental problems both in the womb and in childhood. Good social support strongly reduces the risks associated with high stress pregnancies (Berk, 2010, p.113).

10. Positive Pregnancy Tests!

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Of all the early signs, this one might make your pregnancy the most real! CONGRATULATIONS! Consider taking a prenatal class or joining a prenatal care group. This will help you and your partner know what to expect during and after pregnancy as well as connect with other parents (Berk, 2010, p.117).

11. Pregnancy Resources

This website offers free pregnancy tests when you call!

This website offers free services including tests, scanning, and information!

These sites will help you find a pregnancy center near you!

Register for an online pregnancy class today at this website!

Berk, L. E. (2010). Infants and children: Prenatal through middle childhood. S.l.: Prentice Hall.